Suggestions for backspacing

[ChilliPepper]

Howdy,
I'm trying to figure out what backspacing to get on some rockcrawlers and wanted to hear from anyone that might have a similar lift to what I'm about to install.
I have a 98 XJ (Dana 30 in front and Dana 44 in the rear) and I'm about to install:
Rusty's 4.5" springs
1.75" coil spacers
1.75" shackle
TrailMaster control arm drop brackets(same as RE's)
33x12.5x15 X-Terrains

I know I'm going to have to do some trimming to clear the tires but what backspacing would be best to help tuck the tires in the fenderwells?
Thanks!

 

[Pat]

i have almost the exact same set up, and i have 4" bs on 15x8's. I have hacked the fenders though. the tires tuck fine. if you want to keep the flares and trim them, i would suggest 4.5" bs.

pat

 

[ROCKWGN]

I have 4.5" and they fit fine, they do not rub on the control arms.
Sean M.

 

[korda]

Well, since the topic is already going...

I'm going to run 35x12.5" SSRs soon with 6" lift and heavily cut fenders w/TJ flares. My current rims have 4.5" backspacing. Anybody see any problems? Anybody have recommendations on a better backspacing? I'm a little nervous about them fitting. I'll probably buy new rims but wanted opinions on my current ones. Thanks.

 

[Loose_Nuts_Enterprises]

I had those tires on mine for quite a while on 3.25" backspace.
I really like the wider stance especially at that height. It may be a little harder on the ball joints but it's a small price to have the big rubba!

Dan

 

[jimk403]

TrailMaster control arm drop brackets(same as RE's)

If you use these, I HIGHLY recommend you get the braces from RE. After a few rocks you will come to find out that the drop brackets are stronger than the metal they're mounted to.
My db's are welded on and I have the braces.

Just my experience, yours will differ.
Jim

 

[95MDCountryXJ]

yeh, definetly get the braces. they're only like $70. About the bacspacing, I would reccomend 3.75" or 4" backspacing on an 8" rim. You will have to trim regardless of backspacing with those tires so youy might as well get a wider stance if you have to trim. 3.75 and 4" bs will still allow you to tuck the tires under stock flares barely. I think it is the best balance between stability and trimming. And beleive me, it does add a LOT more stability to the Jeep. I switched my 32s on stock rims for my friends 32s on 4" bs wheels for a day and it felt much safer. So go with either 4" if you want less trimming or 3.75 if you need even more stability.

 

[basalt51]

I have 4" bs and the RE 5.5" kit. Whether you have to do alot or a little trimming is kinda subjective. I like the 4" bs for its stability. With 12.5 tires I alomost as much wider as I am taller. However, I did have to trim alot more than I would have liked. I had tro trim the front sheetmetal right up to the flare mounting bolts. Then I trimmed the flares themselves so that no material turns under the flare. It looks realy good, but I may have to cut the rear of the front flare off completely. We'll see.

All I had to do in the back is trim a little sheetmetal from under the rear endcap. I also left the end cap off.

I would have had to do even less with 4.5" bs