1983 wagoneer with saggy springs max tire size?

[edognight]

Ok, before everyone jumps on me, I have searched, but I really want to know for sure because I am about to plunk down 500$ on tires. I just want aggressive 4x4 tires, and based on the research I have done, the best I can tell, the biggest tires I can fit is 30x9.5x15. The reason I am asking is, I found conflicting research about older J trucks, (but the model they are talking about on a thread isn't always clear) Jtrucks, I guess had wide body kits, etc.

So: max tire size, 1983 jeep wag brogham, 360, sagging springs, (or slight mods, like an add a leaf)

GO....

[AwesomeJ10]

Sounds about right. There is no definitive answer as we have no idea how much your springs have sagged which affects the answer.

$500 for a set of tires is dirt cheap. Last I checked, My 42's were $700 each.

[fulsizjeep]

The front should be fine but for the rear, there is a slight chance they will rub in the front bottom of the wheel wells if you stuff them deep enough. I had that experience on a 77 Wagoneer with saggy springs. I just rolled the lips in a little right there where they rubbed and the tires cleared. Then I put a lift on the next year.

[candymancan]

Rear on wagoneers the quarter panel lip is just 2 inches lower then the front lip of the fender on the wheel wells.. So it makes the illusion they are sagging in the rear lower then the front.

Measure if you dont believe me. I measured mine using the wood trim as a place to start and i discovered the front fender is 16 inches and the quarter panel is 18 inches.. So, no there is no more sag in the rear then the front. And this is with all new oem springs. All or most old station wagons or cars from that time period had lower quarter panels in the rear then the front. But they arent saggin. It was just the "LOOK" for back then. But since the quarter panel sits lower you might rub like he mentioned.


If you want a cheap lift get some Gabriel or Monroe coil over shocks. The load carrying shocks. I have the gabriels was only $120 for 4. Raised my Jeep 1 inch. Fits in the front but you need 2-3 washers on the bolt to space it further from the shock mount

[Lumpskie]

I think you could clear 30x9.5" tires ok. Here's a picture of mine, when I had a sagged suspension, with the rear tire stuffed. (30x9.5)



Here's another with the Alcans on. You can see a little better how a 30" stuffs:

[edognight]

OK, great, I am gonna do some 30 inchers, and the shocks are a great idea, I dint even know shocks like that existed, I'm glad I asked. Thanks.

[fxtechphx]

I am running 32" without issues on original springs,as far as I can tell. I have yet to rub even off road

[candymancan]

Yea i think you can do more then 30.. Id go bigger and if you rub try those shocks out.

[edognight]

Thanks guys, set of used 32" at the used tire store down the road looking tempting...

[Stuka]

Thanks guys, set of used 32" at the used tire store down the road looking tempting...

I HIGHLY doubt 32's will fit without a lift, as 31's come extremely close to rubbing the front edge of the rear fenders with 31's and normal suspension.

[candymancan]

Sounds like a Zj, max is 31 and 31s rub on full lock turn backing up.

Let us lnow what you get and how they fit

[edognight]

Well, I did get a rusty's 2" add a leaf, (I know I didn't mention this before,) and I might go test fit those 32's, but thanks for all the info!
Just looking at the jeep, I have 235x75x15, and there is about 1.75" gap to the back fenderwell at the bottom, but this is a theoretical clearance...

[edognight]

I got the lift on the ol' jeep, and the suspension is MUCH better. The entire truck used to lurch about 1-2" with revving the engine, and the helper springs, and new shocks took care of all that bounce. I am very happy with the ride, stiffer, yes, but it needed to be! Thanks for all the help with the specifics, gonna order some 31's in a few days, and we'll call this jeep lifted.

[candymancan]

which shocks did you get ?

[az chip]

I am running 32" without issues on original springs,as far as I can tell. I have yet to rub even off road

Yes. But you have a Cherokee and he has a wagoneer. Different animals.

[edognight]

I got the rusty's add a leaf kit, it was tough to put on because the pins they give you dont fit in the top suspension part (steering knuckle??) Shocks were Rust'ys as well, because of the cost. I wanted some of those spring over types, the guy posted above, but they were a little steep for my old brown bomber.

After all the research I have done, on a 1983 wagoneer brogham, the best I can tell the max tire size is 31x10.5x15's on stock wheels, because of the front of the wheel arch in the rear...I didnt want to cut any metal, it's a project.

[candymancan]

Yea my front new springs the pins were a larger diameter then that plate thing on the axle tube.. So i got a wrasp which is a round little bit with teeth on it and wrasped the whole bigger.

[Cecil14]

Just FYI to everyone reading this thread: our shock mounts are not/were not/never will be intended to be load bearing. It's wonderful that people are making it work, but it is NOT a good solution.

aa

edit: spelling

[edognight]

You mean the shock mounts in the fender well? Like for the weight bearing shocks mentioned above?

[Cecil14]

The mounts on the frame and on the axle. They were engineered for dampening, not load capacity. As above, people have done it successfully, but I wouldn't do it on my rig. I've watched shock towers break off from overtightening before...


aa