At a loss about wheels/tires/gearing/etc...

[Dac25]

I have an 04 X Wrangler and last year I installed a Black Diamond (avoid them) 3" lift kit. The kit was just a basic set, so I still have stock control arms. Anyway, I currently have 31x10.5 tires and would like to upgrade to 33x12.5 I also still have the stock wheels and am thinking about changing those as well. I don't know anything (besides what I read here) about backspacing or gearing. As of now, when I make any sharp turn the tires rub alot. This mostly happens when I turn left for some reason, although it does happen turning the other way as well. My fuel economy has also taken a hit, but that's most likely due to service needing to be done.

What would be the correct/best selection to make regarding the wheels and gearing? If I choose to upgrade the tires and wheels, will the gearing need to be done right away? I'm on a tight budget with all of this work too.

 

[Jester32]

33 with 4.56 gears. Undo the front steering stops and put two or three washers behind them if you still rub.

 

[Dac25]

Thanks. Do you think that the stock wheels will work or should I consider new wheels anyway?

 

[Jester32]

I would do new wheels. They are cheap. I ordered some off tire rack for 480 bucks for 4. You get better offset and clearance. I have seen 33s on stock rims but it rubbed hardcore.

 

[Dac25]

Yeah, the rubbing is annoying if nothing else. I was looking at some 15x8 alloy black rock wheels online. Leaning towards alloy, since I don't do alot of off roading (yet) and didn't want to add excessive weight.

 

[Jester32]

Ya alloy is nice. Light. Less rotating mass. Steel us nice cuz you can bend em and hammer then back and they are cheap.