As I told VXCRAZY in a recent e-mail, I have installed a set of 15 x 8 wheels with 31" x 10.5 x 15 BFG AT's. I have negative 3.75 offset. The negative offset as you described required the removal of about 2-3 inches of metal posterior to the front tires as well as the removal of about 3 inches from the front cladding. I heated and remolded the plastic tire well lining with a flame/torch behind the tire so that it fit snuggly to the metal at the rear of the tire. I am very happy with my results, but I have never taken my suspension to its limits. I suspect that I would have considerable rubbing of the tire with the upper plastic cladding on extremely rocky or uneven terrain. A 3" lift would be in order for me to feel safe out in Moab. Most of the off road experience I have in Oklahoma was handled without difficulty.

If you do not want to cut and lift you are going to have to stick with the original geometry. Quite frankly, I am so happy with the esthetics of my tires and wheels that I would recommend going with the lift and cutting required. Just my two cents!