After some internal debate and much searching, I think I am going to go with a 2" lift and 33's. While there is a lot of back on forth between 33's and 35's here is my question. For those who are running 33's, has there been times when offroading where 35's would have actually made a difference?

In near stock form, my jeep has kept pace with much larger jeeps (on relatively easy stuff mind you) but I don't have a ton of wheeling time yet.

Thanks,

Josh

 

35s are going to outperform 33s just like 37s are going to outperform 35s. going up 2 inches in overall diamater give you one inch more clearance and allows you to go over bigger things on the trail. Went on a club run couple of weeks ago and guys with 33s struggled on some sections were guys with 35+ tires had a lot less problems. Try splitting the difference and gets 34s like i did. Goodyear mtrs come in this size. 305-70-17.

Other factors go into this however. a 33 inch MTR tire is going to outperform a 35 inch all terrain.

 

ive 31x11.50 super swampers and i go every where my club pres goes and he has 39.5 iroks on his dodge

 

While 35's will give you 1" more clearance than 33's that doesnt nessecarily mean you'll have an easier time on the trail than someone running 33's. Good old experience and driving ability play a factor too. I've seen guys with 32's have a way easier time on the trail than some with 35's, simply because they know how to pick and choose their lines/spots better. Also it depends on what you're driving as well, a JK would more than likely have a much easier time getting around than a dodge truck.

 

Anyone running 35's with an auto tranny and 3.73 gears? I'm debating 33's vs 35's, but I don't have the money to regear (at least not for a long time). What kind of highway mpg could I expect with 35's and that setup?

Right now, Im leaning to 33's as a middle ground between performance, and cost.

 

But the same guy with all that expereince would have an easier time with a rig with 35s vs. 33s. If you get 33s you will have fun but there are going to be some things that you are not going to be able to do that guys on 35s can do. Just like the guys with 37s are going to be able to do things that guys on 35 cannot. anyone who tells you that tire size doesnt matter is not correct. the bigger tire you have the more stuff you can do. Just like putting lockers in will help you do more stuff. If you only planning on mild-moderate wheeling than you will be fine on 33s. As a matter a fact I recomend them, because if you dont plan on doing real difficult stuff wheeling on 35s is going to get boring. If you want to do moderate to hard stuff, the 35s will help with that.

 

3.73 with auto you need to stick with 33s. I know one guy who does it and says it is not bad but I would think it has to be a real dog. The MPGs is not the problem, you will have some real problems going up hills and things. I have 3.21 standard 6 speed with 34s and it is not great. 3.73 with auto would be worse.

 

33 versus 35. The bottom line is what type of wheelin do U do? IMHO, it's best to configure your Jeep for the type of wheelin you do. Only you can decide that. After that decision; then, use the input from the forum members.

That's All Folk's

 

I've kept up with people running 35s and 37s in Disney, Clayton and Moab. Sometimes I had to pick a slightly different line, and sometimes I scraped things or got a little stuck (which is kind of like being a little pregnant, except the consequences don't last a lifetime). Larger tires would have prevented that. But, 33s did not keep me from having a ton of fun.

 

I whole heartedly agree with everything you said, I just wanted to throw it out there that you dont nessecarily need bigger tires to tackle some of the stuff you see guys with 35's tackle.