Wheel Offset and Wheel Well Clearance

[EasternSierra]

My long-planned build is a non-Sas Badlands and the financial stuff is finally falling into place to make that possible.

I'd like to replace the stock KO2 tires with tires a little bit taller (34-35") but narrower. Let's say LT255/85R17 MT Baja Bosses at 34.6" height and 9.8" section width. I'd also like to keep the stock crash bars for my wife's peace of mind. Finally, I'd like to go to around a +30 offset to get back track width with the narrow tires.

I've seen mentions here that going to less positive offset can reduce tire clearance in the (front, I assume) wheel wells. From a geometry standpoint I don't see how this makes sense since the tires already stick out a couple of inches from the fenders on the non-Sas BL. Am I getting this wrong?

I've also read that you can run 35" tires with the stock crash bars if the tire is 10-10.5" wide and the wheel has the stock offset of +55. Why not less offset? Is the problem with the tires rubbing on the non-Sas flares? I'll probably replace the stock flares anyway so if this is the only problem then I'm good.

I'd appreciate hearing people's thoughts and advice about this. I plan to hit the ground running when I get my Bronco!

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[[DELETED MEMBER 27901]]

My long-planned build is a non-Sas Badlands and the financial stuff is finally falling into place to make that possible.

I'd like to replace the stock KO2 tires with tires a little bit taller (34-35") but narrower. Let's say LT255/85R17 MT Baja Bosses at 34.6" height and 9.8" section width. I'd also like to keep the stock crash bars for my wife's peace of mind. Finally, I'd like to go to around a +30 offset to get back track width with the narrow tires.

I've seen mentions here that going to less positive offset can reduce tire clearance in the (front, I assume) wheel wells. From a geometry standpoint I don't see how this makes sense since the tires already stick out a couple of inches from the fenders on the non-Sas BL. Am I getting this wrong?

I've also read that you can run 35" tires with the stock crash bars if the tire is 10-10.5" wide and the wheel has the stock offset of +55. Why not less offset? Is the problem with the tires rubbing on the non-Sas flares? I'll probably replace the stock flares anyway so if this is the only problem then I'm good.

I'd appreciate hearing people's thoughts and advice about this. I plan to hit the ground running when I get my Bronco!

Have you considered high clearance crash bars for the sake of your marriage?

 

[EasternSierra]

Actually, it looks like that's going to work. Stoked!

 

[EasternSierra]

Well, here's one piece of information: Jmanly post.

Here's my 23 Badlands non sasquatch. I put 35 10.50 17 Kenda Klevers on the stock Badlands wheels. Modified crash bars. Put a 1" leveling lift on front. Didn't rub without lift but I like the look better. At full articulation there is no rubbing at all.

So crash bars aside, the tires fit as per other, older posts. I'm still wondering about whether going to a +30 offset would cause interference with the stock non-Sas flares. Sas flares are not an option because there would be some 'negative poke'. I may have to go to aftermarket flares if I can get ones with the right amount of width.

 

[Tricky Mike]

Well, here's one piece of information: Jmanly post.



So crash bars aside, the tires fit as per other, older posts. I'm still wondering about whether going to a +30 offset would cause interference with the stock non-Sas flares. Sas flares are not an option because there would be some 'negative poke'. I may have to go to aftermarket flares if I can get ones with the right amount of width.

By "interference" do you mean rubbing on the flares or poke past the flares? The former should not be an issue, the latter will be very close to flush.

 

[EasternSierra]

By "interference" do you mean rubbing on the flares or poke past the flares? The former should not be an issue, the latter will be very close to flush.

Thanks! I meant rubbing on the flares, in particular under maximum compression while turning.

 

[Tricky Mike]

Then I wouldn't worry about that. Watch your bumpstops, big tires with more poke tend to get into the top of the fender on landings.

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