Building a Moab/Rubicon Jeep

Some of this discussion might have moved off to Targhee build,  but I will keep it going with more tire discussion. 

 

The 16" STA Super Traxions currently on Wilson are borrowed from my '51 '3A "Hoover" project.  I like the "stock" look,  but am trying to decide what Wilson's future tire will be.

 

In recent Rubicon run,  I had somewhat decided on NDTs after watching Stan, BamBam and X98,  (and 7.50s from the latter 2),  but also liked Gus's TSL (although larger than I want to go with).   I still want Wilson to look mostly stock to untrained eye.

 

Could I run,  and would I have any clearance issues with 7.50-16 NDTs  or 32" TSL Super Swampers, on stock 16" wheels?    Wilson has stock springs,   but with wider axles.   D30 and D44 from CJ7 and CJ5

 

I saw the photo of you at Rubicon years ago.  What wheels were you running then?

I was afraid to put these tires on original wheels until I talked to Tin Badge.  He put the 32” x 9.5” on original wheels with no problems.  I don’t think he wheels his very hard, tho.  Inspired by Scott, I put the 34”x9” on original 4.5” wheels.  I’ve wheeled the Rubicon twice, Colorado, Moab, and Texas with no problems.  I did pop a bead a couple time in Colorado because I was running about 6 psi.  This was right after they were installed and the tire installation slime was still fresh and slippery.  I think that had something to do with the ease of which I popped the beads.  

I haven’t had any problems in almost a year now.  I ran the Rubicon this year with 7 psi.  I thought about welding in some safety bumps, but I’ve tabled that idea for now.  

Each one of those choices has unique good and bad traits.

             

jijk:  I may be crazy, but just ordered a single 7.50 x 16" NDT to try out. . .  I will report back if it rubs on Wilson.  (stock springs,   but wider axles)

 

edit:

I will be mounting this on a stock 4.5" wheel.   That is too narrow based on some recommendations,  but only by .5".   "tucked in" is good in my opinion. 

In other words the tops of the rear wheel house will clear 34" tires with standard rear suspension at full stuff. 

As Stans pics reveals... tire scrubbing due to  excess tread width becomes the real concern.

Tires should not be ruled out on section width alone.

It is the innermost tread only that first begins to rub.

Here you see an STA 6.50 x 16 Super Traxion >  STA 7.50 Super Traxion > 235 85 R 16 Pirelli Mud Scorpions.

The 6.50 Super Traxions have a section width of 7.2 and a tread width of 6-1/4" > 30" diameter uninflated 

The 7.50 Super Traxions have a section width of 8.7 and a tread width of 7" > 31" diameter uninflated. 

The Pirelli's have a section width of 9.3" and a tread width of 7-1/4" > 31-1/4" uninflated.

It should be known that all Willys CJ's Ive ever com across had wheels that are 3/4" inset. (except the 8 x 15" Renegade I rims)

In other words the wheel disk mount surface is always 3/4" out from the rim centerline.

NDTs in general have a particularly narrow tread width compared to other tread designs.

If a true center lined wheel is used then the maximum tread width can be increased.