Max tire size on 15x8 wheels?

Can I put 33's on 15x8 wheels? If so, what potential problems might I encounter and how could I avoid it.

Thanks!
Derrell

You should be fine putting 33" tires on those. Do you know what the backspace is on the wheels? If it is something like 4.5" then you can probably safely use 33x12.5x15 no problem. One other thing to consider; are the wheels steel? Some steel rims are too small to fit around the brakes(not an expert, just from what I have read).

nsjbill wrote:You should be fine putting 33" tires on those. Do you know what the backspace is on the wheels? If it is something like 4.5" then you can probably safely use 33x12.5x15 no problem. One other thing to consider; are the wheels steel? Some steel rims are too small to fit around the brakes(not an expert, just from what I have read).

Not sure about the back spacing. The wheels are aluminum.

Are they stock? (Doubtful since they are 8" but making sure. Do you know the name/model/brand?

nsjbill wrote:Are they stock? (Doubtful since they are 8" but making sure. Do you know the name/model/brand?

They are stock. It was some sort of package. They say jeep on them.

If they are stock wheels then they probably have 6.25" backspacing and if you go to a 33" tire you could experience rubbing. I did when I went to 285/70R17 tires on the stock MOAB/Rubicon 17" wheels. It was very slight rubbing when I had the wheel turned fully, like pulling into a parking spot. I wish I knew for sure what wheels you have. Not sure if you have seen this thread but it is hugely informative:

Largest tire on stock JK?

The question isn't really if you can put 33s on 15x8" wheels. It's can you put as 10.5, 12.5, or 13.5" tire on 15x8" wheels.

The important number here is the 8" width of the rim, which a 10.5 and 12.5" tire is fine with.

Ryan M wrote:The question isn't really if you can put 33s on 15x8" wheels. It's can you put as 10.5, 12.5, or 13.5" tire on 15x8" wheels.

The important number here is the 8" width of the rim, which a 10.5 and 12.5" tire is fine with.

12.5 was what I was concerned about. Thanks for the info.

Yea, a 12.5 will fit fine on an 8" wheel, just like was said before, they will be rubbing because of the backspacing on the stock wheels. Slap on some spacers and you'll be fine.

mr.steamy wrote:
12.5 was what I was concerned about. Thanks for the info.

Sorry, I had missed the second post listing a width of tire. Carry on

I'm sorry but I'm still confused about the whole backspacing thing. These are my current wheels, 15X8.0 "Ravine" Aluminum Wheels. The bolt pattern is 5 on 4.5 Backspacing is 5.5" Offset is +25. The lift kit I bought says I need 4.5 BS. I need some help understanding this please. I'm sure its simple but I am missing something. Thanks!

Backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface of the wheel to the lip of the wheel on the inside.

The more backspace there is the more the wheel is tucked under the jeep, per say. If you have less its pushed out further. If its too close there could be rubbing on the control arms, when turning.

Offset is really how far the mounting surface is from the center of the wheel.

janesy wrote:Backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface of the wheel to the lip of the wheel on the inside.

The more backspace there is the more the wheel is tucked under the jeep, per say. If you have less its pushed out further. If its too close there could be rubbing on the control arms, when turning.

Offset is really how far the mounting surface is from the center of the wheel.

Ok, so with 5.5 BS the tires would def rub right? Is this where the wheel spacers come into play? Would it just be better to get wheels that have 4.5 BS?

Thanks for the info janesy.

Yea, most stock wheels will have a high backspace number. I ran Spidertrax 1.25" spacers on my rig for a while with the stock Moabs with a 33x12.5" tire. Was enough to not rub. So they decreased the backspacing 1.25"...

Really up to you what way you want to go. Spacers would be cheaper.

Sometimes tire shops don't want to touch a rig with spacers, for liability reasons, others don't care. As long as you use loctite and every now and then check them, there is no problems with running them. I did for over 3 years without issue. And would again if I needed to.

Thanks again. This is very helpful. I see a lot of wheels are less than 4.5BS. Like around 3.75. I assume this is ok without spacers? I was hoping to get new tires and wheels but want to do it as cheap as possible. If I have to use my current wheels I want to do it right.

From all I have read and researched, it seems 4.5" of backspacing is the magic number. A lot of wheels offer that. Mine I thought were 4.5 but are actually 4.75 but I have been told my RK lift kit will work with it fine even though they recommend a 4.5.

If you get too much of a backspace, you run into the opposite issue of wide wheels sticking way too far out of the wheel well/fenders and in MA that is a no-no.

I truly appreciate all the helpful advise from everyone. Just when you think you understand, you don't. I'm sure you've all been there once or twice.

So I ended up getting Goodyear Duratracs, 33x12.5. They came in yesterday and I really like the look. I will be installing a 4in lift along with the new tires and a new set of flares tomorrow with a friend. So, here is my new question:

Has anyone put a 33 or greater on the factory spare tire carrier? I see that there are extensions for larger tires but my concern is the weight limit on the tail gate. Again, any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Derrell

I have my 33" on the tailgate. I would definitely go with an aftermarket solution for anything bigger. My tire is pretty light and I think the Duratracs are decently light as well in 33". You should be okay but that is just from my research, not actual experience.

Thanks Bill. I should have mentioned that I also have steel wheels. It woud be a temp solution if I got a relocation bracket until I can buy a new bumper w/tire carrier. I just don't want to mess up the tail gate.

Yea those steel wheels can add some heft. I am looking at the Teraflex Adjustable pare Mount kit. I love my rear bumper, don't want to replace it. The AEV part that goes on my bumper to add a swing arm costs over a grand, its ridiculous.

Check this out:
http://www.quadratec.com/products/12226_2020_07.htm

-bill

I don't personally have a spare mounted on the back, but the max I'd go with stock mount is a 33".

Just make sure that the rubber bumpers are touching the tire so its not just bouncing about and you should be fine.

Rule of thumb,, Tire width should be no more than 4 inches wider than rim width, EX=8" rimX12"tire ...but 8" rim x 12.5" in tire is fine.
Too wide of a rim and you stand more of a chance of scraping rim on rocks and popping bead.

4 inch back space rim is optimal width for a TJ. More b space than that will rub c arms at full turn but you can adjust steering stops to compensate.
You will need 6 or 7 in wide flares too,, 7" will cover nicely especially in rainy/muddy conditions.
Oh yeah, do not put a 33" tire especially with steel rim on a factory TJ tire carrier, time will tell but you will kill tail gate.

So while removing the rear shocks the upper bolts snapped off!! This happen to anyone? Pretty much have a path forward on removing the snapped off pieces but curious what others have done.

Usually soak the bolts for days and then use long extension and shallow socket and hit end of extension a few times real hard with a 2 or 3 pound hammer while socket is on bolt head.
This will shock the bolt and usually if you go back and forth real easy in minute amounts with a ratchet the bolts will come out with out snapping them.
A lot of patience will pay off here because it's tough to get them out when broken.
If you break one you can use vise grips from the top , just move inner fender out of the way a bit and take out from the top.

So my buddy and I installed the lift and the tires this weekend. We were able to get out the broken bolt pieces with torching it out. I am still waiting for the center caps for the wheels and I will be installing larger fender flares this week.







I'm very happy how it came out. Went and got an alignment right after too.