The JK bug has bitten me!
The more time I spend on these JK forums the more I'm dying to upgrade from my 1997 TJ to a 2013 JKU.
Of course that is whenever I can get the funding in-line (& the wife says ok ). Probably at least some time after Spring. So lots of time to plan out exactly what I'm looking for.
I'm pretty sure I'm zeroing in on what I want & what I want to do to it, but comments & suggestions are much appreciated!

So here's the deal....
It really won't be a daily-driver, more like a weekend-driver (Both wife & I have other DD's).
It's main duties will be: Winter snowstorm travel & snow-plowing, Summer top-down, & vehicle to tow behind motorhome.
Not looking for much of an off-road rig (dirt roads & possible beach riding at most).

After roaming around the forums, I think my target is a 2013 Sport/Sahara (for the 3.6 without the 2012 head problems) with 3.73's.
Would want 33" max tires/wheels (& a leveling kit?).
I like the looks of a little aggressive treaded tire that fills wheel wells.
I've been stalking every JK I see on the road & my biggest question is, on non-lifted close-to-stock tire rigs, how come some look tall & narrow, while others have a wider footprint with tires that seem to stick out a little beyond fender flares?
That wide stance is what I'm looking for. Is this accomplished with the wheel sizing? (Don't want to use spacers.)
My TJ is a good example of the styling I want. Just with a 4-door makeover!


Would love to hear comments/suggestions to plan-out my future rig!

 

They either have aftermarket wheels with less back spacing or are using wheel spacers.

I am running a leveling kit in mine with aftermarket wheels and stock tires and it rides great. As soon as those tires wear out I will be going with a wider 33.

 

^^^ That. If you're okay with the stock wheels, some good quality wheel spacers will push each wheel out about 1-1/2 inches. Or if you want new wheels, look for 4.5 inches of backspacing. I'd recommend replace stock street tires with a good, snowflake-rated AT. Most 33s run a bit smaller than Rubi OEM 32s, so fitment won't require mods. But, recommend a programmer such as a ProCal so you can set tire size for speedo/computer calibration (MPG gauge, DTE, etc). Other than that, spend your money enjoying that new rig. You can always add other mods as you decide you need them (Something breaks--it happens--or you head out on more challenging locations).

 

So running a new set of backspaced wheels/33" or less tires would give it that wider stance without any problems? Any cons?
Are the 3.73's definitely critical instead of the standard (3.21's ?)
Would finding a set of Rubi take-offs be a good option for the set-up I'm looking for?

The programmer is something simple that you can just do yourself? Does it plug into OBD?

How about suggestions about auto vs stick.
With my old jeeps I've always had the feeling that "without the stick it wasn't really a jeep", but these new JKU's seem to be so much more refined now.
I would certainly prefer the stick, but if I came across a nice one with an automatic are there any drawbacks? (Probably a lot easier plowing with an auto!)

 

Yes on the wider stance. Cons are more expensive tires and slightly reduced gas mileage.

Gearing I will let others comment since my Jeep has a different motor.

Rubi take-off what? Tires? Wheels? Springs? Shocks?

Programmer is easy. Operating procedure varies depending on brand. Yes on OBD port. ProCal is a little more difficult because you look up switch settings, make them, wait for horn. Hypertech has LCD readout. Answer questions, press button to transfer update, wait for note it has finished. Best to decide based on features programmed and cost, not on ease of use. All do tire size.

Stick. But then I've driven almost exclusively stick for over a half century because autos aren't as fun.

 

X2

Thanks for the replies!
Yea by Rubi take-offs - I meant the tires.
I'm pretty confused on the tire sizing I'd be looking for.
I'm pretty sure 33" max is where I'd start, but then I see 285's, 295's. & then various widths & wheel heights.
I've played with the tire size calculators & I do have a good tire guy I've used, But I guess I just need to run into someone with a set-up I like the looks of & find out what they're running.

Anybody who has their ride set-up close to this, please post your pics & details!

 

I have a Teraflex leveling kit with 285/70/17 BFG KO2. The wheels have a -13 offset. I love the look and the ride. I get a lot of compliments on it. I have not got a programmer yet but I will soon.

 

FWIW I just had my left head replaced under warranty on my 2014 JKUR. I doubt 2013 is immune.

 

Jn31 - What added height on your Teraflex? Nice looking set-up.

Stubicon - yea I'm sure eveything can have probs, just read that 12's were known for the head problem. Although, I think I also read that they had extended the warranty coverage for it.

 

2" to the front 1" to the rear