[fusseli]

Profile shot with rock rails installed:

Does the upsize tire fit the spare as well? Any rubbing or fitment issues of any kind so far?

 

[Toecutter]

Does the upsize tire fit the spare as well? Any rubbing or fitment issues of any kind so far?

I highly doubt it would fit the spare compartment (but I haven't checked).

Under compression with the wheels turned they will rub the fender liner a bit. I've been meaning to snap a pic of the rub area. It's not enough to dissuade me from running this tire.

 

[Toecutter]

It turns out the tires rub even at normal stance without compression with the wheels turned. You can make out the abraded areas on the liner in these pics. I don't think it's putting much pressure on them.

 

[fusseli]

Okay thanks for the pics, the rubbing looks pretty minor! I'm not surprised it's a tight squeeze, seems to be common with the way Jeeps are built. Not much tire oversize without a lift. Personally I would only do the swap if the spare fits the same size. You wouldn't get far on mismatched tire sizes with the Auto functionality of the tcase. This is a well documented issue with other vehicles that have auto 4x4 modes, a matching size spare is critical.

 

[Toecutter]

You wouldn't get far on mismatched tire sizes with the Auto functionality of the tcase. This is a well documented issue with other vehicles that have auto 4x4 modes, a matching size spare is critical.

More on this idea please. I hadn't heard about it.

 

[fusseli]

More on this idea please. I hadn't heard about it.

It is a simple concept really. With a tire of different size it will rotate at a different speed and thus engage any traction systems such as the transfer case, and put a heavy load on those components that will cause damage in no time. This has always been a problem for people with AWD that don't rotate their tires properly, for example. Also a problem for trucks with auto-4WD engagement.

I do not know if the PTU/tcase and PCM in these new Jeeps is smart enough to identify the problem and compensate to save itself. I am skeptical because we know at least the ADI Cherokees come with a mini spare and not a full size. Until more is known I would be really careful.

 

[Toecutter]

Most AWD cars come with a small spare though. Does the principle apply there?

I wonder if I were off road and needed to use my spare if there would be enough slippage from loose surfaces to compensate for the mismatched sizing? I can see the problems with driving on asphalt for a sustained duration.

 

[Tristar24]

>

 

[fusseli]

Most AWD cars come with a small spare though. Does the principle apply there?

I wonder if I were off road and needed to use my spare if there would be enough slippage from loose surfaces to compensate for the mismatched sizing? I can see the problems with driving on asphalt for a sustained duration.

Yeah, I'm not really sure. I just know for a fact that mismatched tires or extreme uneven front/back tire wear (from non-rotation) has destroyed many tcases in AWD 300s and Ford Explorers with A4WD/AWD. I don't know if nowadays the electronics are smart enough to keep the tcase from engaging the drive, or what. I'm pretty sure short distances are always recommended for mini spares and ya like you say, the slip or driving off road, dirt, snow/ice, might be enough to avoid damage. I really don't know the limits but it seems like a fine line until we get some reassurances with the PTU operations.

 

[Toecutter]

I certainly wouldn't want to drive on mismatched tires for very long, that's for sure. I have an air compressor and tire repair kit in back too.

 

[fusseli]

Yeah I wonder if the PTU would just disable itself once over heated? Maybe.

 

[vanawesome]

Profile shot with rock rails installed:

@Toecutter **** those look awesome. Are those the mopar ones? Love the tires too. What are they?

 

[Toecutter]

Thanks. I have the Rocky Road Outfitters' step rails and the Goodyear Duratrac 245/70-17 tires.

http://jeepcherokeeclub.com/4-2014-jeep-cherokee-general-discussion/35994-group-buy-rro.html

http://jeepcherokeeclub.com/41-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension/34322-goodyear-wrangler-duratrac.html

 

[Staticnoise]

Had a nice drive along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park last weekend.

Saw four other Cherokees out on the roads that day. Two of them were Trailhawks, and both were Anvil!

 

[Steak House]

Nice Shot.

 

[Staticnoise]

Thanks!

 

[Dallara101]

I finally decided to put a hood decal on the Trailhawk. I went ahead and put the red pinstripe on at the same time. I had a lot of extra leftover and for $5 decided I would try some more. I outlined the DRLs and the roof rails with the pinstripe. I like the DRLs so far, but I'm not sure about the rails yet.

 

[Trailhawk84]

Not a fan of the pin-striping


Trailhawk84

 

[Toecutter]

Too much pinstriping.

 

[Treaty]

I dunno... I kinda like it.