Alright so I bought my first Wrangler about a month ago. I absolutely love it so far. It's a 2007 Unlimited Sahara 4wd (automatic, 18" stock rims, power package, soft top). I got it with 34k miles on it. I've been on here since I got the jeep and even though i rarely post anything, I'm constantly reading and researching on here. This is the first time I've owned a vehicle I plan on lifting so I'm really new to all this (last car was a magnum on 24" rims with a 275/25-24 tire). It is my daily driver but I plan on taking it out on trails as often as possible considering I work 7 days a week. Nothing too crazy though like what some of your jeeps are capable of. And i still want a decent ride on everyday roads.

My original plan was 4" lift and 20s with 35s. Since I've looked on here I realized I would need a lot more than I had actually budgeted for (new gears, bumper/tire carrier, etc.)

So the new plan is something like this:
Asap 4" lift (rough country or rancho if another rebate comes around) and throw some 35s on my stock 18" rims

Then when those tires need to be replaced I want to go with 20s with 37s. That'll give me enough time to regear to 5.13s and install a new rear bumper/tire carrier that can hold that in the meantime. I also plan on getting the superchips flashpaq before I upgrade to the 20s. I know some of yall dont care for 20s but i think the 37s will make them look alright. And im going with all black rims which i think look smaller already.

Now for the questions:
1. I see different opinions on 37 in tires and gears. My jeep is an automatic. Some say 5.13s are fine while others say I would need 5.38s. I dont plan on going any bigger than 37s in the future so would 5.13s do the job? Can i even put 5.38s on my auto sahara?

2. Someone told me that if I went with 20s and 35s that it would ride like shit on everyday roads. I know its not gonna ride like factory but i still dont want a horrible ride. He told me 20s and 37s should be just as comfortable as 18s with 35s. Anyone on here agree or disagree with this?

3. My gas mileage is already shit. between 12-14 mpg in the city. I already knew what I was getting into so I'm not complaining. Maybe I just have a heavy foot. What can I do to improve gas mileage a little? I was thinking CAI and exhaust. I know someone selling an almost new gidson split rear exhaust for $175. Should I jump on this or do you have any other suggestions on improving my gas mileage?

I am always open to other opinions so please let me know what you think and what you would do different.....



and of course the pictures (all taken on my iPhone).....

on the way home form buying it





couple pictures with the top/doors off

 

1) The lowest gears you can run are 5.13s. 5.38s would require you to have a front Dana 44, and since you do not have a Rubicon you do not have a D44 up front. If you are looking to get 35s or 37s and have an automatic tranny I would recommend that you gear as low as possible, so go with 5.13s.

2) All I can say is don't do it You don't want to run rims that large on a Jeep, especially if you are planning on taking it off road. Ignore ride quality for a moment, and think about your sidewalls. When you are off-road and air down you want as much sidewall as possible to increase the amount of "bite" your tires have. Every inch you increase in wheel size (for a given tire size) decreases the amount of sidewall you have. Not to mention that it wouldn't look the greatest. I highly recommend 16 inch rims. They will give you a lot of sidewall, look great, and the rims and tires are about as cheap as they get.

3) I am amazed that your MPG is what it is. I have 35s, a standard tranny, and 5.13 gears, and my commute to work takes about 45 minutes to drive 20 miles , and I am getting 14 MPG. A lot of your poor fuel economy is probably your driving habits and/or your commute. Mods are going to hurt your fuel economy, but if you are already at 12 to 14 it ain't going to get much worse I personally wouldn't waste the money on anything that claims to improve fuel economy, most of those items might as well be sold by snake oil sales men because their are little to not validity in their claims. Your exhaust isn't the reason for your fuel economy (or lack of), you are driving a brick on wheels, a large heavy brick, it just isn't going to get great fuel economy any way. Lay off the A/C, go easy on the skinny pedal, and obey the speed limit and you will maximize you fuel economy a lot better than any exhaust system could possibly hope to.

 

X2 that is all true. Personally I loved the look of the 18's. When it came time to play on the sand. I never heard a jeep make so many funny noises. I will stick with 16-17's from now on. I normally run Firestone Destination AT. Ran them on the 16's and 18's and bfg's on 17's. 18's just didn't preform as good off road. On road it was a dream.