Finally going to lift my JK. Will likely go with 2.5" AEV lift. I'm having trouble deciding between 33s or 35s. I would greatly appreciate some advice from others (pros/cons, etc)

 

When I built my first JK I put 33s on it then eventually 35" with a 3" lift. It was an 08 2dr rubicon. It drove like crap with those tires.

I now have a 2015 JKU and the biggest tire size I will go will be 33s.

It just depends what you plan on doing with your Jeep. Is it a daily driver? How far do you drive a day? How often will you utilize 35s?

 

It's primarily a Daily Driver (very short commute). Not a lot of wheeling. Most offroad is on the beach

 

If you're considering 33's, you don't need a lift at all to run them. if you're set on installing a 2.5" lift, then plan on running 35's. You won't like the look with the smaller tires. I run a 2.5" lift (Rock Krawler) with 37's myself. Of course that requires running flat flares, which I have, but imagine what a a Jeep with 2.5" lift looks like running 33's when you can actually run 37's by simply cutting your factory flares. Search for pics of JK's with 2.5" lift and 33's.

From the performance side of things, even if you'll primarily be running on the beach, on the off chance you actually decide to go play in the rocks/trails, you'll appreciate the added ground clearance of the 35's. Not to mention, they'll roll over obstacles better.

Just my $.02, though.

 

I would say 33's for your use. Or maybe a compromise tire like a 285/75-R17.

 

I lifted with 33s and it looked like a roller skate.

Still got compliments all the time but I didn't like it. Too much room in the fender wells. Jeepers on this forum even told me that it was too much room and I eventually went bigger.

Dana 30s aren't really setup for 35" tire. Now I'm rolling a 325 80 16. Only a matter of when this axle breaks, and I'm bringing in the Pr44

 

If you are thinking 35's, why waste money on 33's. You'll just sell them at a loss and get the 35's anyway, just like a lot of us.

For the performance with 35's, it depends. Bunch of personal opinion involved. What engine do you have, what gears, where do you live, how do you drive, are you willing to regear, etc, etc, etc. There are about a bazillion "should i regear?" threads to read through for more opinions, but none of us are you, so none of us can say whether you will or won't like the power with stock gears and 35's.

 

I'm running 33's with a 2.5" lift and I think looks fine. More importantly I serves the function I want it to. Daily driver with multiple yearly road trips and does just fine on the trails.

 

If you're asking us to make your mind up for you, good luck with that. With that said, I have a 2" spring lift with RS9000XL shocks, and I run 275/70R18 Mud Tires on stock Sahara rims. (33X11) I think it looks great and it wheels great. Granted my drivetrain is far from stock, but i'm still rolling on cookie cutter 33's with a very mild lift; on purpose, low COG. Fact is your jeep will do all sorts of things bone stock that would probably blow your mind. Big Big tires are to make your balls feel bigger, and offer argumentative help on the trail. The is no replacement for driving experience and skill.

Now that we have that out of the way, and since you're going to be bikini browsing on the beach most of the time, and won't put much strain on the drive train, go for the big tires. They will give you the cool factor I suspect you're looking for. I attached pictures of my little 33's in their prefered habitat, because I like posting picture of my jeep. LOL

 

maybe 35s look better but not enough benifits for me to lift it and deal with other minor issues
i like the lower stout look not the high climber , its all around better for me as a dd to be with 33s
i could always just go up to 18 /59 springs if i wanted a little boost if i find a set cheap enough from someones take offs

* also the two post above mine , i happen to like better than the looks of a high lift with 37 s thats just me