The Jeep Wrangler is a timeless vehicle. Whether it's a 1970's CJ, a 2015 JK or anything in between, they're the most customized vehicles on the market. If you've ever owned one, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Typically after purchasing their Wrangler, many owners begin shopping for new wheels and tires and/or a lift kit. I like to call this "the itch." It starts with wheels and tires, then suspension, then bumpers and it truly never ends.
My experience is mainly with the 1997 TJ I had in college and the 2014 JK Rubicon I currently own. Also, I have helped friends work on several CJs and YJs. When it comes to my vehicles, I was running 31x10.5R15 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires on stock wheels, and was having a problem with rubbing when I turned. To address the issue, I put on 8" wide wheels with 4.5" backspacing. I also ended up installing a 2" spring spacer lift and upgrading to a 33x12.5R15 size tire (same BFGoodrich model) mounted on 15x9" wheels with, yet again, a 4.5" backspacing. Both set-ups worked out great for me both on-road and off. You will notice a trend in wheel backspacing here, and 4.5" seems to be the magic number.
For the new JKs, Jeep made a lot more room in the fender wells and started supplying many trim levels with a 255/75R17 tire, which stands 32.1" tall. Several customers use a Tire & Wheel Package with 285/70R17 tires and 9" wide aftermarket wheels with 4.5" backspacing without any suspension or fender modifications, and they worked out great (as you can see below).
When it comes to lifting a JK, the most popular tire sizes are those that stand around 35" tall and about 12.5" wide. To get these sizes, you ideally need a 2" lift at the minimum with 4.5" backspaced aftermarket rims. I have taken my JK from stock to 3" lifted suspension with 315/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTracs on MAMBA M13 wheels in 17x9" ET-12. I also cut the fenders to play around with suspension travel to see how far I can cycle those tires up into the fender wells. Below you can see the difference after the modifications were made.
Create the look you've always wanted for your vehicle by designing a Tire & Wheel Package.