02 lib 1.5" lift - 245/75-16 tires???

OK, so I just purchased as 'new to me' 02 Liberty, 3.7L limited. I know it has a lift as it currently rides on 255/70-16 Destination AT's, checked prior to purchase and no blocks, all spring, rear springs still have tag [OME947], which online shows 1.5" lift. No evidence of tire rub and car sits level even with the ARB Winch Bumper and winch up front. I have not had it off road yet, but checked turn lock to lock and compressed suspension some to see if i could get rub and non evident.

My questions is this, tire I am looking at is not made in 255/70-16, but is made in 245/75-16. Looking at these tires on size chart, the 245 shows to be a little narrower [245 is 9.65" and the 255 is 10.04"] but the 245 is 30.47" in diameter, as compared to the 255 at 30.06". Does anyone have a similar set up? Anyone's experience that can chime in on making this tire change would be a huge help. I can replace the exisiting tires with new Dest AT's but was wanting something a little more aggressive.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I have 245/75/16 duratracs and the OME 1.5" lift and I have a tiny bit of rub on full lock only. No other time. I do not have the weight of the front bumper/winch but I do not think it would make it any worse.

245 75 16 will fit, they as you pointed out are slightly taller but you have the arb up front and are on stock wheels so clearance up there shouldn't be an issue. You may need to pound the pinch weld if it isn't done already?

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f202/how-pound-pinch-welds-stop-fender-rubbing-34295/


Have you got rear bump stops added? More then likely looks like / are 2 hockey pucks on your spring perch to keep from over compressing the rear and tearing off your fenders?

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f202/how-install-rear-bumpstops-hockey-puck-version-43989/

Check for fronts too while your looking as their great insurance to added longer life to your suspension. They are what makes contact with the Upper control arm (UCA) when front is fully compressed.

JeepinbyAl.com - Detail1 - JBA-TER1903200 - TeraFlex Bump Stop - Jeep Liberty KJ (2002-2007) - Jeep Liberty KK (2008 plus) - Dodge Nitro KA (2007 Plus) - JeepinbyAl.com

Cardhu, Thanks for the very valuable info. This puts me over the top so the new shoes should be on it this weekend. Will post some pics when done.

Cardhu said:

245 75 16 will fit, they as you pointed out are slightly taller but you have the arb up front and are on stock wheels so clearance up there shouldn't be an issue. You may need to pound the pinch weld if it isn't done already?

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f202/how-pound-pinch-welds-stop-fender-rubbing-34295/


Have you got rear bump stops added? More then likely looks like / are 2 hockey pucks on your spring perch to keep from over compressing the rear and tearing off your fenders?

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f202/how-install-rear-bumpstops-hockey-puck-version-43989/

Check for fronts too while your looking as their great insurance to added longer life to your suspension. They are what makes contact with the Upper control arm (UCA) when front is fully compressed.

JeepinbyAl.com - Detail1 - JBA-TER1903200 - TeraFlex Bump Stop - Jeep Liberty KJ (2002-2007) - Jeep Liberty KK (2008 plus) - Dodge Nitro KA (2007 Plus) - JeepinbyAl.com

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Just an FYI...I saw 245/75R16's on an unlifted Libby yesterday. Those tires looked way smaller in person than I thought they would. I suppose there might be rubbing issues from running a bigger tire, but after seeing that Jeep, I decided to go up to 265/75's...they were only about $30 more for the set. I don't do much offroading, and have the terraflex bumpstops up front. Hopefully I won't have too many issues. shyco:

As far as gearing...oh well. Not gonna drop over a grand getting 4.10 gears installed. Far as I'm concerned, my Ram had I believe 305's with 3.55 gears in it. Don't see why I need 4.10's on the Jeep.

42RLE
1st = 2.84
2nd = 1.57
3rd = 1.0
4th = .69
With stock 3.73 gears:
Top Gear OD - .69 x 3.73 = 2.57

Compared to 4.10 gears
Top Gear OD - .69 x 4.10 = 2.83

vs 545rfe in the Ram

Gear Ratios:
1st 3.00:1
2nd 1.67:1
2nd Prime 1.50:1
3rd 1.00:1
4th 0.75:1
5th 0.67:1
With Stock 3.55 gears:
Top Gear OD - .67 x 3.55 = 2.38

You'll see soon why you need 4.10s if you went to 265-75s, it will shift all of the time on open road, dog down on any little grade, will run hotter , less mileage and the list goes on.
but then there has been many like you
that tried and soon regeared arty52:

And comparing the ram to the Liberty is like comparing Monkeys to Apes

If you offroad or not doesn't make any difference at all when all is said and done

Looked at your album, nice looking kj.

first&lastKJ said:

Looked at your album, nice looking kj.

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Thanks. Got her new shoes today. I love love love the way it looks now. Heading to the hunt lease this weekend and they got a ton of rain in the last two weeks, so mud is definately in my near future. Wish us luck.

Authority tires, nice choice. Thats what we have on our 07, great tire for the price.

The OME lift is stated as 1.5 inches but that is the amount of lift over the stock height. Measure the distance from the center of the wheel to the bottom lip of the fender flare. You're probable sitting around 22-23 inches. That will determine how much space you have before rubbing.

As has been stated be sure there are front and rear bumpstops installed to protect your fender flares - especially with the new, taller tires.

Jeep looks great! Let us know how your offload adventures went at your hunt lease.

Bob

Mud adventure went great. I had some rub on the Arb bumper plate that covers the original washer bottle location but as soon as I got home, the washer was removed as well as that pesky plate. Pinch welds and bump stops are in my future very soon. Only other real rub is at just before lock both directions. Back don't run unless fully compressed so bump stops should fix that. Going to finish up the washer bottle relocate as well.

Other than that couldn't be happier. I have been on this hunt lease for going on three years, really remote and about a mile off paved road thru a number of gates in primitive diet road. When it rains hard, it becomes a sloppy mess. Well Saturday we got hit with an epic **** floater and I felt more solid in my little Libby than I ever felt in my 01 supercrew. This little beast just felt so firm and grounded and never felt like she wanted to faulter. Very please.

Thank you all for the advise

Here is a pick back at camp with a little war paint.