Running 245/75R16 Tires on Stock Rims

[kregghensley]

Hey folks, I've got a stock 2004 KJ 4x4 Limited that I'd like to run 245/75R16 tires on my stock rims (may get some of the older Rubicon rims if I stumble across a good deal someday). I will be running either Goodyear DuraTracs, BFG T/A KO, or Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX. I've done some browsing on this site to find out what needs to be done in order to get these tires to fit and have a vehicle that still performs well. I've gotten this info in bits and pieces, so I would like to summarize it here to make sure I'm on the right track.

Here is what I have gathered so far:

1. Re-gearing for 245/75R16 tires is not necessary with the stock KJ Limited 3.73 gear ratio.

2. A 3" suspension lift is needed to fit the tires with no rubbing. A 2.5" suspension lift can work but with minor trimming and pounding the pinch welds.

3. It's better to go with a suspension lift that replaces struts, shocks, springs, etc. to improve ride quality and prevent sagging.

Am I on the right track here? I do not want to fool with re-gearing, so feel free to let me know if I should look at running a smaller tire size. Thanks!

 

[ridenby]

Liberty will preform well with 245/75/16. Would plan on pounding pinch weld,just to be sure. A shock/spring lift is the way to go. 10,000 threads on them. Had a Frankenlift,worked well.Quick and easy install being it's big selling point to me.
Pic of 245/75/16-no lift-how close to pinch weld/plastic liner.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[VAhlene]

I have 245/75/16 and am running stock rims. I also have 1.25 wheel spacers on as to avoid rubbing on suspension components and to improve stance and handling after lift. I am also running OME/Bilstien with NO clevis lift and NO rear iso's. minor trimming was needed and pounding of the pinch weld was a must. As for gearing. It's not needed with this tire size but I honestly wish I had 4.10's and will upgrade eventually but I also live in CO and mountain passes can bog it down quite a bit.

 

[Hotel55]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here. I have a 2004 Liberty Sport with the Trail Rated badge (idk if that makes a difference,) and I have been thinking about getting 245/75/16s, I was wondering if a 1 inch body lift would keep me from having to have any body work done to accommodate the tires?

 

[dude1116]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here. I have a 2004 Liberty Sport with the Trail Rated badge (idk if that makes a difference,) and I have been thinking about getting 245/75/16s, I was wondering if a 1 inch body lift would keep me from having to have any body work done to accommodate the tires?

Can't body lift a unibody. Gotta do a full suspension lift.

 

[Hotel55]

Can't body lift a unibody. Gotta do a full suspension lift.

Okay, thanks!

 

[kregghensley]

Thanks for the feedback from ridenby and VAhlene. It sounds like you guys have some mixed reviews about running this tire size without re-gearing.

My KJ is my daily driver and I commute a couple of days a week. I may need to stick with a smaller tire size since I don't want to re-gear and would like to avoid hurting my Jeep's performance. Given that my KJ already has 155,000 miles on it, I'm not sure I want to take the 4.10 plunge. I guess 245/75R16 is right on the edge of the performance threshold....

 

[yellocoyote]

I guess 245/75R16 is right on the edge of the performance threshold....

You'll be just fine running that size with your current gearing.

 

[tommudd]

Thanks for the feedback from ridenby and VAhlene. It sounds like you guys have some mixed reviews about running this tire size without re-gearing.

My KJ is my daily driver and I commute a couple of days a week. I may need to stick with a smaller tire size since I don't want to re-gear and would like to avoid hurting my Jeep's performance. Given that my KJ already has 155,000 miles on it, I'm not sure I want to take the 4.10 plunge. I guess 245/75R16 is right on the edge of the performance threshold....

You may notice some loss of mileage and some loss of power but it won't be dramatic
But then a lot depends on which tires you choose as well there can be quite a bit of difference in tire weight between say a AT type tire and a full on mud tire

 

[BlackRenegade.37]

I have 245/75/16 and am running stock rims. I also have 1.25 wheel spacers on as to avoid rubbing on suspension components and to improve stance and handling after lift. I am also running OME/Bilstien with NO clevis lift and NO rear iso's. minor trimming was needed and pounding of the pinch weld was a must. As for gearing. It's not needed with this tire size but I honestly wish I had 4.10's and will upgrade eventually but I also live in CO and mountain passes can bog it down quite a bit.

old reply bro but can i please see a picture

 

[RockinRam96]

Will 245/75/16s work with stock suspension? Kind of sounds like they will but may have some minor rubbing, is that correct?

If not? What is needed? Thinking 245/75s is all I am looking for at the moment.

 

[lfhoward]

Will 245/75/16s work with stock suspension? Kind of sounds like they will but may have some minor rubbing, is that correct?

If not? What is needed? Thinking 245/75s is all I am looking for at the moment.

They will not work on the stock suspension. You need a 2.5-3” lift. See the first post in this thread.