Hi There.

I've been reading alot of threads here on this topic, but find myself with some specific questions that would welcome advice / opnions from the JK forum community.

I'm a daily driver of 120KMs per day for work, and will get out on mild trails once and a while, nothing extream. My Jeep is stock, and don't see myself with a lift in the short term.

My tire of choice is Mickey Thompson MTZ (ATZ is second choice) in either a 33 X 12.5 17 LT OR LT265 70 17.

From what I can see on their web site the 33 has a tread width of 9.8" and over all DIA of 32.8, and the LT 265 a tread width of 8.3 and overall DIA of 31.9"

The LT 265 seems as close a size as one can get to a stock OEM Rubi MT size.

Wheels of choice are the ProComp 7005 Cast Black 17X9 with a 4.75" back spacing.
Series 7005 - Flat Black Alloy Wheel


If I go with the 33', and since they are wider then stock, does this not put more stress on suspension parts...ball joints, wheel berings, and making them wear faster?

If I'm not wheeling hard, and 90% is DD should it even be an issue?

I know the 'safe route' is the LT265....would prefer the 33's if they are not going to cause me issues shortly down the road.

I'm at that point with a 'stock Jeep' were I want that custom, not so stock look.

I know I will need to re-program since the tires are bigger, any other issues, tips or tricks?

Thanks!!

 

BFG KM2's in 255/80R17 are the closest thing to the stock rubi tires. They are 33.3 x 9.5, you will gain about a 1/2 inch of height and keep the width the same. You can order them from CT since your in Ontario and get good coverage on them.

 

I'm curious to, I want wider tyres as mines a stock DD and the rest of the time I'm in the desert sands. I'm concerned about lifting as the angles on the dunes can be very extreme so lower heights are preferable.

I have stock sport steel wheels so guess they'll need replacing to.

 

The problem with the 265/70/17 is that almost all tires in this size are E Load rated, so they are a relatively stiff tire with only a small side wall. Many would suggest to stay away from E Load rated tires, and I would suggest staying away from E in such a small tire. Maybe running them in 35 or 37" gives you a much larger sidewall so they are more forgiving. In 285/70/17 you drop back to a D Load rating, and in some tires such as the MT ATZ or the Duratrac, you drop back to a 2 ply sidewall, so my guess is they will provide a more compliant ride.
PS. I currently run the MT MTZ in 265, I have 5000m on them and am considering swapping to the ATZ or DurTrac hoping they will take the edge off my ride.

 

Without a doubt, I'd go with the 33's.

 

I ran 33x12.5 Pro Comp A/T's w no lift. My wheels are 17x9 w 4.5 BS. I'd go with the 33x12.5's if your going to run the 17x9 wheels you have chosen. It will look great. Here's an old pic of mine w no lift and 33x12.5's.

 

Thanks evryone for the reply's (and picture-Love the Yellow, and yes wheels look great!)

My gut tells me the 33's, I was just concerned with the 4.75" BS and wider then stock tire...will I be stressing ball joints and wheel bearings more? Or is that not a concern until you hit the 37" club.

 

I would think any additional stress would be minimal at best and a result of the rims backspacing more than the tires width. The new tires will span the rims width regardless of the two you're looking at. I'd go with the 33's. Will look good and will save you the hassle of buying the 33's anyway in few months when you're regretting it.