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down-sizing 35" to 33" tires worth it?

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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 07:39 AM
  #1  
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Default down-sizing 35" to 33" tires worth it?

Has anyone on here downsized from 35" to 33" tires?

Was it worth it?

Noticeable difference in drivability?

I want some real world opinions before making any changes, last thing i want to do is waste $1500 for no improvement....

Looking for:
- better throttle response
- better acceleration
- better gas mileage
- overall better drivability

thx
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 07:53 AM
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Did you buy the jeep with 35's on it? Do you remember when your jeep was stock? If not, then going to 33's will be slightly worse than stock, and not as bad as 35's as far as performance. But this all depends on whether you are geared properly for 35's in the first place. You might find your highway rpms too high when you go to 33's if you are running 5.13's or something.

I haven't done 35's so I am just talking out of my ass.

Have a nice day.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 07:55 AM
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Also I'm sure you will find someone who will take those 35's from you and give you their 33's. Where are you spending $1500 again?
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 08:09 AM
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I do have 5.13's on it.... bought it with rubi wheels & tires on it but honestly can't remember how it drove.

snows a lot here in winter, so thinking of getting the Duratracs in 33's
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 08:22 AM
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I do like the idea of swapping tires.. just check your balance etc..
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 08:24 AM
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Much better everything, except looks, but that is highly debateable. Easier on mpg, brakes, driveline, wheels joints, tailgate etc...

But if it means that you have to spend an extra $1500 to get the 33s, unless the 35s are getting close to need to be changed, I would consider putting this money towards a re-gear, which costs about the same money.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 08:27 AM
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i have 33" Duratracs and love them. Lots of winter here too. Gotta say that there appears to be no reason for me to upsize. Be warned - they run small in diameter for the 33x12.5x15 size I have - less than 32" actual diameter, so the 5.13's will really be spinning.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Da10A
Much better everything, except looks, but that is highly debateable. Easier on mpg, brakes, driveline, wheels joints, tailgate etc...

But if it means that you have to spend an extra $1500 to get the 33s, unless the 35s are getting close to need to be changed, I would consider putting this money towards a re-gear, which costs about the same money.
Re-gear to what? - he's already running 5.13s. So if he goes to 33's he might need to re-gear also back to 4.10's or 4.56? I run 33's with 3.21's and it's not neck-snapping, but it's not a dog either since the actual diameter is smaller than 33.

Totally agree that the look is good if you have the correct offset!

Here's mine with 33's:

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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 08:36 AM
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My bad, I didn't notice the gears were done already........ Not familiar with the 3.8L, but aren't 5.13s a bit low for 33s ???

here's mine with 33s also ( 285/70r17 Duratracs)
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 08:45 AM
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will run the 35's till spring time, then most likely do the swap, sell the used 35's on craigslist. So maybe i'll re-coup a little bit of $$ back.

I guess now my concern is the 5.13 gears on the 33" duratracs (that are more like 32"?). Ill have to search that up & see what guys have been experiencing.
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