Rookie Question
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 0
From: Lawton, OK
. And like others have pointed out, there are a lot of variables that go into fuel economy, so it's not uncommon for two people with near identical configurations to net completely different fuel economy. I wouldn't worry too much about the fuel efficiency; enjoy your new JK 
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, VA
Load ratings
It's not so much the size of the wheel that makes the big difference as it is the size of the tire and also, the width of the tire. Going to a 36.5" from say a 31" - 32" tire adds quite a bit more weight to the vehicle and the wider the tire is, the more friction that's generated on the road which will cause a drop in fuel economy. I don't think you'll see much of a difference going to a 18" Wheel instead of a 20" as you would from probably going from a 36.5" tire to say a 33" tire. Also, adding a lift changes the stock geometry adding to the wind resistance that already exists on the Wranglers.
You can do a few things to help the fuel efficiency some - the type of fuel you put in, driving habits, tire inflation, etc. With my 4" RC lift and Hankook 35s on 16" Steel Wheels, I average consistently around 15 - 16mpg average (with a 50%-50% mix of City/Highway) and around 17-18mpg average on the highway, driving at 60 - 65mph.
You can do a few things to help the fuel efficiency some - the type of fuel you put in, driving habits, tire inflation, etc. With my 4" RC lift and Hankook 35s on 16" Steel Wheels, I average consistently around 15 - 16mpg average (with a 50%-50% mix of City/Highway) and around 17-18mpg average on the highway, driving at 60 - 65mph.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
If you're not 100% settled on your lift height, wheel size, and tire size, you may want to do some more research on this forum and/or elsewhere before you pull the trigger. You can always take it back to them and have the install done when your choices are dialed.
just say'n, because I changed my mind and learned a ton from reading this forum for a year and glad I planned it out. I changed my mind on tires/wheels/lift, etc probably 10 times before I made the conversion.
What's your plan for that huge spare tire?
just say'n, because I changed my mind and learned a ton from reading this forum for a year and glad I planned it out. I changed my mind on tires/wheels/lift, etc probably 10 times before I made the conversion.
What's your plan for that huge spare tire?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 1
From: East Bridgewater, MA
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 1
From: mass
If you're not 100% settled on your lift height, wheel size, and tire size, you may want to do some more research on this forum and/or elsewhere before you pull the trigger. You can always take it back to them and have the install done when your choices are dialed.
just say'n, because I changed my mind and learned a ton from reading this forum for a year and glad I planned it out. I changed my mind on tires/wheels/lift, etc probably 10 times before I made the conversion.
What's your plan for that huge spare tire?
just say'n, because I changed my mind and learned a ton from reading this forum for a year and glad I planned it out. I changed my mind on tires/wheels/lift, etc probably 10 times before I made the conversion.
What's your plan for that huge spare tire?
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 0
From: Lawton, OK
Keep in mind that while you can mount a 35" spare on the tailgate with some modifications, it's not the recommended option since the weight will eventually tweak the tailgate and in many cases, cause the welds to pop. May be ok for a short time but eventually, a separate tire carrier is recommended.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 1
From: Stamford, CT
That's a whole other discussion. Do a search for spare tire on tail gate. Unless you get an aftermarket tire carrier, the weight of the bigger tire will eventually damage your gate especially if you off-road it. If you stick to pavement, you might be okay.