I have a Wrangler X with the 3.21 gears. I started with no lift and 255/75/R17 tires with the rubicon wheels. I had to make a decision on how to make my Jeep seem like a Jeep versus stock. Not sure where to post this so I figured I would start here. So here's what I did and I hope it helps others who are considering the same move...

• 2.5" Rough Country Spacer Lift ( retained stock suspension for original ride quality)
• installed 35" or 315/75/r16 tires for maximum tire size w/ lift. Had to purchase new wheels and tires to get tires that would fit 16". I went with 16" because wheels and tires were cheaper across the board and saved money. Looked just as cool!

The outcome looks great. I did notice a little difference with the 35" versus the equivalent 32" tires I had before but it was only by a little bit. Here are the results:

• Jeep looks MUCH better
• City Gas mileage dropped from 17+mpg to like 15+mpg (UPDATED - the more I get used to it, the closer I get to 16+)
• Shifting was less than ideal but the difference is nominal because I have a manual and can control it
• Would like better gears, but the change does not constitute an immediate change. Jeep still drives okay but gears are inevitable in my opinion. Thinking of increasing to 4.56 or 4.88 in the future. I'm really concerned about gas mileage with no clear answer on what will happen if I install them.
• 6th Gear is barely usable anymore. Just took 500 mile trip on the highway and could barely use 6th.
• UPDATED - Offroad handling is different. Bigger tires make for more clearance which was great. In 4-Low, it was remarkable... but it was hard to stay in 4-High in really rough, slow terrain without riding the clutch more

I would love to know if this helped anyone and/or if there's more info I can provide to assist you with a decision. I'm happy with the change and would encourage anyone to do the same. I can't speak for automatics though as I know that can be a different ballgame all together.

 

How does this setup do offroad? have you had a chance to take it out?

 

I have 3.21's with 35s and being its not terrible. Down the road I want 4.88's and when get them I just think I will kick ass on the dirt having the experience of learning to wheel with 3.21's. I'm sure my gas mileage will change but in a sense will be worth it as far as trade off.

 

thanks for the post. i also have 3.21 and alway like to hear about 35'ers. i plan on going that route and then adding 4.88 gears. how does it handle off road?

 

Well its not ideal but I deal with it. I think its more about learning how to overcome wheeling with 3.21's. I just figure when I get the other gears I'll kick ass but honestly for now it's not terrible.

 

Ok yes it can suck but totally doable till you get new gears

 

Go 5.13's!!! From what i've heard, you'll wish you did!

 

I have 3.21 with only 33;s and my biggest issue off road is that I cant go slow enough. I keep my foot off the clutch and I have ended up killing it going downhill because I was breaking so much. But like everyone else said, it sucks but doable.
*and im only on 33's

 

Yup, me too. 33's are bearable, I miss six gear and it makes going downhill a bit more of a burden, but I never stalled going down hill, use a little less brake.

 

I went from 3.21 gears and 32's to 4.88 gears and 35's and my gas mileage actually got better. The 4.88 gears with 35's are perfect with a manual transmission IMO. If you ever want to go with 37's, 5.13 may be better.