Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 11:55:14 AM

Title: Back Spacers
Post by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 11:55:14 AM
My inexperience talking here and I am looking for advice .
I want to put 265/75/16 tyres under the ZJ to go with the 2" lift I have fitted. According to info on the US forum they would fit but they recommend a 4.5" wheel backspacing or a minimum of 4".
That seems a serious amount of spacing, is that necessary and what advantage would /does it give?
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: isle of man on August 31, 2013, 12:00:51 PM
4" back spacing is required on Wranglers, it's the norm to be honest.


Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 05:55:55 PM
I will measure the wheels and see what back spacing I have. I am running the original 16" alloys with 225/75/16. Does having wider tyres/vehicle help when driving off road?
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: wildwood on August 31, 2013, 07:04:48 PM
 Most of the after market wheels especially the Black modular or 1 piece wheels with the 'D' holes in them are 4.5" back spacing ........makes it possible to get full lock but may need some metal massaging to fit the tyres you want.......usually in front of front wheels and the front of rear wheels......
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 07:15:03 PM
I like that "metal massaging". Done that before with a big hammer  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 07:17:14 PM
Do bigger tyres help with grip when driving off road?
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: isle of man on August 31, 2013, 07:19:00 PM
Just a note!!! Personally I would not fit a billet spacer over 25mm, that's ~ close to a whole inch in English.
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: isle of man on August 31, 2013, 07:19:24 PM
Do bigger tyres help with grip when driving off road?

Is that a trick question?
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: isle of man on August 31, 2013, 07:20:23 PM
Most of the after market wheels especially the Black modular or 1 piece wheels with the 'D' holes in them are 4.5" back spacing ........makes it possible to get full lock but may need some metal massaging to fit the tyres you want.......usually in front of front wheels and the front of rear wheels......


Normally front of the rear wheels first.
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 07:31:51 PM
Do bigger tyres help with grip when driving off road?

Is that a trick question?

No a dumb question. :icon_redface:  I mean if you are only increasing by a few mms does it make a difference?
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: isle of man on August 31, 2013, 07:33:34 PM
Do bigger tyres help with grip when driving off road?

Is that a trick question?

No a dumb question. :icon_redface:  I mean if you are only increasing by a few mms does it make a difference?



OH YES!!!! Ask the "KY" CREW they are inch specific.
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 07:40:38 PM
I am feeling my way along with making changes and I have noticed the difference just with the 2" lift.
All  I am trying to do is make changes as I go along that keep making a difference.
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: isle of man on August 31, 2013, 07:44:18 PM
I am feeling my way along with making changes and I have noticed the difference just with the 2" lift.
All  I am trying to do is make changes as I go along that keep making a difference.

OK, try this...



One inch lift = one inch wider, keep this rule of thumb and you can't go wrong.
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 08:16:11 PM
I am feeling my way along with making changes and I have noticed the difference just with the 2" lift.
All  I am trying to do is make changes as I go along that keep making a difference.

OK, try this...



One inch lift = one inch wider, keep this rule of thumb and you can't go wrong.

Thank you for that. I have been making a plan of mods I want to do and I keep changing  my mind.I want to do as much as possible myself wherever possible.
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Dave The Sparky on August 31, 2013, 08:22:49 PM
One inch lift = one inch wider, keep this rule of thumb and you can't go wrong.

Does that apply to your women as well?
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: isle of man on August 31, 2013, 08:47:54 PM
One inch lift = one inch wider, keep this rule of thumb and you can't go wrong.

Does that apply to your women as well?


Raw point that!!!
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Nosebolt on August 31, 2013, 09:12:54 PM
Do bigger tyres help with grip when driving off road?


there are 2 main reasons for fitting wider wheel/tyres, wider track & bigger footprint.


a wider track will make the vehicle more stable as it will increase the tilt angle before tip, down side is you need wider gaps to drive through
a bigger footprint will increase traction but this is also a double edged sword as it also adds tress to the drivetrain components


if its just grip your after, (not extra clearance) the tyre pattern and pressure should be your first stop. the tyres most of us use are a compromise between road and off road use, you will get loads of advice and recommendations but at the end of the day you cant beat trying em, lowering the pressure will also give you a bigger footprint, this is one of the reasons the 'big boys' run beadlocks, some run low single figure pressures.
Title: Re: Back Spacers
Post by: Mike2909 on August 31, 2013, 09:27:56 PM
I knew there was a lot to learn.  :017: