Hi there. Awaiting delivery of a 2012 JK, auto trans with 3.73. Basically a daily driver that stays on the road except for some fire roads and camping and such. I like the aggressive look of the Duratracs but really don't want to bog the thing down with tires that are too big and heavy. Any advice on which size to go with?

275 65 18 (close to stock for 18s)
285 65 18 (tad bit bigger)

Once I finalize, I'll be picking my wheels...I like the Soft 8, MB, Black Rock etc steel look.

Thanks!

W

 

If you are buying wheels, don't go with 18s.

The tires are much more expensive than if you went with 17s or 15s.

I am running Duratracs on my factory Sahara 18" wheels. 275/70/18

and I'm running 3.21s....stick with 33s and you will be happy with 3.73s

 

275x65x18 = 32x10.8x18

285x65x18 = 32.6x11.2x18


Differences are negligible (weight,etc.) so i'd go with the larger tire...

However, as stated I'd definitely no go 18's... go 17's you'll be much happier in the long run.

 

Your rig looks great. I was wanting 18s so I get the better handling for on-road, or so goes the thinking. Yes I know its flame-worthy ;-). So you didn't take a big hit pickup-wise when you went to the bigger tires? This is my first jeep, finally pulling the trigger given the bigger engines starting this year, so I'm just a bit nervous about it being more sluggish tha it has to be. Reasonable concern?

 

You'll not notice any difference going from stock to a "32/33" tire with the 3.73s and new engine. I went from stock to 35's but being an 07' it came factory with 4.10 gearing and the 6-spd is fine. I still set cruise at 70 on the highway in 6th.

As for the potential to have better handling with a 18" wheel again i'd bet you'll notice absolutely no difference on a 17" wheel. Except for the much more abundant tire's available, cheaper prices (wheels and tires), and less weight. Now if we were talking race car that may be a different story but still not by much.

 

Thanks....work in progress

As far as on road handling goes...I have not had 17s or 15s, but my thinking is that if you ran a higher PSI like 35-38 you would have plenty of responsiveness. I run mine at 28 on the street which gives it a softer ride for absorbing bumps etc.

I did notice a little difference on my acceleration with the 33s, but I am running 3.21s.

If you are running 3.73s you will be fine IMO, but I also think weight would be my determining factor on the tire selection. Try and keep to 55lbs or lower on your tires and I think you will be just fine.

If I were you I would get 17s and this tire

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....TOWL&tab=Specs
285/70R17

 

Ok its decided, that's what I'm doing. Good advice, you're right. Now I just have to decide on wheels. I am now debating between mb wheels 72, procomp 1069/7069, AEV Pintlers or AEV Savagres. I dig the black but I like me some silver, or even some argent, too. Damn forums...

 

I've had the 315/70/17s for a while on my D30 with no issues - you COULD bump it up to the 325/65/18s if you wanted, depending on whether or not you hit the rocks. I've wheeled the piss outta mine on everything but. Only downside is that the larger tires will help expedite any existing faults to the point of failure. Your balljoints will be toast and you will bumpsteer without reinforcement and correction.

Now that the nugget of temptation has been put out there, if you can settle on the 33s good on ya! The Duratrac is an amazing tire and can handle (almost) anything with superb road manners.