Ok, I've got a dilemma here.

Recently got a check for some extra work I've put in. We've got other bills and such, so basically the wife will only let me spend about $1000 on jeep toys. I'm trying to get my JK built up enough to handle some medium difficulty trails within the next year or two. Maybe a trip to Barnwell once in a while.

This is what I have:

• 2 dr X, auto, 3.73, with the 16" steelies and 29" street tires (all terrain according to the sticker ).
  
• OR-FAB front bumper (stinger stubby with offset winch plate)
  
• Tera Flex leveling kit and JKU coils (both are yet to be put on)
  
• Wife that gets mad every time I mention something about Jeeps or guns.

What I'm thinking about buying:

• Set of 33" Couragia MTs (285/75/16) on the stock rims (if they will fit, I think they should).

OR

• Recon 10500 lb winch with synthetic line
  AND
• OR-FAB rear bumper to match the front.

Whichever I don't do now, will come next, but it might be a while. I think I might have an easier time convincing the wife I need new tires when the current ones go bald, but OMG I hate looking at those things that are on there.

What do you guys think? Go ahead and get tires, or get the other goodies while getting my money's worth out of the present rubber?

Jason

 

I would go with the Tires. that will make the biggest difference.You will spend alot of use with the winch if you keep the small road tires. (got my 2011 stuck with 320 miles on...3 days later i found some 17's for $350 all 5 with 85% tread on craigslist) then went to the same place to play and didnt' have a problem

 

Do you go off-road alone? If so, I would consider the winch. It's no fun being stuck and there's no one around to help.

If you always go with a buddy, then tires and a strap.

Wait on the rear bumper. I don't think 33-inch tires will be too heavy for the stock tire carrier.

 

Yeah, I do go alone once in a while, not so much for fun, but in order to get to some hunting spots. When I am wheeling for fun, I usually have someone with me, but not necessarily in another vehicle.

That rear bumper doesn't have a tire carrier. There's one shown in the picture, but it is a separate item.

Jason

 

That's like the chicken or the egg question. Without the bigger tires you will be more likely to get stuck needing the winch. Without the winch you can't self recover when you bite off more then you can chew. I say if your current wheels are in bad shape replace those first. If they have decent tread left wear them out and put the tires on further down the line. Can't justify getting rid of tires that have tread left, even if they are stockers. And condolences on the wife getting pissed about Jeep stuff. Mine rolls her eyes and tells me to make some friends because she doesn't care.

 

Yeah, as much as I would like some bigger tires, I must admit, I am starting to lean the same way as you on this thing. May as well wear out the current tires, I did pay for them after all.

Jason

 

Personally I would go with bigger tires....those street tires that you have will give you very little "bite" in offroad situations.....in my opinion.....you can get away without a bumper and winch.....i dont have new bumpers and winch yet....they are my next purchase.

I have only needed to be winched 2x.....(with that being said a tow strap would have worked anyways) you can get away without one for a bit.

New rubber is going to make a world a difference......do that first! I would also look at the Goodyear Duratrac's.....great all around tire....it's an AT tire but with a very aggressive bite!

 

I always say winch when this comes up. Esp in your situation with the wife not thinking the Jeep thing is cool. If shes giving you the ok to spend some jeep money get the winch. And when your current tires wear out you'll just show her that it only costs a little more to get the bigger tires.

Also the winch is what I got first anyway. Get 33s and you'll still be stuck( not as easy but still stuck). Either way you'll end up with both. My lift and tires are only months away now.

 

For how many times you will need the winch....not worth it....most times you will be with someone that has a winch.

Bumpers and winch dont help you wheel better.....but rubber will.....you need traction.

Sell your stock rubber and use the money towards your upgrade.....i got $300 cash for my stock rubber.

 

IMHO, Go with the 33's M/T's and add some quick discos to the list. Stock Tire Carrier WILL handle 33's fine it's when you move upto 35's is where you start to see problems with the swing gate.

The 33's M/T's will help with better traction than the stocker A/T's you currently run and give you some extra clearance for height. See if you can sell your Stocker tires for some extra cash to go towards a winch when you come across a sweet sale or great deal on Craiglists for a solid/quality used winch.