Need Wider Fenders

[JimboJames]

Hi everyone. First time posting. I have 2016 JKU Sahara and I just installed 275/70/R18 33s with 1.5" wide Spidertrax wheel spacers. Of course, after I did this I learned that my Jeep wont pass the yearly inspection if any tread is protruding past the fenders. Looks like my tires are about 1.5" past the fenders. Can you recommend any wider fenders that will put my Jeep into compliance? Preferably fenders that wont cost me over $800.

 

[Cimmerian]

I'd get rid of the spacers instead. They're inherently unsafe anyway.

 

[JimboJames]

I'd get rid of the spacers instead. They're inherently unsafe anyway.

The tires rub against the sway bar if I don’t use them.

 

[WSS]

When I am in Hi, I see alot of vehicles with tires/wheels sticking way out from the fenders. Are inspectors actively flagging that issue where you are? If it is a known problem, you could put some temporary extender/liners on that you make yourself for the yearly inspection.

 

[WSS]

https://www.redrock4x4.com/products...HLY7hZOdLJjtra4YK0TjaoA1y8BIZlMEAzc6ufDt8NA9w

 

[JimboJames]

When I am in Hi, I see alot of vehicles with tires/wheels sticking way out from the fenders. Are inspectors actively flagging that issue where you are? If it is a known problem, you could put some temporary extender/liners on that you make yourself for the yearly inspection.

Yeah, there are a lot on the road that are not in compliance. I spoke with a few folks and they said they either take their wheel spacers out prior to inspection or temporarily add some type of fender flair that covers the entire tread. I’m looking for something more permanent so I don’t have this hassle every year.

 

[Cimmerian]

The tires rub against the sway bar if I don’t use them.

Did 2016s come with 18s or is that something you added?

 

[Mopar]

Did 2016s come with 18s or is that something you added?

I don’t know how many years but 2016 Sahara models came with 18 inch wheels

 

[Mopar]

Hi everyone. First time posting. I have 2016 JKU Sahara and I just installed 275/70/R18 33s with 1.5" wide Spidertrax wheel spacers. Of course, after I did this I learned that my Jeep wont pass the yearly inspection if any tread is protruding past the fenders. Looks like my tires are about 1.5" past the fenders. Can you recommend any wider fenders that will put my Jeep into compliance? Preferably fenders that wont cost me over $800.

Do you have a lift?

 

[tJKrider]

I'd get rid of the spacers instead. They're inherently unsafe anyway.

Only if they're low quality and/or not checked for proper torque as a regular maintenance item.

 

[tJKrider]

https://www.redrock4x4.com/products...HLY7hZOdLJjtra4YK0TjaoA1y8BIZlMEAzc6ufDt8NA9w

Another vote for these.

 

[tJKrider]

I don’t know how many years but 2016 Sahara models came with 18 inch wheels

My 2016 Sahara came with 17s, but it has the 75th Anniversary package. Maybe the ones that didn't have that package had 18s??

 

[JimboJames]

Did 2016s come with 18s or is that something you added?

They came with 18s.

 

[JimboJames]

Do you have a lift?

No lift.

 

[Mopar]

My 2016 Sahara came with 17s, but it has the 75th Anniversary package. Maybe the ones that didn't have that package had 18s??

What does a search of your VIN say came from the factory? Maybe someone swapped the wheels?

Believe it has to be capitalized

https://fcagroup.my.site.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing

 

[Mopar]

No lift.

I have the same vehicle and have the same size tires on it. I have a 3 inch lift and no spacers needed.

 

[Yittzy]

yeah go with arb or smittybilt if you're on a budget. arb's way better quality but costs more. i ran arbs on my jk for like 5 years and never had issues. just make sure you measure your tire size first cuz going too wide can rub depending on your suspension setup. what tires you running?

 

[pc1p]

Only if they're low quality and/or not checked for proper torque as a regular maintenance item.

Ehh, I wouldn't go so far as to say "only"...

While buying from a trusted brand and following good maintenance/install practices will certainly lower ones risk of failure, I've seen exponentially more spacer failures (on rigs that are wheeled as well as street-only princesses), than stud/hub failures. This includes rigs with spacers that that were both well-maintained AND had quality components. At the end of the day, it's a physics and numbers issue...

 

[tJKrider]

physics

Ok I'll bite, since I've learned you never say something without substantiation.

Is it not possible to get sufficient clamp load on a JK spacer due to the size/material of the lugs? Or is it there not enough structure to support and transmit the load to/from the wheel? I haven't run the threaded fastener equations to understand them at that level. If so, then I'll modify my response in future posts. Always happy to learn!

FYI - My experience is different then yours. A career in engine design where we commonly traded continuous material for an extra highly stressed bolted joint for various reasons. 1st hand motorsport involvement where I've seen more failed crappy wheels and can't recall seeing a spacer-related failure. However, I'm new to the Jeep world so my knowledge is more theoretical, not practical, based on where the limitations are on a JK.

 

[Mopar]

I would always avoid spacers whenever possible but sometimes it’s the easiest solution for a clearance problem. I’d much rather do a lift to fix a clearance problem than to use spacers….of course spacers are the cheapest solution.

That’s part of the reason Jeep doesn’t have a great reputation for reliability. Lots of modification parts on the market but not all are well engineered