285 question

[Swinefludeth]

Hello after jumping down the rabbit hole that is ranger5g forums, I have read many threads on fitting 285's. I think I have it worked out but would like some clarification. I have 2021 XLT 4x4 with the stock sport wheels. Im about to put a 2.5 spacer lift and plan on getting 1" wheel spacers. Also going to remove the crash bars. Would all of that be enough to run 285 70 r17 ridge grapplers? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

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[Superspirit]

In short, yes. That's basically what I've done except I used the roush wheels to get the 1 in more offset. I also opted to use ready lift high clearance bars as I didn't want to eliminate them completely.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

 

[ScarzRanger21(2.0)]

Even with 1” spacers, you’re gonna be cutting it really close unless you remove crash bars or install high-clearance bars. I have 2” offset wheels and even with 255 tires, I had to remove crash bars or they would rub.
Also just FYI, you’re better off going with offset wheels instead of spacers. They put a lot of extra stress on the suspension, even though 1” doesn’t seem like much. IF you’re going to use spacers, make sure they’re hub-centric and not lug-centric. Some people have had issues with vibration after installing spacers. Food for thought.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Even with 1” spacers, you’re gonna be cutting it really close unless you remove crash bars or install high-clearance bars. I have 2” offset wheels and even with 255 tires, I had to remove crash bars or they would rub.
Also just FYI, you’re better off going with offset wheels instead of spacers. They put a lot of extra stress on the suspension, even though 1” doesn’t seem like much. IF you’re going to use spacers, make sure they’re hub-centric and not lug-centric. Some people have had issues with vibration after installing spacers. Food for thought.

I’ve run 1” wheel spacers for 50,000 miles with no issues. The spacers don’t create more leverage than higher offset wheels. The only thing that * might* be affected is the lugs.

 

[JoeDop1]

I've got Wildpeak 285/70/17's on Method +25 offset wheels. I replaced the crash bars with Ready Lift anti-intrusion bars. I'm only on a Fox 2.0 leveling kit. I get rubbing on my wheel well liners at full chocks. Your 2.5-inch spacer lift might work out perfectly.

 

[Swinefludeth]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Much appreciated!

 

[DLinc184]

I have 285-70-17 on my Tremor...stock wheels ...no lift with BDS crash bars. No rub.

You won't have any issues!

 

[Frenchy]

You will have input from many people here, but here's my $0.05 of input(sorry but pennies are no longer in production). Skip the wheel spacers and go with the 285/70-17's. Doing such the tire should fit. If there is any rubbing it will be at full lock. Don't cut the crash bars. They are there to help ensure you don't get heavily injured in the event of an unwanted accident. If anything simply loosen them and push them away from the tires. Also remove the plastic covers around the front bars.

As for the lift, do better and don't use spacers. Spend the money on good suspension.

 

[DLinc184]

OK...from someone who just did 285s on stock wheels, the tires will rub without a lift.
I personally didn't want it any taller, so I just did the 3/8 spacers with extended lugs like this:
https://wheeladaptersusa.com/produc...BiC9zGEL6OSLtzU_4hx-zYSWqzMxmXfhoCt6YQAvD_BwE


and swapped the stock crash bars for BDS crash bars.

The front bars require loosing the bumper (one side at a time), and there's no need to waste time cutting the OEM crash bars. I was able to get the rear crash bars off by loosening the wheel flares at the bottom, and they come right out.

I didn't like the "poke" that 1" spacers would create, and I think the 3/8" spacers are fine

 

[Frenchy]

As an alternative you can fit 265/70-17's with no modification what so ever.

 

[TheExtra404]

Its what I am running, 265/70/17, unfortunately for me. I just cant leave well enough alone. So, next time I need to replace my tires, im going up to 285, and will be around the miles to rehab/replace the Fox 2.0 on my tremor. not decided yet on all that.

 

[ScarzRanger21(2.0)]

I’ve run 1” wheel spacers for 50,000 miles with no issues. The spacers don’t create more leverage than higher offset wheels. The only thing that * might* be affected is the lugs.

When I was researching wheels, I saved this article:
- Performance Impact on Your Vehicle
Both modifications affect how your car handles, but in slightly different ways. The key difference lies in how they manage the forces from driving:

With offset rims, the wheel's design accounts for the additional leverage created by the wider stance. This means your suspension components work within forces they were designed to handle.

Wheel spacers create the same wider stance, but they introduce an additional mounting point. While this doesn't automatically mean more wear, it does mean your suspension needs to manage forces differently than it was originally designed to do.

Offset rims typically maintain closer alignment with the original design parameters, though they still affect wear patterns when using aggressive offsets.

Wheel spacers introduce an additional stress point that can accelerate wear on ball joints, wheel bearings, and control arm bushings.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Its what I am running, 265/70/17, unfortunately for me. I just cant leave well enough alone. So, next time I need to replace my tires, im going up to 285, and will be around the miles to rehab/replace the Fox 2.0 on my tremor. not decided yet on all that.

This is how I ended up on 35s...

 

[TheExtra404]

This is how I ended up on 35s...

You know, that has crossed my mind...

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