First off ill start with I have a 08 jk 4door with a 3.5inch lift and 35 by 12.50 wide tires that are big and heavy. I have a superchip currently on the stock motor. The only reason that I ask the question is that I don't really go off-road. I know that sounds crazy but right now I don't have time. I work two jobs and in school full time. I drive my jeep all the time but rarely go off road. When I do go off road it is just florida trails and nothing crazy. I have been thinking of going down to 33's and maybe take the jeep back to stock height to help with fuel mileage and keep the engine from struggling all the time. I have thought about re-gearing to 4.88's but just and torn between the choices. I and writing this post to get some thoughts on what some of you think. Remember that I hardly off-road and i am trying to get decent fuel mileage. Thanks in advance.

 

You didn't post what your gearing is or whether or not it is an auto or stick. That info is necessary to be of any help to you. I'll say that I have a 2010 JKU sport auto that had stock 3.73 gears and I ran 33" MTs on it before I swapped in the rubi axles I have now. With the superchip 87 performance tune I thought it worked pretty good at our nearly 5K elevation. I got decent mileage, but only have a leveling lift.

 

Sounds like going back to stock would make the most sense and save you money.

 

if money isnt the issue, get gears. Gears bring back everything the larger tires took away... With that said, if you want fuel mileage still get gears! and some Goodyear D/Ts LOL. with a 3.5in lift, 33s might look a tad bit funny if the springs haven't sagged. Im very happy with 18.5mpg/3.21/6speed I have a light foot and dont mind the bog i get taking off with stock gears, with 4.88s you'll most likely lose the bog at take off and during up shifts and put your rpm's closer to what they were with stock tires all while using less throttle, the feeling of not having enough power causes some people to hammer down. IMO

 

Based on what you said in your first post, and knowing you have an automatic with 3.73 gears, (if a previous owner hasn't re-geared it), my recommendation is go back to stock and enjoy it as a daily driver. It will still be fine for off-roading when you get the chance between your two jobs and school.

If you bought your JK used, you can easily check to see if it has been re-geared.

If you re-gear, you run the risk of the shop not setting up the new gears correctly and causing them to fail. Right now you know the gears are fine. With two jobs and school, you probably don't want to spend money unnecessarily.

 

sorry forgot to add in it is stock gears and auto. I have the money to re gear but asking for opinions due to what I do with it. Love the look of the lift and tires but I feel with the big tires I am wearing out parts like steering. Obviously with the big tires steering is a little harder without putting money into that. I am just trying to get some other input because I am torn on which way to go. If i go to 33's I would go dow to stock hight plus a leveling lift. If I can re gear and get 18mpg's that would be great because right now I feel like I get 12 if that. Trust me when I say I don't have a heavy foot either when it comes to driving this. I just want a good daily driver that doesn't feel and sound like the motor is going to blow up if I need/try to pass someone. Again thanks for all the input that has been given so far.

 

Sounds like you already made up your mind. 33s with no lift will ride great.