Rear Axle Location on a TJ?

[jds97Wrangler]

I Put a RC flex series 4 inch lift in my 97 TJ over the winter I now have 35"x12.50 tires on it and I am noticing that I plenty of clearance top and rear of the back tires. But I only have about 1"1/2 to 2" clearance from the front of the tire to the fender well.

This lift came with fully adjustable upper and lower control arms I set them to the measurements the kit recommended when I installed them. Would I hurt anything if I took them back out and extended them 1" to move the rear axle back some? And would this mess with the alignment where I would have to have it realigned?

 

[hscrugby]

I Put a RC flex series 4 inch lift in my 97 TJ over the winter I now have 35"x12.50 tires on it and I am noticing that I plenty of clearance top and rear of the back tires. But I only have about 1"1/2 to 2" clearance from the front of the tire to the fender well.
This lift came with fully adjustable upper and lower control arms I set them to the measurements the kit recommended when I installed them. Would I hurt anything if I took them back out and extended them 1" to move the rear axle back some? And would this mess with the alignment where I would have to have it realigned?

Nothing really to "align" on the rear axle.
Just make sure they are adjusted the same amount on both sides, and make sure your trackbar has the axle centered.
As for "hurting anything" move it back far enough that the trackbar doesn't hit your gas tank skid, or the tires don't come into the back of the fenders on compression.


Edit: oh and obviously make sure you keep the pinion angle right.

 

[jds97Wrangler]

Thanks I'll probably move 3/4" to 1" just to center the rear tires in the fender wells.

 

[adam greene]

i just put the same lift on my jeep and the rear tires are closer to the front so when the tire tucks up in the fender it goes in the middle.

 

[GotWood]

With the movement of the suspension, the tires trac in an arc, actually moving backwards in their travel path.

 

[willness33]

With the movement of the suspension, the tires trac in an arc, actually moving backwards in their travel path.

Yup.

Thanks I'll probably move 3/4" to 1" just to center the rear tires in the fender wells.

ANd if you do this and run a big tire, you're going to tear up the rear part of the wheel opening when you stuff one up in there.

 

[jds97Wrangler]

Yup.
ANd if you do this and run a big tire, you're going to tear up the rear part of the wheel opening when you stuff one up in there.

Thanks that is why I was asking! I haven't made the change yet I just notice the tires were close to the front fender well. If it is not a problem then I'll go on the theory of if it isn't broke don't fix it.

 

[Rox&Mud]

As an example, my rear tires on my ZJ are only about 1.5-2" from the front of the wheel opening but when it is compressed it is dead center.

 

[jds97Wrangler]

As an example, my rear tires on my ZJ are only about 1.5-2" from the front of the wheel opening but when it is compressed it is dead center.

Thanks for the pic it definatly shows me there is not a problem on mine. I apreciate all the info I get from here it really helps a newbie when they are trying to enjoy the sport of 4 wheeling driving.