315-70r17 tires rubbing on Big Bend… why?

Like the title says, I’m getting tire rubbing at full lock. I’ve read in different forums that 315-70r17s should fit with crash bars removed, but mine still rubs. Anyone know why this might be? Is there something I need to tighten or remove? Also, do you recommend wheel spacers? I’d prefer not to use them. Thanks for the help.

Are you using stock wheels? The offset makes a difference.

Tegan said:
Are you using stock wheels? The offset makes a difference.

This is it. Removing the crash bars is easy. I’ve got the same setup and only took off the rear crash bars. I left the front ones in and only get a little rub in reverse at full lock, but it’s not a big deal.

@Remy
Yeah, I’m using the stock 2024 Big Bend wheels. I’ve removed all the crash bars, but they still rub in the front at full turn.

Bailey said:
@Remy
Yeah, I’m using the stock 2024 Big Bend wheels. I’ve removed all the crash bars, but they still rub in the front at full turn.

Ah, I see. I have 285-70r17s, not 315s. My bad for misreading. Maybe a small leveling kit would help, so you don’t need a full lift.

Tegan said:
Are you using stock wheels? The offset makes a difference.

Yep, stock 2024 Big Bend wheels. I went with this tire size because I saw people saying it wouldn’t rub with just the crash bars removed. I’m not super knowledgeable about this stuff, so what are my options? The guy at the tire shop suggested 1.25-inch spacers. What do you think?

@Bailey
Wheel spacers are the quick fix, but they can be risky. If you go with spacers, you’ll need to check the torque on them regularly.

A better solution is to get wheels with a lower offset. For example, the Sasquatch wheels have a +30 offset, while your Big Bend wheels are +55. Lower numbers push the wheels out more, and higher numbers tuck them in closer.

EDIT: I found all the specs here on Bronco Nation.

@Teo
Thanks for breaking that down. Looks like I’ll need new rims. One question, though: Does a lower offset wheel cause more wear on things like wheel bearings? For example, does the Sasquatch have anything built-in to handle the lower offset? I feel like I messed up, man. I researched this and even saw people saying no rubbing with stock Big Bend wheels.

@Bailey
Yeah, wheels that stick out more can put extra stress on the wheel bearings. Just try to stay close to factory specs. Anything from +30 to -10 should work fine. Lower than -10 might look weird and put more strain on your suspension.

Offset is measured in millimeters. A 0 offset wheel will stick out 30mm (about 1.2 inches) more than a +30 wheel. Also, stick to 8-9 inch wide wheels. It’s a good balance for off-roading and gives you more tire options in the future.

I’ve got a Big Bend Sasquatch, and my tires don’t rub at full lock. Not sure why yours are.

Tegan said:
I’ve got a Big Bend Sasquatch, and my tires don’t rub at full lock. Not sure why yours are.

Does the Sasquatch come with a lift? Mine isn’t a Sasquatch.

Bailey said:

Tegan said:
I’ve got a Big Bend Sasquatch, and my tires don’t rub at full lock. Not sure why yours are.

Does the Sasquatch come with a lift? Mine isn’t a Sasquatch.

Yeah, it has a lift. That’s probably why you’re rubbing.

@Tegan
Do Sasquatch wheels have a different offset? I’d hate to lift it and still have rubbing issues with my stock rims.

Bailey said:
@Tegan
Do Sasquatch wheels have a different offset? I’d hate to lift it and still have rubbing issues with my stock rims.

Yes, Sasquatch and non-Sasquatch wheels have different offsets. Don’t use spacers—they’ll mess up your wheel bearings. Either get a small spacer lift or change your wheels.

@Bryce
Which bar should I pull? I already removed the crash bars. Also, will a lift stop it from hitting the control arm when turning? Thanks for the help.

Bailey said:
@Bryce
Which bar should I pull? I already removed the crash bars. Also, will a lift stop it from hitting the control arm when turning? Thanks for the help.

If it’s hitting the control arm, you’ve got bigger issues. You need more space, so a different wheel offset is required. Honestly, if it’s that bad, you might want to return the tires and get something smaller or stick with stock.

@Bryce
If I get new rims with the right offset and a 2-inch lift, will that fix it?

Bailey said:
@Bryce
If I get new rims with the right offset and a 2-inch lift, will that fix it?

Hard to say. We went with the Wildtrak because we wanted the 35-inch tires and lift. I’d suggest finding an off-road or tire shop and asking them. Discount Tire might be a good start, but it depends on the store.

I’ve seen the opposite. Stock Big Bend (or Black Diamond, like mine) wheels will rub without a lift or spacers. Sasquatch wheels have different backspacing to fit those tires. I’m skeptical of people who claim no rubbing with unlifted non-Sasquatch setups.

Are you rubbing on the sway bar, fender liner, or control arm?

@Vesper
Thanks for replying. It’s rubbing on the control arm. Do you have any advice? I don’t really like the idea of spacers, but if it’s safe at 1.25 inches, I might consider it.