33x12.50 tires. How much backspacing?

[NightHawk]

I just finished putting a 4" suspension lift and a 3" body lift on my '93 Explorer. I am planning on putting 33x12.50x15 BFG Mud Terrain tires on it. I need to know how much backspacing I will need to make them fit. I would like to run an 8" wheel. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[DOGMAN]

You have a range of backspacing that you can use, it comes down to what's important to you as far as performance and looks.

I personally think you can run an 8" wheel that has between 3.25" and 4.0" backspacing. The less backspacing you have, the farther the wheel and tire will stick out. Of course the farther out you go, the more force you put on the wheel bearings, but I think this range would be perfectly acceptable.

I've seen 33x12.50's on 91 to 94 Explorers with 3.25" and 4.0" backspacing, and many on this site use something in between. They all look and perform well. I just saw Matt Adams' rig in person and his Eagle 589's with 3.25" backspacing look great, work well too. I personally like the look of less backspacing when the rig has a lot of lift -- Matt has the 5.5" Superlift. He also uses Bushwacker flares.

Tomorrow I will finally get my new 33x12.50 Swamper SSR's installed with the new Mickey Thompson Classic II wheel that has 3 5/16" backspacing. I have the 5.5" also. I'll let you know how they look, since I don't have flares.

Sounds like you're on the right track. Some think that 3.5" to 3.75" is optimum, but I think you'll be OK with any 8" wheel that has between 3.25" and 4.0" backspacing. The 4.0" has more chance of rubbing on the sway bar, and the 3.25" puts a little more strain on the wheel bearings, so decide what's important to you.

Good luck.

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DOGMAN
91 4dr 5sp
5.5" Superlift

 

[NightHawk]

Thanks DOGMAN! I think I am going with the American Racing AR63's with 3 3/4" backspacing. Those should give me enough backspacing for the tires not to rub. I will let you know how mine turns out too. Thanks for the info!

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Happy Trails!
'93 XLT
4" Superlift (suspension)
3" Performance Acccessories (body)
31x10.50 BFG All Terrains (Till next week)
Dyno Max cat back exhaust
Rancho 5000 shocks
Poly bushing kit (front and rear)
More to come!

 

[ExplorGM]

Dogman,
How about a picture of your truck with your new SSRs? How do you like them so far? Noise level?
Rick

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Rick
95 Explorer Sport Expedition
Dead Link Removed

 

[DOGMAN]

Rick,

Getting some pictures developed so it should be soon.

So far, I really like the SSR's. I've put about 600 miles on them. There is a higher pitched hum, but it isn't that loud. Other than that, they are quieter than the Bridgestone muds that I took off. Very comfortable ride also.

Plus they look fantastic!

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DOGMAN
91 4dr 5sp
5.5" Superlift
"Downhill is just uphill in the opposite direction"