Jim, I've used 32x11.5s and 31x10.5s on stock rims with my Raider. The 32s were a little close to the frame when the rear axle articulated. Both sizes rub the pitman arm and sway bar. I've used 15x8 and 15x10 wheels with 4" BS and 33x12.5s with no chassis contact. My front bumper ends and front wheel well splash guards are cut out to run the 33s, but no other mods. The 33s made no rear wheel well contact when flexed.

Flexed with 33s (8" front rims, 10" rears):


Russell

I had the 16 x 8" Craigar Soft 8s with 3.75" BOS with 255/85R16 tires, got slight rub. These are tall narrow tires 34" x 9" approx. Now I have 33/12.5/15 MTZs on some old alloy wheels 15 x 8.5 with 4" BOS and they also rub a little, but far less than the 255s. Mostly front drivers side. Never had a problem with either in the rear. 2" torsion crank.

Thanks Russ! Thats odd that you had some rub with 31 x 10.5's on stock rims. My 1st Monty (the blue 89 LS) was bought with stock aluminum LS rims and 31 x 10.5's installed with no rubbing at all.

The reason I asked specifically about the backspacing (and might as well the offset too) on 15x8's that I was thinking about going with something different that stock Mitsu rims. 15x7's are too hard too find, and since I'll be using 31x10.5's again, 15x8 seemed perfect.

So on those 15x8's , I'm speculating on the allowable range of backspacing (3.25 to 4 or maybe even 4.25"?) and the range on the offset (per wheel faq, -6mm, but is 20 to -20mm OK?)

I really like the ATX (American Racing) Chamber series. i think there was a board member way back who used them, but not sure how well they worked in the long run. I seem to remember finding his post about them, I asked how well they worked and dont remember seeing a reply. An expensive premise to "try" for sure.

Soft 8's are OK, but I'm looking for something else I suppose.

Jim

I don't have the steering knuckle limiting screws engaging the lower arms, at least not set for the 31s on stock wheels. I adjusted them long ago for the 32s on Enkei rims that I sold to Chris (cmonty72).

Someone mentioned 15x8 as a maximum for 11.5" tires, so does this meanI shouldnt go bigger than 15x7 for 31x10.5x15s? my bfg ta KOs aren't flat on the tread surface (crowning?) with stock 6" rims...

I am looking at some 15x8 wheels w/ 3.25" bs
or
15x8 w/ -19ET

I want maximum wheel/tire "poke" w/o rubbing.

31s will be fine on your choice of 6 - 8 inch wide rims. Radials will not be flat across the tread section on any of the wheels due to construction.

Thanks for your help, gentlemen (and maybe ladies):

15x8 w/ 3.75 backspacing and lots of room for more rubber!

Before:



After:

Definitely looking sporty with the new rims and painted rockers.

Thank you, Mudraider!

I will continue to work on my rig so I can secure a spot in the cool kids' club!

You guys have been really helpful. Thank you for putting up with all of my n00b questions!!!

tint the windows and it will be slick looking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />