I am trying to understand better why I would want bigger tires.

Here is where I am coming from. Granted, I have been out of the hobby for a bit, but back in the 70s I had a 59 Willys jeep with narrow tires on 16 inch rims. I don't recall the size, but they were certainly smaller than stock tires today.

That jeep I would put up against most rigs today. It would go anywhere. If it did not flip that is - it really liked to flip.

I do not plan to do rock crawling in my rig, and we do not have a lot of sand in the Ozarks. I am not concerned with the looks of a large tire on my rig - to my aesthetic, form follows function.

I was planning to put 33s on my rig; everyone is advising 35s or larger. I want to maintain as low a COG as I can. Why do I need 35s? There is something I am not getting here.

 

33" inch tires over factory are great! 35s would just give you more ground clearance. Also, a lot of members regret not getting the 35s when they made the initial investment. If you don't wheel much you may not need them.

Once I got mine with 35s out on the trail (had 32s) obstacles that gave me trouble before were easily passed. As far as cog you can run 35s with no lift and flat fenders or a modest 2.5 inch lift. Your aftermarket wheels will be offset more than factory. That will also help keep your cog in line.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk.

 

My factory tires are 225/75/R16 - more like 30", and I am doing difficult trails without much problem right now, other than clearance but the lift will help there. I plan to go to 33s; everyone says 35s, but can someone articulate what the benefit is?

I am asking so I set the gearing right

 

I needed more diff clearance. The only way for that is bigger tires.

 

You don't mention what gearing you have or transmission. That will have a bearing on what you can run without regearing. In the hills around you, 35s will mean regearing if you want any kind of performance better than a moped. How much do you want to spend? If you have an auto and 373 gears you could probably get by with 33s, but it will be sluggish. A 6 speed would be better. You will minimal rubbing with 33s on stock wheels, but you might have to adjust the turn stops. A 1" BB would take care of the rubbing issues. From what you are saying, 33" tires and a small BB will get you where you want to be. That is, until you ride along with someone on 35s and a 3" lift and see how easily they go over things you have work at. On the other hand, it's always nice to show them that with a little driving skill, you can do the same thing with less investment. With my ZJ on 33s, I go the same places TJs on 35s go.
Another benefit to keeping it lower, is the ease of getting in and out and your mpg should be better. It all comes down to personal choice and compromise.

Good Luck

 

I have an auto and 373 gears, question is whether to regear to 4.88 or 5.13. I am regearing, only need to decide on which gear.

My plan is a 3" lift - front lower arms, coils, springs, trackbars etc., and a gear change. Question is on size of tires and gear. I don't mind the investment, just not sure what the 35s will buy me. Will 33s on a 5.13 gear be so bad? I am not a fast driver, pretty much stick to the speed limits.

 

I think a 3" lift with 33's is too much lift. If you don't want 35's just get a 2.5" lift. Also, you don't want 5.13's with 33's.

35's will give a little more ground clearance and bigger tires roll over obstacles a little easier.

I have been happy with my33's but will be going with 35's this next go round.

 

If you are going to get a 3" lift, then get 35s (33s will look small) and 513 gears. I did the 3" OME lift w/LT shocks from David @ Northridge 4X4. It was everything I needed and nothing I didn't. I then did 513 gears and 35" KM2s. That combo is perfect for my needs. With a Superchip in the 87 octane mode, I get over 19 mpg on highway at 62 mph. (thats on the computer, so actual will be less)

If you want 33" tires, then a one or two inch lift will look more balanced and is all you would need. Then, 488s would be fine. Personally, I think you would be happier with what I did regardless of what kit you go with. My ride is now as good as it was when stock.