I have a 2008 four door Rubicon. I am going to install a lift kit and new wheels.

I have gone to three different custom shops and they all seem to have a different idea of what I should do. I'm feeling a little confused as to how to approach the situation.

Should I go with the 33" tires or the 35" tires??? I will be doing some off roading but nothing extreme. Most of my time will be spent on road. I think that the 35" tires will look better but, will the difference be that much more noticeable over 33" tires??? Also, will performance (power, handling, fuel economy) be much different between the two sizes???

Also, if I go with 35" tires will there be any clearance problems? (some shops say not to worry about it and some do). Does this depend on the type of rim / backspacing?

Also, what height lift will I need????????? Will a 2.5-3" lift be enough for either size or will a 4" lift be needed to clear the 35" wheels?

Some good, honest, insightful advice would be real helpful right about now.

Also, any photos with an explanation of your setup would be very helpful.

I will appreciate any help you can give.

Thanks

 

I have a JKU Rubi also. I put a teraflex 2.5" coil lift on it and 35" mtr/k tires with 4.25" backspacing rims. I have zero rubbing and noticed no difference in street performance except its tougher getting in and out. I am very glad I didn't get 33's, although I am now considering going to 37's when these wear out!

 

I'll start of by saying 35's, and for many reasons.

First off, you have a Rubicon. That has the 4.10 gearing, which will be fine with the 35's. (If you have an automatic transmission, you might want to look into getting a Superchips Flashpaq to help out though.)

You also have an Unlimited, which 35's look better on anyway. You can also go with a 2.5" to 3" lift to clear 35's easily.

As a matter of fact, you could go with flat fenders and no lift at all and run the 35's, but if you're keeping your stock fenders, then the 2.5"-3" will be perfectly fine. And that 2.5"-3" also keeps you within limits of not beeing too much lift - where you would go higher, that's when you'd start needing new drive shafts, steering components, etc. The 2.5" keeps you low enough to keep your stock parts.

That, and you already know that you want the 35's, so if you get 33's - you'll just regret it anyway.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

I have a TF 2.5' Coli lift on 35's with my 4-door. I have no clearance problems at all between the tire and the pinch, even when I am all flexed out. If it's too close for you, it's an easy mod to cut it off. Most of the guys I wheel with have cut theirs. If you get 33's you are gonna wish you had 35's. ( I want 37's and I have had my tires on for a month )
AS far as gas is concerned, it's a Jeep, you will loose a bit going from stock to a lift and tires. I just purchased a Superchip Flashpaq, it's only been 2 days but it's looking like it's not going to disappoint.
I hope this helps a bit~ Good luck with your decision

 

I have a 2010 JKU Rubicon on 35s and a 4" lift. I had 33s on my previous jeep, and the capabilities of the larger tire far outweigh any of the drawbacks.
Speaking of drawbacks expect the jeep to lose a significant chunk out of the MPG, and the already sluggish Jeep will be worse. I can still do eighty down the freeway, however, i just dont have much of a passing gear.

With the Rubicon we get the 4.10s and 4:1 low range with lockers, so the only drawbacks off-road (with the 35s) are the added strain on steering components, balljoints, axle tubes, etc.

For 35s i'd reccomend the four inch lift as well. I run Rancho, and will never run anything else. This will give you ample clearance for the 35 inchers. As far as offset goes, the best way to check if a tire will rub is to test fit the wheel/tire combo.
Pics attatched



All in all if you are indecisive jump on the 35s. You will wish you did eventually.

 

imo 2.5" lift will be perfect if 33s or 35s will end up being your final choice. But you also said you dont really have any extreme plans for your jeep off road.

33s will fit stock with some wheel spacers depending on width. A lift might not be the best use of the money. Aftermarket wheels or rock sliders or something else will help just as much.

I have a 4 inch lift with 33s and it looks kind of silly, that's why I'm definitely going with some 35s next. Even then it still will look like it needs bigger tires

 

I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to offer their advice. I also thank you for welcoming me to the site.


Thanks for all the photos also!


Judging from all the advice I think I will go with a 3" lift and 35" tires. The shop I will be using is offering a 3" kit by BDS. I will also ask them about the Teraflex kit that seems to be popular.

I will also install MXD6 adjustable shocks and flat fenders.

The tires I will be using are ProComp AT Extreme as they are supposed to give the capabilities of all terrain tires but also have a more aggressive look.

The only other real question that I have is should I go with 17" wheels or 20" wheels? Right now I am thinking 20" wheels but any advice will be helpful.


Thanks again!!!

 

Gotta go 35's if it's a Rubi

 

Personally, i think if your going to go 35's, 17's or 18's will look best. any bigger and it will be all rim...

 

totaly agree...I went with 33's and regretted it...went to 35's after 4k miles... 35"looks awesome on 4 door....more than that looks...well nice for offroad...but probably wouldnt want to give you boss a ride home in.. rubicon you're fine with gears...without prepare to spend alot more for 35's.... oh but if you decide to go with 33's ..I have some barely used ones for sale!!!