I have read a few comments about the limitations a stock front end/rear end in regards to tire size. I haven't seen much explination on what will happen with a larger tire size, can anyone elaborate for me? I think I understand how a suspension lift could affect the axle housings, but Im having trouble understanding how the tire heigth affects it. I ask because my goal is to put a 35-37" tire on my Jeep and use a minimal lift, but I don't want to push it beyond the limitations it was built with. Thanks for some guidance.

 

You seem to be asking about two issues. One: clearance which is addressed in the FAQs section of the forum with a handy chart, and Two: the relative strength of the Dana assemblies. One: check the FAQ's section which will tell you what tires will fit with what lift. As to the strength of the unit, the larger the tire, the further the contact point is from the axle (or fulcrum). This creates more leverage. Could a stock axle handle 40's as a daily driver? Probably - Dana axles are fairly robust and todays stock axles would have been considered over-kill 8 years ago. However, when the weight of your vehicle is descending an incline and your tire/wheel assembly absorbs the full force of the weight of the vehicle combined with velocity at which you are traveling and meets a rock or other solid object, your likelihood of bending or breaking something increases with the size of the tire. x10 if you happen to have your wheel turned so that it absorbs the shock laterally. The size of the tire is much more detrimental to your axle's health than any force exerted from lifting the vehicle. I don't know if his answers your question, but I have not come across more specific threads that get into the exact amoutn of force needed to damage an axle assembly, so you are kind of left with estimates and opinion.

 

Good explanation!

 

I agree with the above statement, and also would point you to this thread. I think you'll like it!

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...uspension-lift.

 

Thanks guys, the explination of the weight of the vehicle on a decline really helped me visualize what is going on. That link was really helpful as well. Its confused me after reading so many opinions about 35's being about the limit, as to what was driving that opinion(my mind was thinking that the difference between a 35 and a 37 was only 1 inch), but now that I can picture the leverage against the housing I can see it. Thanks for your help.