I've been reading post after post to compile information on running larger tires and what accessories and upgrades will be required. I believe I've gotten a pretty good handle on everything but...

I have what I think is a fairly unique situation... I want to run larger tires to gain more ground clearance but I want to lift the chassis as little as possible. I tow my Jeep behind my motorhome and the towbar angle is critical. Right now I'm dead level and can tolerate a maximum height increase at the bumper of 3". If I run 33" tires that's a .5" base height increase. If I go with 35" tires then we're starting off at a 1.5" increase. That doesn't seem to leave a whole lot of room for a lift since even the TerraFlex leveling kit might put me over. Using a smaller budget boost along with a body lift might work but I'm not sure.

I do off-road the Jeep fairly often. It's usually trail running with frequent rock crawling (for passage, not fun). The current level of articulation is fine for 99% of what I do.

I'd love to hear some suggestions on how to accomplish this.

Thanks!

 

If I was in the same situation, hypothetically, I would go with 35's and maybe a one inch body lift. Even then you might still be in the market for some control arms.
Now that I really think about it, I should have gone with the LCOG approach. Seems safer for wheeling.

 

I have a 3" lift with 34" tires. (.3" lower tham 35s) I have a 4"drop reciever that I slide into the receiver of my motorhome inverted. It raises the receiver that I slide my Blue Ox tow bar into 4". When I hook to my Jeep, the towbar is slightly up from level. I would say about an inch. It works very good. Just modify the Jeep the way you want it and buy or build the adaptor that you need to get the tow bar level and hit the road.


Edit: The male part of the adaptor that slides into the motorhome receiver is made with a wedge that when tightened, holds it tight so there is no free play or slop.

 

if you're willing to do the mods, you can run 35s without a lift, it's been done!! many times ask planman.

 

I wish it was that easy. The receiver on the motorhome is set back pretty far and is just under the bottom of the rear cap. A riser won't fit. That's the root of the problem.

What kind of mods are we talking about? Rock rail trim, pinch seam trim and new fender flares? One thing to keep in mind is that I'm happy with the current articulation but I don't want to lose articulation. It would not be worth the trade-off.

 

Yeah...look at Planman's threads on the issue. You could easily run 35's with flat fenders and no lift.

You may also want to take a look at the "Dark Zebra" (I think that is what the Jeep was called) thread by Screamin Lizard Customs. SLC did a great job building a much better performing Jeep (usine EVO coilovers) while keeping the lift at next to nothing.

 

You probably will also need some bumpstop modification, and I believe Planman's threads also point out a simple steering mod with a few washers. You shouldn't really lose any articulation because you only need to limit the uptravel of the wheel, not the droop.

Again, take a look a what SLC did with the zebra Jeep. Serious flex without serious height increase. It looks like a Bad A$$ build to me.

Edit: Here is the link to the SLC Jeep.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...ght=dark+zebra

 

I run 35's with Teraflex level kit. I did some mild wheeling and zero rubbing... on the street no issues. U can easily run 35's with stock wheels and a level kit.. u will also need wheel spacers or less backspaced wheels. U should check out planman's threads and read them all. Lots of smart knowledge advice. U don't need a giant lift to make the jk look good, perform well and drive nice.
Sent from my Droid

 

Sent from my Droid

 

I'm running 37's with a 2.5 BB trimmed fenders, bumpers, and pinch welds. No rubbing.