Hmm. Well it looks like 35s are about $15 cheaper right now than 33s!

My plan was to only run 33s for these reasons:

• Installing TF 2.5 BB with shocks - Minimal Clearance for 35s..fine for 33s...
• No need for rear bumper / tire carrier with 33s...
• 6-speed Manual with 3.73 gearing should be fine with 33s...pig with 35s...
• No $ for rear bumper / carrier till mid next year 2010
• No $ for real lift (FT 3" unlimited) until end of next year - 2010
• No $ for 4.56/4.88 gears / lockers for at least a year after lift - 2011
• Probably other things I'm not remembering, but good reasons to stay with smaller tire size...

Are those "facts/points" valid (no "go big or go home" arguments please )?

Any points to push me towards 35s now?

Thx!

 

1. They look a whole lot better.
2. That extra inch clears alot more rocks than you think. You can do whatever mods you want but if you don't raise your axles you still risk the pumpkin.
3. 2.5 Teraflex coil lift and 35's have great clearance and still flex nice.
4. Sure, 3.73 and 6-speed on 35's isn't a rocket but you can get by for a year or two until you regear. Did you buy a Jeep for a racecar or what you can do offroad.
5. 75 Bucks???

hope it helps. I put a TF 2.5 coil and 35's on my 3.73 6-speed and I definitely think it was worth it offroad.

 

If you want 35s, IMO the only issue is the gears. The 6-spd will help alleviate the situation but it will not solve it completely.

If you a really unsure, I suggest you do the following:
Go to a tire store and find a 33" and 35" tire that you are interested in.
Also, if possible find one of your current tires.
Then do the following starting with your stock tire:
1. Pick it up 12-24" of the ground a couple of times by placing your hands inside the bead.
2. Then roll it back and forth on the ground with one hand.
3. Do the same with the other 2 tires.

This may a bit of an eye opener.

I don't know how you feel about the power and responsiveness of your JK currently, but image it powering that difference in weight
and rolling inertia until 2011 because that is exactly what you will be dealing with.

 

thx for the feedback!

 

I went the 33's first and the 35's later. IMO all I did was waste the money on the 33's I was never really happy with them or how they performed off road.

I went from 33 BFG AT to 35 BFG KM2's and the off road difference was night and day.

Also as Spinlock said feel the difference in weight. My 33's were D range tires on 17" rims my 35's are C load range on 15" rims. Both weight the same and I only noticed slightly less performance than the 33's. My 33's however I was a noticable difference than from stock tires. But that being said I'm still driving on the stock 4:10 gears and it works for me.

If it was me 35's all the way! Save the money and spend it on other mod's. There is always something else to buy

 

What about the tire carrier issue?

 

I'm looking tk get rid of my 33s now and move to 35s. Don't make the mistake, go right to 35s.

 

I got the Daystar spacers and mounted the 35's onto my carrier. I took one of the stock bumpers and drilled a hole in the factory bumper and placed it there. It's not perfect but 3 points are better than two, until I can get a bumper and tire carrier.

 

Go for the 35 now... I went to 33's and now I'm going for 35