I am planning on putting a lift on my 07 JKU in the next few weeks, and have a few questions on what way to go. My original plan was to do a RC 2.5 with 33's. I love the way the JKU's look with 35's, but im worried i will have to get it regeared. I have read enough on here to know that i will lose gas mileage until i do so. So my question is would it be smart to just go 35's for now and deal with the loss in gas mileage,or go with 33's and then when i have the cash to to the regearing move up to 35's.

 

what is your current gearing?

 

i believe its 3.21 its a stock JK with no tow package 3.8L

 

if you're even considering 35's, i would just get them and deal with the loss in power. it'll suck but not as much as you think and not as much as wishing you had gone with bigger tires if you go with 33's - trust me.

 

35's with 3:21 gearing is going to feel sluggish and underpowered. You would benefit in the power department from a gear change. It's livable for a while though.

Adding larger tires and/or a gearing change is going to lower your MPG. It's just the nature of the modifications. If gas milage is a huge concern for you, then gears and tires are not your friends.

A gear change will boost your RPM range back up, but that in turn will effect your mileage. Turning heavier/wider tires than stock will also affect your mileage.

I have 4.10's with 33x12.5's on my 2dr, and although livable it would be nice to have 35's and 4.88's or 5.13's. I am getting probably around 15-16mpg but honestly i dont know the exact numbers because it is something i am not concerned with. I just fill it when it gets empty. It's a modified Jeep; heavy and as aerodynamic as a brick.

I dont know what your situation is as far as driving and cash flow, so everyones opinion wont fit your situation but If i had it to do over again... Instead of buying 33's and waiting to save up more money for gears and 35's (which never seems to happen for me) I would have waited and done 35's and gears as soon as I had the money. Buying 33's and waiting will buy you time, but besides gears you'll wind up buying tires twice before you are happy, that isnt a cheap proposition. I wish i would have done it differently.

I am very happy with my Jeep as is, but the lure of 35's is still hanging there like a golden carrot. that is just my 2cents, adjusted for inflation and hope, it aint worth squat.

 

I can definatly live with the gas mileage issue as a temporay issue. I just didnt know how much of an actual power loss i would have. I was under the assumption it was a significant loss and that i would be pretty much useless in the woods. It would only be about 3 months tops that i would have to wait to get the gearing done.

 

I went through the same thing you did.. here's some thoughts
First off, look up the thread that tells you how to get a spec sheet from Chrysler. I have a stock 2007 Sahara no tow package, but my spec sheet says it came with 410s..which I was stoked about. you never know, you may have better gearing..

2nd: you have 32s currently.. what is going to 33s really going to change?

C: the bigger problem I'm having with 35s is how to transport the spare. I've had my "34.5" nittos on for 4 months and my tailgate was making a noise. I took it off last night and the noise is gone. I'm fearful I may have popped a weld in my tailgate, which means I need find a new mount. The gears would be nice, but the loss in power is not the worst. I think I've gone down 2 MPGs which in these vehicles isn't much. If you want 50 mpgs go get a Volt, just sayin...

I'm running a 2.5" TF Coil/Shock w/ 295/70R18.. i"ve posted this a few times before, but these are slightly smaller 34.6" vs 34.8", compared to 35s and slightly thinner 11.5 vs 12.5.. still gives me the look, but cuts down some on weight/drag.

Here's some teaser pics


and my final thought.. I swore when I got 35s I would never want to go bigger. I debated 33 vs 35 and went somewhere in between. This is my daily driver and I don't have 10k to drop in to 37s and gear and shafts etc.. etc.. however.. I really want to find a way to get 37s now.. save some cash.. go to 35s.. (if that makes sense)

edit: I just read your post above this and if you only have to wait 3 months.. hell get 37s.. I probably will have to wait 2 years to regear..

 

Adding larger tires and taller gears is going to lower your MPG. You're not going to get it back by going to taller gears. Increasing the gear ratio lowers fuel economy but returns the lost power. 3.21's i believe is the smallest ratio offered, and the most fuel efficient.

 

So basically i should just go 35's with a 2.5 BB and deal with the loss in fuel economy for a sweeter looking Jeep?!

 

x3 get the 35's and a "proven" 2.5-3 lift to go with those meats.
If you plan on using stock wheels, imo you will need some spidertrax 1.5' wheel spacers too.


Myself, I'm getting the proven 2.5' teraflex coil lift, there are write ups here of this lift too. Thanks, wayoflife...!
Plus after talking to Joe @ teraflex and David @ Northridge4x4.
Yes, I already have 35's as well. btw,this is my third JK. Coming full circle. JKU.JK,JK Rubi U.
Good luck, either way..