12.5" tires/backspacing

[jterp]

I'm going to need some new tires soon on my '02 TJ.
My rig is stock height for now. I'm going to go with 31's, and would like to go 12.5" wide. What backspacing would be required to run tires this wide? What wheel width would you guys suggest for these tires? 10"?

Thanks!

 

[Red Neckerson]

I run 33x12.50 tires on my stock wheels. I think they are 7.5 inches wide. I had to put the 1.25 spacers on so they would not rub the control arms when turning and on the rear so they wouldn't rub on the fender wells. I like this set up because I got the spacers cheap and iI didn't have to spend the money for new wheels. Also, since they are not a wider rim, I can air down to about 10-15psi. So far I haven't blown a bead when wheeling. If you are set on new wheels, I have heard, I don't know for fact, that 3.25 to 3.50 is good back spacing for a 12.50 in wide tire. I hope that helps.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Most 31" tires are 10.5" wide.

Go with an 8" wide rim with 4" or 3.5" of backspacing and you should be fine.