4 Wheel Drive Zone

When it comes to Jeeps one of the most common questions asked is, “What size tires can I fit on my Jeep?” If you have asked that question or if you intend on putting larger tires on your Jeep you should give this article a read. It will help you make your decision on what tire to buy for your stock Jeep.

There are three models of Jeep Wranglers, the YJ, TJ and JK. The YJ which were made between 1987 and 1995 are best identified by the square headlights and leaf spring suspension. If you have a YJ your best bet without a lift is a 30 x 9.5 inch tire. Next there is the TJ which was made from 1997 to 2006. TJs are identified by the return to round headlights and is the first model to use a coil spring suspension. They have a little more clearance so you can therefore go with a 31 x 10.5 inch tire with no problems. You might have to adjust the steering stops if you keep the stock wheels biut that is an easy procedure. (Do a search for “jeep steering stop adjustment”). Finally you have the newest JK version which were built between 2007 and the present. JKs have an even larger wheel opening as well as an increased wheel base and slightly wider stance. JK’s can easily run a 32″ tire and even a 33″ tire with the right wheels.

So there it is. Those are the basic tire sizes you can fit on stock Wranglers. Of course you should use this as a general guideline only. Consult a tire professional before investing the money in wheels and tires if you are unsure about what tire will fit.

In many areas of the US, having mud flaps on dually vehicles is not just good sense, it is the law. Texas, for instance, mandates that all dually rear wheel drive vehicles have them. There are many other states with similar laws. Besides the legalities involved, replacing your OEM dually mud flaps and brackets once every two to three years is a good idea for many reasons.

First, by doing this it helps protect your truck from the damage caused by road debris, water and salt. Road debris can fly out and scratch, dent or ding your truck quite easily. Road spray, even during the warm months of the year, can be a hazard to paint. During the winter there is often road salt mixed with the snowmelt, ice and rain, which can eat away your paint in a very short time.

Second, by replacing your mud flaps and brackets regularly will also help keep down rust, corrosion and dirt build up on the under body of your vehicle. Rubber can dry rot and crack, this is a safety concern.

Thirdly, you are protecting other cars driving behind and along side you from excessive flying road debris that can arise from fast moving trucks on the highway.

If you already have mud flaps, but they are looking a little worn out, replacing them is actually fairly simple and only involves removing a few nuts and bolts. The single biggest concern when mounting is that you do not over-tighten the bolts. By doing this you could strip the screw, or crack the fender, if it is plastic. If replacing on some late model GM dually trucks, the fender will most likely be plastic. Replacing and repainting a fender will run around $2,000 or so. It’s better to loose a flap on the road, than break a fender by being overly cautious.

There are several options available when replacing dually mud flaps and brackets. One option is using an an all rubber style. This is the less expensive route. The better choice is using a weighted style. These are manufactured with rubber with aluminum or chrome plates added to the bottom. This added weighting provides stability and enables them to stand upright while resisting the wind. The last major style are those created with stainless steel backing to provide superior stiffness while driving. Either of these last two options are usually better for your truck than the all rubber style.

In conclusion, protecting your truck from corrosion with the use of mud flaps helps retain its value by cutting down on wear and tear, as well as protects other drivers, and stays within the stipulations of the law. Lastly, adding personality and customization to the look of your truck can makes it something you can be proud of.