I have a 2005 4wd with factory rims with a 2.5 Rancho Quicklift up front and a 1.5 AAL in the rear. Currnetly running 275/60/20 cooper Zeon LTZ.

The tires I want are 35x12.50-20 Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ.

I am not concerned about rubbing the sway bar at full lock or having to trim the lower valance. My main concern is the clearance between the inner sidewall and the upper control arm. Right now with the 275/60/20 I only have a little over an inch of clearance. I am just wondering if anyone has had an issue with it on a similar all terrain tire that size?

I have searched the threads and most say it can be done. I just hate to order these tires and they not fit so I am looking for any additional info available.

Thanks!

 

You are right. Some 12.50 inch wide tires will touch the upper control arm/ball joint. This is because of the 6.5 inches of backspacing on the OEM wheels. Tires with aggressive sidewall lugs stand more of a chance of rubbing. There are a few slightly narrower 35 inch tires, like the BFG AT KO 285/65-20 (35x11.50) that will fit fine.

 

i ran 12.5 inch wide mud terrains on factory rims with a 2 inch level and the lugs on the side rubbed on the control arm. didnt do any damage though, just polished the arm haha. with the a/t i think you could get away with it

 

Thanks for the replies!

I have thought about the BFG in the 285/65-20 and I know it is a good tire. If I don't go with the Mickey Thompson it probably will be the BFG AT KO. I just like the looks of that ATZ though.

So was the rubbing just light enough that it did not harm anything? Did you hear or feel it? The AT tire would not be as aggressive on the side so maybe it would work.

 

correct, the rubbing wasnt bad enough to hear or feel or do damage to the lugs.

 

What rim was this? 12.50 inch wide tires are not a big issue with the OEM 17 and 18 inch wheels. But he is asking about his OEM 20 inch wheels that have 6.5 inches of backspacing compared to the OEM 17 and 18 wheels that have 5.5 inches of backspacing. That extra inch of BS has caused problems for many members. Some 12.50 inch wide tires mounted on the OEM 20's will actually contact the upper control arm/ball joint as soon as you tighten the lugnuts down. I'm not talking about just minor rubbing on the control arms at full steering lock.

 

mine were 18 inch fx4 wheels with mud terrains, but with his all terrains you think they would contact as soon as they are mounted?

 

Possibly. The clearance is tight enough that some tires will clear while another brand in the same size will rub. And the Mickey Thompson ATZ's have a pretty aggressive sidewall for an AT.

 

I am inclined to think it might work. I saw a chevy truck in a parking lot with new 35-12.5-20 ATZ's. I measured the tread width as best I could with my tape measure. It was only about 3/4 wider than my tire. I really thought it would be more. Of course I know the widest part is at the section width. He did have an aftermarket rim that could have made a difference also.

I will be making a decision soon my current tires need to be replaced.

 

Look at the Toyo A/T in 305/60/20. Almost a 35 and still meaty. They're a beaut and they're the only tires that come in this size.

 

The width is the problem. According to the Toyo specs it is basically a 12.50 inch wide tire.

 

Have you considered the BFG AT KO in the 285/65-20 size? It's essentially a 35x11.50x20 tire and would fit easily with the OEM wheels.

 

Yes that would be my second choice and I very well may end up with the 285/65 BFG.

I have been looking for local dealer with a 35x12.50 in stock so I could test fit one but no luck so far.

 

Well after going back and forth on this 100 times I just ordered a set of Goodyear Duratracs in 275/65/20. I almost went with the BFG and I would have liked a little wider tire but I got a really good deal on these. Got them for $1213 shipped and will get $110 back in rebates off of that.

 

Where did you buy them from?