Baystate Jeepers

I've been shopping for tires and have run into some issues that I could use some advice on. Because of my budget limitations, I need to stick with 33's. I also cannot swing for new wheels at this point either, therefore necessitating wheel spacers. I have also been advised by Don/shortbus to not go with a Load E tire.

I found a new line of tires by Nitto called Ridge Grapplers that I really like. Fortunately, they come in a Load C as well as E and in a size of 285/70/R17 C, making it a 32.7" diameter by 11.2" width as opposed to my current not quite 32" x 10" SRA's. Close enough for me. Because they are so new, they are currently hard to find. Here's a link to Nitto Ridge Grapplers: http://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-ti ... ruck-tire/

Here are some of the issues I am running into:

1. NTB will not install a tire other than the size the vehicle came with, nor will they mount them if wheel spacers are being used.

2. Smaller tire shops can't get them because their distributers don't have them.

3. Town Fair Tire can get the tires I like but they, too, will not install with spacers unless they are of the type that are just the plates without studs, and they must be able to get 6.5 turns on the stud with the lug nuts. I do not plan on using this type spacer.

The only options I can think of is to:

1. Buy the tires, maybe even on-line if the price justifies it, and find a shop that will mount the tires, wheels and spacers,

or

2. Buy the tires at Town Fair and have them install them without spacers, then do a mini-wrenchfest and take the wheels off and install the spacers ourselves. My only concern is whether there will be any rubbing issues while driving on pavement until the wrenchfest.

Any thoughts on the best way I should proceed? Personally, I like idea # 2 if there is no rubbing issue.

What about buy the tires at Town Fair and bring them to a smaller shop to install. I doubt either would care.

Ill start this with thats a nice looking tire.

I did a little googling and came up with this
http://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/nitto/ri ... aQod0AMDDQ

I know nothing about them but they have local installers at least in the RI MA line area. Take a look and see if they work in your area and read reviews and whatnot. Just trying to help.

You could try to find a 4x4 specialist shop like Elias in Townsend MA, Rachets in Pelham NH or similar shop that will both source and install the tires and spacers. Move away from the franchise-type place that is in bed with certain brands.

Aside from that, I'd shop around for a different tire. Maybe something tried and true, I'm sure everyone here could recommend something different.

I have Maxxis Bighorns, and PepBoys acquired and installed them with no hesitation. The tires performed very well at Rausch. Winter traction on the NH/MA roads will be the next test.

What do bolt on spacers cost these days? When I bought them for my cj because of using hummer rims they were alot more than a set of steel rims. Don't buy cheap spacers! Make sure they have right center size too.

Josh, that's what I was suggesting in my option #1.

Dan, I'll call Lou tomorrow, but I'm guessing he's going to be more expensive due to his lower sales volume. Never heard of Maxxis until just this week while shopping around.

Pirahnah3, I took a look at that link and they seem to have pretty decent prices even with the added cost of an installer. I'll look into it further. Have to see if the installer has any problem working with spacers.

Mark, I've been pricing wheels and even basic steel wheels are at least $90.00 or more each. So, a minimum of $450.00 for a set of five. Good spacers run about $200.00 for a set of four.

No one has answered the question of if they thought there would be any issue of rubbing if the new tires were installed without the spacers until they got installed. Obviously, no wheeling until they were.

Only other thing to look at Ralph is if say 16 or 18 inch tires are cheaper and offset cost of new rims. I know one of my trucks had 17 inch rims and at the time it was cheaper to upgrade rims because 17 inch tires where more expensive. Times may be different now. I have a buddy with tire shop here in Whitinsville that would do tires and spacers. Not very far up 146 from you. If that's your best option. I can check tmrw if he can get tires and get a friend price for you.

I know we talked about 15" but decided against that since they're going out of favor. I'll do some comparing tomorrow. If you feel like talking to your friend, I'd appreciate it.

Ralph, not to side track, but Im in about the same boat looking for new tires, I was scared of the 15in as well but looking at what a lot of off road companies are doing I think you will find them for a good while still, just not as much in the general market.

Ralph/Jim/anyone looking for tires...

Check out this link:
http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

At this site you can enter both what you currently have for wheel and tire sizes and an intended wheel and tire size and visually and mathematically see the difference between them. It'll give you information about how much taller, and closer the new setup will be then the old setup. With these numbers in mind, you can go out to the garage, turn your wheel lock to lock and see just what might run or have clearance issues. It won't help with flexing, unless you have a buddy and an RTI ramp. It helps visualize the whole process and make some determinations for you.

Ralph/Jim/anyone looking for tires...

Check out this link:
http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

At this site you can enter both what you currently have for wheel and tire sizes and an intended wheel and tire size and visually and mathematically see the difference between them. It'll give you information about how much taller, and closer the new setup will be then the old setup. With these numbers in mind, you can go out to the garage, turn your wheel lock to lock and see just what might run or have clearance issues. It won't help with flexing, unless you have a buddy and an RTI ramp. It helps visualize the whole process and make some determinations for you.

Thanks, Dan. (x2)

I've Ben using a different site, but yours is more comprehensive.

https://tiresize.com/calculator/

Tire Rack . Com Have the tires mounted and balanced , then go home and put them on . I dont know if they would rub on the street , I have a CJ. It didnt rub when I had 32s. I thought the JKs could take a 35 with minimum rub stock , I would think 33s would work. It would only rub turning , so go STRAIGHT home ! FjR68

Frank wrote: . I thought the JKs could take a 35 with minimum rub stock , I would think 33s would work. It would only rub turning , so go STRAIGHT home ! FjR68

It all depends on the backspacing Frank. The stock rims don't have the proper back spacing. I am running a roughly 33" Duratrac tire with aftermarket rims. Ralph as long as you dont make too many tight turns you should be fine to drive home or to someones place to install wheel spacers. I know you wont rub anything on the street and with your after market bumper in front you may be fine without spacers.

You also may want to call Offroad Elements in Abbington MA, they are likely closer than Elias.

In fact check out Landon Tire in CT. Mike Landon is a friend of mine and he for sure will take care of you. He does open house wrench fests for OSJ every once in a while and has a nicely built XJ or two in his driveway. Mention Jeff from CFAC and he will take care of you for sure.

Frank wrote: It would only rub turning , so go STRAIGHT home ! FjR68

BAHAHAHA!