Wheel or spacer options after 8.8...

[Big DaveXJ]

I'm finally finishing up my 8.8 and getting ready to install it however the shorter width has left me with some problems. I considered using the cheap Pep Boys spacers to make another .5in of backspacing to even out the rear close to the stock width, but everyone I've talked to about this has tried to talk me out of using this method. Option 2 would be to use the expensive Spidertrax style spacers, yet because I only need another .5in or so on each side I'm afraid the stock wheel studs on the 8.8 would stick too far out of the spacer and interfere with putting the rims on over the spacers. Or option 3: just buy 4 new rims with less backspacing. Money is limited for me, so if I do end up buying 4 new rims I'll probably go with the cheap black steel ones just because of the price. Just wondered what others had done to aviod their rims rubbing on the leafs, thanks.

 

[Yucca-Man]

If the cheap Pep Boys spacer is simply a sandwiched plate that sits between your rim and hub then thank everyone who is trying to talk you out of those. Your studs won't be long enough, and having an extra piece of material in the middle will help loosen things. If the spacer bolts to your hub and has studs to bolt to your rim (a la Spisertrax) that's safer.

Stock rims are 5.25" backspace, so 4.75" would move the wheel out 0.5" to get you to stock width again. If you're lifting you will probably want even less backspace depending on the wheel combo you choose. That's the route I'd recommend

 

[Big DaveXJ]

I've got 3in and 31s with stock 96 XJ rims on my 89XJ right now. Apparently, the 8.8 is .75in narrower than the D35c I've got in there right now. This means that a .375in spacer ( not sure thats possible so the smallest one I've seen is .5in) is what I'd need. The rear tires rub the inner fender well at full stuff right now, and the fronts rub the coil tower slightly, so new rims is looking like the most likely yet most costly solution right now.

 

[Matt S.]

I went with MORE spacers. About 150 bucks. MORE is very knowledgeable on that specific 8.8 swap. Give them a call.

matt

 

[thompson97]

i believe the 8.8 is 1.5" narrower, .75 on each side in terms of correct spacer size. i have an 8.8 on my rig with 33's and the is no rubbing on the leafs whatsoever. i bought the spacers from M.O.R.E. but have never put them on. i might be interested in selling them for the right price.

 

[MrShoeBoy]

See Dave, I told you that the cheap pep boys spacers are crap!

A set of 4 black steels arent THAT expensive and they wouldnt look bad on your XJ. It will make it look like a REAL Jeep

If you want to keep your current rims, go with the good spyder trax spacers or buy a good used set. thompson97 mentioned that he has a set and might be intrested in selling.

AARON

 

[BLUTO]

I have an 8.8 on my 2000XJ w/3" OME lift. I run 31 x 10.5 x 15's on 15 x 8 Canyon rims...no rubbing whatsoever! Still have ~1/2" clearance between tire and leaf spring. NO SPACERS NEEDED!

BLUTO

 

[Big DaveXJ]

See Dave, I told you that the cheap pep boys spacers are crap!

A set of 4 black steels arent THAT expensive and they wouldnt look bad on your XJ. It will make it look like a REAL Jeep

If you want to keep your current rims, go with the good spyder trax spacers or buy a good used set. thompson97 mentioned that he has a set and might be intrested in selling.

AARON

It is a real Jeep! Anybody else running stock bs'd rims with an 8.8?