I think the entire 'tires sticking out is illegal' thing might just be an ole wives tale, just like driving barefoot being illegal :roll: I'm very familiar with the Illinois Vehicle Code, and I've never been able to find it in there. I think the tire coverage and mud flaps only apply to Second Class vehicles and larger, which doesn't apply to Jeeps.
Don't quote me on this, if somebody can find this in any state's vehicle code, I'd love to read it.