I just purchase 33x11.50/16 DC Mud country for my 04 Jeep Rubicon, can I get by on a simple 2 inch spacer to gain clearance for these? Just had a baby jeepster where much of my income goes to...thx  

there are a few things to consider here. first, the tire is not only taller but also wider than stock. if you plan on using the stock wheels you may require a set of wheel spacers or the front tires will rub every time you turn. the rear tires may also rub the frame rails when used with factory offset wheels.

next, a 2-inch spacer kit likely won't get you enough clearance for 33s. i've seen it done with 32s and some fender trimming but 33s might be pushing it. to get 33s in place you'll probably need new coil springs and the typical associated lift items like sway bar extension links and extended brake lines.

never fear, you still have an inexpensive option. install the 2-inch budget boost kit (find one that includes shocks. Rubicon Express kit uses a nice set of monotubes shocks with theirs.) and pair it with a 2-inch body lift. down the road when you can afford the new coil springs and other lift items you can easily remove the body lift no problem.

before you buy anything though the first thing i would do is mount the tires on the intended wheels and put them on the vehicle to see what will hit and where. then go purchase a 2-inch spacer kit and try it again. you never know, they may fit enough for cruising the highway but still rub when flexed on a trail so don't be afraid to install them just to see what it looks like. you can always go back to stock and save your money and do a lift down the road.

hope this helps. wheel on.  

the 33's fit easily using 2" spacers with no triming, if you intend to disconnect the sway bar longer bumpstops are needed to prevent the tire from rubbing the top of the fender, connected it can't flex enough to contact...

factory 5" backspaced rubi wheels do not need any spacers and will work up to a 12.5" the 12.5" comes pretty close to the rear spring pads, 4.5" is better...
3.5" for extreme flex and maximun articulation is recommended. I'm not a fan of wheel spacers especially over 1"..

forget messing with a bodylift unless your looking to put a high clearance skid plate/crossmember under it, there's cooling/fan shroud, shift linkage, steering shaft, wireing and hard brake line issues involved...

theres no need for trial and error here it's all been done before and the info is readily available to be shared...

heres some pics of my rubi on 34x12.5-16's, stock wheels, 2.5" rancho lift...its also in the readers rides section showing my suspension from the underside...
feel free to e-mail me for more info...or look me up on the sister site..jpmagazine.com forums.







 

Thanks guys, I'll post pics once its completed.  No more tire envy for me!!  

something you can do if you have a bit too much backspacing is to put a few washers behind your bumpstop bolt. it is a small bolt with a nut welded onto it part way and comes out as one piece. simply back the bolt out and slip on a couple of small washers. it is easy to experiment to find the right amount. you most likely will not notice a difference in turn radius.