I just bought a 2011 sahara un. And I plan on putting 35" tires on a 20 inch rim with a 3" lift and 1.5" spacers. I want to know if this setup will work fine, I don't want a smaller tire or rim. I don't plan on wheeling it yet, maybe after a year or so. Also I'm aware I should regear and plan to once the funds are there. Help is much appreciated. I know a lot of jk owners don't like 20's but I think they look sweet. Sorry

 

You have a lot of reading to do. Clearance will be fine with the right wheel but the lift will require other upgrades such as a new driveshaft.

Do you have auto or manual? What gears? It will be sluggish but more or less depending on those factors.

Spend some time looking around the forum discussions concerning lifts and wheel backspacing.

 

as spark plug said...use the search function.... but for the short answer, I am running pretty much that same set up, except I have flat fenders and it works just fine.... search my profile for pics if you like....not for sure if I have any recent ones....but you should get the idea

 

Agree with the above. If you get a 3" lift, you won't need the spacers. You will need a front drive shaft if it's an automatic, will probably want gears. You don't have to do the gears right away though. Try it out and see how you like it. If the drop in horsepower doesn't bother you, you could get an AEV Procal for $150 that will tune it for better performance. No substitute for gears though.

If you want to wheel it, I would recommend going down to at least an 18" rim. Totally up to you if you like the 20's though.

Edit: Not sure if you'll need the drive shaft if you're not planning on wheeling it.

 

Why do I need a diff front drive shaft with the lift??

 

On an auto, you "need" a new front driveline due to the increased angle coming out of the transfer case, it wears out the Rzeppa dust boot. It also contacts somesthing as the suspension cycles. If you arent going to wheel it, it will survive longer. The drivelines are overall crap, but I think youll be fine on a 3" for a while, at least, without wheeling.

Regarding the tire size, I would go with the correct backspacing on the wheel instead of a spacer. A tire shop will test fit different wheel tire configurations for you to look at. I prefer this method, rather than buying wheels/tires online. Not to mention you're supporting your local community, dont have to send out for warranty work, etc.

I understand you dont have any plans on wheeling it. However, if you do decide to take it off the beaten path, those twenties will limit your abilities to air down, they will attract rocks, and overall suck when mated with a 35. I always stick to the 50% rule. If a tire is 35", the wheel will be no larger than 17". 20's are cute, just not a great idea on 35's. But hey, you'll figure it out.

Gears would be nice, but as mentioned before not critical. Drive it, and see how you like what you got.

 

With a 3" lift your driveshaft should be fine as long as its actually a 3" and doesn't net you more and as long as you don't disconnect, as far as other stuff it depends on how complete your lift is, you'll need to get longer sway bar links and you may need brake line extensions and you may also need front lower control arms to help with the flighty feeling at faster speeds. Also I seen you're from Iowa so if you ever need help we have a club up here in dsm

 

If you don't plan on wheeling it, you should be fine. If you do plan to wheel, 20" rims won't allow for much sidewall grip when aired down. 17" better choice for wheeling on 35s

 

It sounds like I'm in over my head... moneywise. I think ill just go with a TF 1.5" Leveling kit with some 33s, or can I fit a 34 without any other mods?

 

Thanks for all the help by the way, pics with 33s with the leveling kit would be great!