Does anyone have any pics of these tire sizes with a 3" lift, pref on stock tires? I know they would require 1.5" spacers which I'm prepared to do. I'm putting in a 3" BDS on my 2017 JKU and I love the look of the stock wheels. I'm just torn on what tire size to go with with the 3" lift.

I know the 275's are about 33" and the 295's are just over 34". The 275's seem to be a lot cheaper than then 295's and also generally seem to weigh about 10 lbs less per tire.

Concerns I had were tire weight because I'm only 3.21 gears and obviously what the two tires would look like.

Any pics of this or a similar setup would be awesome!.

Thanks

 

With a 3” lift, depending on brand company, you might consider your second tire number of 70, and look into 75.

In other words, for example, my 2012 4 door (soft top n half doors), has Metalcloak’s 2.5” Touring, netting over 3”s. Closer to 3.5” in my case. Some 3” lifts will be less than advertised ht., plus vehicle weight add-ons.

The point. Depending on the lift. That may dictate tire size options. You may not need wheel spacers! I’m running 285/75R17 (4.5” back space rims) and never a hiccup. I wanted the ht without the width (or spacers). Don’t forget true mounted tire sizes are never as big as stated and with 3:21 gears your tire brand’s weight will also affect your 3:21’s performance.

I have 3:21 (stealership lied about gear ratio), but living in the north Florida and south Georgia area I have managed. Constant interstate and mountain passes, tho, I’m sure it would not be so pleasant.

A tire size and lift search will show many examples of what you are after. Patients Grasshopper. Best of luck.

 

Have you considered the 255/80-17's? Taller tire, less weight, and more compliant with the gears.

 

I have, and I think it’s a option down the road. I really didn’t want to part with these Sahara wheels just yet. It just stinks how much they limit my options.

I already have the spidertrax 1.5. Got them from a friend who recently upgraded. I figure give the OEM wheel setup with the spacers a go for a year or two. I guess if I hate it, I can always upgrade my wheels and explore those vast options.

I know with the BDS 3” I’m installing, it does recommend 4.5” backspacing, which the spacers and OEM wheels together would give me.

 

Ahhh, sorry, I missed the part about keeping stock 18" wheels. Yes, that's going to limit your tire choices and may leave you with mostly stiffer sidewall options.

275 vs 295- the 275 is just a pinch bigger than the stock tire, but a lot of "what it looks like" is also going to depend on what tire you choose. I've had many different size tires under the same vehicle and it looks drastically different when you pick a knobby tire. The more street oriented tires are going to be more "round" at the edges vs the mud tires that are typically more square. Keeping with your stock Sahara wheels, they're all going to bulge and round over a little anyways. You can get away with pictures of 295's and 2.5" because the reality is that they usually get 2.75-3". I've had 225, 265, 275, 285, 315, 35", and 37" so my pictures aren't going to be helpful for you, sorry.

 

Okay, so here is my thinking, and let me know if if I'm overthinking this or am just an idiot.

In a 275/70r18 tire I was looking at the Toyo Open Country AT III. It's a pretty agressive tire with, from what I'm told, a good highway ride quality. This size is listed as a 33.4x11 and although is a "E" rating, is listed at 52lbs

In a 295/70r18 tire I was looking at the Nitto Terra Grappler G2. Its less aggressive but also seems to be good on the highway. This size also comes in a 116S which lists it at a 34.29x11.77 and has its weight listed at 50.64 lbs.

I'm trying to get the best looking tire to go with the 3" lift, while keeping the stock wheels and these, being about 10lbs lighter than all other tires, seem to be a good fit, especially with the 3.21 gears i'm currently stuck with.

Any thoughts? Am I nuts?

Love the look of the OEM wheels with this jeep. That's why I didn't want to part with them if I can avoid it.

 

That pic is obviously pre lift.

 

It's all up to you. It looks like the stock tire weighs 42lbs and the same sources that are telling us your new tires will measure up to 33 and 34" is telling us that the stock tire is 32" tall (link to Discount Tire here). That being said....there are other options out there in the 275/70-18 range. I was surprised how few tires are available in the 295/70-18. For the shorter of the two, I found both the Goodyear Duratrac and BFG All Terrain as available. While I'm not fond of Goodyears, some folks have great luck with them. In that size, they're available in a load range D. The BFG is only available in the E range, but I didn't notice a crazy ride difference when I had them. I will say with the BFG's- they last a long while. I sold mine with over 50k on them and still had 9/32" of tread left. Both tires have the winter rating which I'm sure you can appreciate in NY. The BFG had great highway manners in my miles.

Goodyear Duratrac- 54lbs
BFG All-Terrain- 57lbs

 

Duratracs have always been the go to tire for lighter weight, looks, and overall performance. I have them on a YJ and no complaints. While the 2012 JKU sport the redesigned Cooper Discover AT3 XLT....purchased for similar reasons to the Duratracs, only a bit more modern design and materials. (Happy enough to have the CD AT3s on two other full size vehicles.)

Just sending out a FWIW tire weight alternative. Best of luck.

 

I agree the Duratracks look sweet and might be what I go with if I decide on a 275/70r18

thanks for all the input! It really helps. Any thoughts on how great of a difference I’d notice with. 60lb tires and 3.21 gears. re-gearing is likely in my future, but that might be down the road a bit.