What Tires Size...??

Ok... Been stumped on my very first task in rebuilding my 1973 Jeep CJ-5 with 304v8... It is NOT a restoration but the plan was to keep it looking mostly stock...

Could anyone with factory size width wheels and tires from stock to say 33” tall, post some pics of their 72-75 CJ-5’s and note what size tires you have and if you have any lift...

I “Think” the look I want is a 33/10.50-15 on a factory steal rim but could go down to a 31/10.50-15... The issue is do I keep stock lift or 2.5”... If I realize that I need the 2.5” to get the look I want then I’m going to change the spring mounts for a softer ride... This is where I’m hung up so I can’t move forward with powder coating the frame..

 

I run 33X10.50's on mine but I am lifted. I have bud with a 73 CJ and he run's 33X10.50's on his with some rubbing.. Mine are KM2's his are not that aggressive.

 

So I’m guessing a 2.5” lift...?
Any pic available..?

 

Suggest you read old posts. This topic has been covered many times.

Factory size is H78-15 on 6" wide wheels. 6" is too narrow for 33x10.50 tires according to BFG. I run this size on 7" wheels, which BFG lists as the minimum. Why do you think changing the spring mounts will make a softer ride?

 

I had a 76 cj5 with 33x 10.50 on it and the factory suspension. It rubbed a lot. My 74 had 30x9.50 goodyear wranglers on 8 in. wheels on it for years, with the factory suspension it worked out great. If I were guessing I would say the 31x10.5 on stock factory wheels would be the max with a stock suspension, they might be ok on a grocery getter and they might rub a little if you plan on wheeling. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

1) I did search for pics and found few and far between but I’m probably not the most skilled searcher... So I’m still trying to get “Pictures” to compare the looks
2) I’ve been reading tread after thread and gathering a lot of info... Basically read till I fall asleep.. Haha
3) Thanks, I never knew the factory size.
4) What I meant was by changing the mounts to allow the 76-86 CJ or maybe even YJ spring mounts.

 

Yes, I’m just looking for pics.. I can’t decide if the 31” will give me the look or if I’ll need 33”...

I’ve ran 33/10.50-15’s in the past... I love the skinny tires..

 

In my opinion tire size should be proportional to gear ratio and engine horsepower.

 

X2,When I finish my rebuild I plan to install new tires. With a axle ratio of 3.73 I am thinking 30 to 31 in. tires should keep my engine RPM;s in the 2400 range at about 60 MPH. Just at the peak of torque rating. Should get the best mix of fuel economy and pulling power at that speed.

 

Here's my 75 on IMO. 32x11.50x15 BFG's on 8" wheels, stock springs.

FWIW,
Mike

 

My avatar pic has my 74 with 31x10.5 15 on an 8in rim with the stock 10pk leaf springs. I have recently switched out to a 32x11.5 15 on the same rims and same springs but have a small problem with rubbing on the inside of the drivers front tire.

 

I run a 74 with 235/85/16 on stock skinny steel willys rims and a 76 with 31 10,50 15 on factory steely wheels both run 2 inch bds springs. The 74 they are like a 32 9.50.

 

I have some recent pictures with 33x10.50s on a YJ spring under 3-3.5" lift in this thread: Yj Spring Conversion

I ran the same tires with a BDS 2.5" lift and it looks like it sits (as you can imagine) 1" taller now.

 

I did a 2.5" BDS lift originally. Then a year or so ago I swapped in OME Yj springs, and a RRE bracket kit. I believe I am right at 3" or so now. I also opened up the front with fenders from MCE.

 

Here it is with the 235/85/16 bds two inch settled in for years.

 

There is always a driving force for any modification. It may be a certain lift you want, then you fit the proper size tire, gear ratio, etc.. In this case my driving force is a certain LOOK... So once I figure out the LOOK, that will tell me the tire size, once I have the tire size then I can confirm the lift or non-lift needed for figment, gears, etc..

What I know I’ll be running...

1) 304 v8
2) 3 spd
3a) 31/10.50-15 on stock springs
3b) 33/10.50-15 on 2.5” lift
4) Planning 4:30 gears but that may be adjusted.

 

I agree with the gear ratio... I was planning on 4:30 gears with 33’s but been thinking maybe just 31” tires so the 3:73 gears would be better...

 

It's an early not an intermediate, but this is 31/10.5x15 tires with a 2.5" lift. I dislike the wagon wheels, but they were on the Jeep when I got it. The wheel offset is the same as stock though.

In my opinion, the 31s look a tad small with the 2.5" lift. I think a 1" lift would be about perfect.

 

The other Jeep has 32/10.50x15 on a 2.5" lift and I think it looks better. Although the flares obscure the wheel-well gap. These wheels are offset an inch further to the outside and would be sticking out without the flares.

 

I'm running 31/10.5R15 on stock wheels and 1" lift shackles. As seen in the top picture, at full articulation there is some rubbing on inner fenderwells. Since these pics I've installed 1" wheel spacers (mainly because of new front disc calipers rubbing rim) but it should help with tires rubbing fenderwells too.