1998 Cherokee XJ -- Wheels and Tires -- Recommendations?

[rbneron]

Yep, it's the newbie again. Now that I've completed installing the required front hooks, and have a Powertrax on order for the rear Chrysler 8.25, still need a FS spare.

Rather than just doing that, and not wanting to destroy my factory alloy wheels, thought it made sense to just purchase a set of 4 wheels / tires for (primarily) off-road use only. This way I can use more aggressive tires than what I would do for daily driving.

So...what size wheel and tire, and should I use factory steel wheels or aftermarket? As this is still my daily (well, weekly) driver, I don't want to go the lift kit route. Rest of suspension is stock.

Open to advice.

[TerryD]

from the xj stand point, get something like the black steelies that everyone runs in the club. they're cheap ($40 each) and they are very tough. also, they space the wheels out away from the body, so that going up a ditch line it will keep the rocker/doors off of the bank. and for tires, i'm really impressed w/ the Trxus M/T that matt runs on his 4runner. not sure they make 30/9.5's in that tire though....

[Yoda]

another fan for Trxus M/T, they are like a a MTZ but deeper tread and tons of factory sipping make for a good combo

[rbneron]

So, similar to this? Fitment guide states that 15 x 7 is largest that will fit on standard XJ.

http://www.ntwonline.com/acb/showdetl.c ... 4&CATID=11

Would the factory steel wheels be similar, assuming they can be purchased used for similar $$$?

[TerryD]

that's the right wheel. factory steelies are like 5.5" backspace, they stick the tires under the body too much. i have to be careful that i dont slide into a rut with mine or i'll lunch the remaing rocker and quarter panels. if you want to see a factory set of steelies in action

you can see how far into the wheel well they go. good for flex, bad for rockers and such. i've got bumpstops to fix that problem when i get my wheels. "mmmhm" (cody) "mmhmm"

[shmoken875]

I'm probly gonna be selling my rims like mid summer or possibly earlier (don't know when you'll be wanting rims) as I just bought two waggy 44s and need to change bolt patterns. They're crager soft 8's "black steelies" 15x8 with about 4-4.5" of BS.

[MtnToys]

As terry was saying, I’m running the 255/85/16 Trxus M/T on my 4runner. The smallest size Trxus M/T interco makes is a 31X10.5 R15 or 235/85R16 (31.9X9.3). I think they’re a kick ass all around tire. They’re great off road and handle well on the road. They’re smooth going 70 and I have had no balancing issues. I was most impressed how well they worked in the snow. If your just going to use these tires strictly for offroad purposes you might as well get a bias ply swamper.

[jonesy]

that's the right wheel. factory steelies are like 5.5" backspace, they stick the tires under the body too much. i have to be careful that i dont slide into a rut with mine or i'll lunch the remaing rocker and quarter panels. if you want to see a factory set of steelies in action

you can see how far into the wheel well they go. good for flex, bad for rockers and such. i've got bumpstops to fix that problem when i get my wheels. "mmmhm" (cody) "mmhmm"

lol i havent forgotten about you ... i am picking up my long lost spare tire tomorrow (makes 5 wheels for you) and then im going to give stienberg a call and see if i can borrow his tire changer ....

im trying to have them for you at the bonfire.

[TerryD]

sweetness