How big a tire can you fit on a II?

[Hefty]

I'm doing some major surgery on the back of my II and it would be nice to know how much rubber I'll be able to squeeze in there.
Minitubbs, rolled fenders and perhaps cut out fender lips? Possibly a rebuilt (maybe I'll install sliders or something?) rear spring mount with 4-6" higher mounting point.
Custom 9" rear with traction bars.

I'm hoping to fit 28-30" wheels in there but I don't know if it's doable?
And if so, how wide can I get them? On not so tall tires I think 12-14" would be possible?

 

[Blue coyote]

I just fit a set of 15x10's with 295/50R15's on the back of my King. Get rims with the mounting surface 3 1/2" back from the outer bead and all you'll need to do is roll the fender lip up so it doesn't chew the tire.

 

[Hefty]

295/50R15 should be somthing like 26.5x11.5-15 or close to it I think.
And you recommend 3½" backspacing? I was thinking this myself earlier but it's good to have it confirmed.

 

[Power Surge]

Click your browser back button once and look up.

We have a rim/tire fitment sticky for this very subject .

 

[itsaMustangtoo]

Jegs and summit both sell a tire/wheel fitment tool to take the guesswork out of what tire/wheel combo you would like to run? Just FYI

 

[Hefty]

Power Surge> Yeah, I read it. Everyone is talking about stock cars. Since I plan on minitubbing, rolling the fenders and possibly relocating the rear spring mount none of the standard rules apply.

itsamustangtoo> I was thinking of getting that tool yes.

 

[joeythesaint]

all you'll need to do is roll the fender lip up so it doesn't chew the tire.

How exactly would you roll the fender lip up? Just split it with tinsnips and massage it with a hammer?

I have a set of 295/50R15's sitting in my garage right now. . . .

 

[dmoody]

How exactly would you roll the fender lip up? Just split it with tinsnips and massage it with a hammer?

That is one way or you could try this:

www.rollyourfender.com

d

 

[Blue coyote]

You'll need: A buddy you trust around your II, a bumper jack, and a bat (I use an aluminum T-ball bat).

Jack the rear of the car up a bit, insert the bat between the tire and the fender lip, lower the jack (GENTLY!!!), and have your buddy SLOWLY roll the car forward and back, rolling the bat along the fender lip and tire, until the desired clearance is obtained. Its redneck, but it works.

You may end up having to touch up the paint on the fender lip, but if you're careful, it'll only be on the not-very-visible inner lip anyway...

 

[Hefty]

I'm getting the specal tool. What can I say? I like tools...

 

[itsaMustangtoo]

Power Surge> Yeah, I read it. Everyone is talking about stock cars. Since I plan on minitubbing, rolling the fenders and possibly relocating the rear spring mount none of the standard rules apply.

itsamustangtoo> I was thinking of getting that tool yes.

If you are going to mini tub,. roll the lips, AND ,possibly relocate the springs . Where does the dilemma lie? Get those big sticky's and start cutting! Sounds like your only problem should be wheel related. Well, that and probably rearend width. Any plans on going with another rear??
I would like to know what you end up going with, cause I think I would like to put 18" ( or 20" ?) wheels on the back of mine with 16" on the front.

 

[Hefty]

I got the new fenders yesterday and I'm down with a cold right now.
As soon as I get better I'll start cutting...

I guess I should be placing my order for the wheelwright pretty soon.
And the fender roling tool and a Tig welder and...

 

[mean78]

does anyone got a picture of a II with a 295/50/15?

i want to see how those fit!

 

[Blue coyote]

does anyone got a picture of a II with a 295/50/15?

i want to see how those fit!

I've got a couple of crappy pics on my phone, but they appear to be stuck there. I'll see if the wife's digital camera has power and I may be able to figure out my photobucket account (I'm not a techno-genius...barely a techno-simian, actually)

If things go well (no guarantees) then I'll have the pics...and might even figure out how to post 'em

 

[Hefty]

cool

 

[ranger04]

Back in the day a set of shackles and air shocks took care of tire clearence issue's, at least on the rear.

 

[Blue coyote]

Except that shackles and air shocks won't allow anything larger than the 295/50's on the rear because the wheelwell itself is FULL. I have 1/4" or less of clearance at the front, rear, leafs, fender lip, AND inner fender, so shackles and air shocks would need to lift the car an additional 12+ inches to see any benefit.

 

[Hefty]

Blue coyote> Can you do me a favour? Take a look and see if the wheels are closer to the leaf springs than to the inner wall?
If so, how much?
Everything is cut out on my car and I'm having a hard time seeing if the springs stick out or not.

 

[Blue coyote]

Blue coyote> Can you do me a favour? Take a look and see if the wheels are closer to the leaf springs than to the inner wall?
If so, how much?
Everything is cut out on my car and I'm having a hard time seeing if the springs stick out or not.

It looks like the clearance to the leafs and the inner wheel well seam are about equal (in my case, about 1/8" each), with un-molested suspension and body.

 

[Hefty]

Cool, I wont have to relocate the front spring mount then.