Can I put 38 inch Boggers on my ride?

[78 GMC Jimmy]

So I have a 78 GMC Jimmy (Chevy Blazer).

I currently have fairly bald 37x12.5x17 A/T tires that were rubbing a bit while turning the wheel while changing angles. Like going from flat to steep uphill road with the wheels turned, it would rub. I beat the shhhhh-it out of the fenders with a sledge hammer, and now they don't rub anymore.

I don't know what lift I have. 4 inch maybe?

So I'm thinking about buying some 38x12.50x16.5 Brand new Boggers, with 8 lug rims. All brand new for under a G.

Thoughts?

Should I plan on needing more lift? Sand paper to the fenders? Jack hammer to the fenders?

Whatchall think?

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

 

[nvrenuf]

I bet they’ll rub, a lot. Both tires might be 12.50 wide but the lugs on the Boggers will almost certainly stick out further than your existing tires.

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

I bet they’ll rub, a lot. Both tires might be 12.50 wide but the lugs on the Boggers will almost certainly stick out further than your existing tires.

Whats the fix ? More sledge hammer'n? More lift?

 

[Desert_K5]

@Fastereddie is good at it, did a great job on my 77. He's got 40s and I run 37s with link kit that stuffs up in there with no rubbing. I would think 38s would fit after trimming. Cut off wheel or air saw works well. Hopefully you can see where mine was trimmed.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

Going to have to trim more, I went to 38's from 37's and had to cut quite a bit, I also moved the axle forward an inch or inch and a half and that helped with keeping them off the firewall.

 

[nvrenuf]

Whats the fix ? More sledge hammer'n? More lift?

Yes to any of those. Lift / cut / hammer / remove the fenders, it's really whatever you're willing to do to clear fit the tires.

Narrow wheels and more inward offset will fit more tire for a given lift than wider wheels that push the tire outward.

 

[Blue85]

Go measure your 37's. Most are "radial-sized", meaning it's probably 35.5-36" diameter. The boggers will be pretty close to rated size.

 

[70jimmy]

Angle grinder is your friend. Mine is a combo, cut lift. When you think you have enough park it at an angle on a hill with wheels turned both ways and check then take off more for hard compression. You can also look at a zero rate if needed for a bit of lift and locating the axle to rear if needed. This on 37's but it flexes pretty well.

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

Angle grinder is your friend. Mine is a combo, cut lift. When you think you have enough park it at an angle on a hill with wheels turned both ways and check then take off more for hard compression. You can also look at a zero rate if needed for a bit of lift and locating the axle to rear if needed. This on 37's but it flexes pretty well.

View attachment 470360

Zero Rate lift - would one of the really be safe in the front? Can you stack two of them in there? I bet 2 more inches in the front would be enough for the 38's, no?

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

Zero Rate lift - would one of the really be safe in the front? Can you stack two of them in there? I bet 2 more inches in the front would be enough for the 38's, no?

Zero rate you can also move the front axle forward; then a slightly longer shackle. or bite the bullet and get a bigger lift. or do both.

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

Zero rate you can also move the front axle forward; then a slightly longer shackle. or bite the bullet and get a bigger lift. or do both.

Do you have to use a longer shackle if you push the axle forward?

 

[70jimmy]

I wouldn't stack them anywhere. You can use a zero rate up front but new springs would be preferable or extended shackles in my opinion.

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

I wouldn't stack them anywhere. You can use a zero rate up front but new springs would be preferable or extended shackles in my opinion.

Can i just throw some longer shackles on front and rear to get another 3" of lift?

Would that work?

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

So..... Whats up with this?

Is this why the front end feels loose and I can a clunk sometimes when turning?

How do I fix this?

 

[Fastereddie]

Ubolts are loose and your center pin is probably broken.

 

[nvrenuf]

That mark looks like your axle is sliding on the spring, most likely a broken leaf spring center pin. FIX THAT SOON!

Since shackles are only on one end of the spring using longer shackles only nets 1/2 of the additional length. In order to achieve 3” of lift via a shackle it would need to be 6” longer than stock or approximately 10” long, using a shackle more than 1” longer than stock will create all kinds of alignment (caster) problems.

 

[Fastereddie]

That mark looks like your axle is sliding on the spring, most likely a broken leaf spring center pin. FIX THAT SOON!

Since shackles are only on one end of the spring using longer shackles only nets 1/2 of the additional length. In order to achieve 3” of lift via a shackle it would need to be 6” longer than stock or approximately 10” long, using a shackle more than 1” longer than stock will create all kinds of alignment (caster) problems.

And pinion angle for sure!

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

That mark looks like your axle is sliding on the spring, most likely a broken leaf spring center pin. FIX THAT SOON!

Since shackles are only on one end of the spring using longer shackles only nets 1/2 of the additional length. In order to achieve 3” of lift via a shackle it would need to be 6” longer than stock or approximately 10” long, using a shackle more than 1” longer than stock will create all kinds of alignment (caster) problems.

If I get that ... Zero Rate thingy for for the front and the rear, will that be a good small lift, and also address this sliding axle thing? Do those kits come with a replacement.... Center pin?

 

[nvrenuf]

Actually, yes. The Zero Rate will get you 1” of lift and in addition to being clamped in place by the u-bolts they attach to the springs with the center pin.