Ball joint clearance, what to do

[blazinltz96]

Well i went ahead and got some new tires! (Pics to come!). Got General Grabber AT2's in 245/70-R17 (30.5"). So far they are awesome!! Nicest tires i've owned and time and weather conditions shall prove further. I checked the ball joint clearance once i got home, and the top edge of my tread is sitting a mere 1/8-1/4" from the edge of the ball joint. So, my three options...
1. Grind ball joints down slightly for more clearance
2. Try and find some 1/4" shims on ebay (about $50)
3. Go ahead and get some 1.5" spacers to give plenty of clearance ($130 ebays or $220 markmc's)
What do y'all think is my best option?

[Anthony Hernandez]

It depends on your mission bro, check some of these guys builds it ranges from mild to wild and everything in between, decide what you want your money pit to do and don't look back. Ide go with marks, just my two cents.

[blazinltz96]

Thanks for the input Anthony! I wouldn't mind getting spacers as i think they look pretty badass myself, i just wanted to avoid spending money on them if not necessary since i could put that $200 into a PCM tune or CAI which gives me performance vs just aesthetics. It may very well be needed though for comfortable clearance! i'll wait for some more feedback and see if anyone else has been stuck in the same situation. i know a couple of guys in these build threads ran the same size Grabbers on their rides without spacers but i have no way of knowing what else they may have done to get the clearance they wanted.

[blazinltz96]

I'll post some pics of the truck and the clearance tomorrow in the daylight

[BC backroader]

You have clearance already. There is no reason to increase what you already have, as the tire can not move any closer to the UBJ bracket. Spend that $200 on the tune!

BTW, those are exactly the tires I want for my TB.

[Trail X]

Ill agree. However, if you decide you do want more clearance, think down the road to your next tire purchase. If you think you'll go bigger, then you'll need wheel spacers anyhow. If you'll stay at the same size, then go with the cheaper thinner spacer plates.

[blazinltz96]

Heres pics!

[blazinltz96]

These things look and drive fantastic. They are a bit on the noisy side, but don't care! It drives more like a truck now than a mushy SUV, amazing what an inch larger in diameter will do for both looks and feel. I'm fine with this clearance as long as they won't rub when i corner hard, i tend to drive this thing a bit more aggressively since i enjoy its power lol!

[kcb58h]

Just wanted to show you where mine is. Check my posts for specs.
Happy Trails