this is my first wrangler.years and years of wanting one I finally pulled the trigger. I'm stoked that I finally have one and I love the car. I feel like the bug has bit me, I'm always looking to change and add stuff on the car haha. Here comes my first noob question(s). Before you all flame away: yes I read the FAQ sticky thread but I still cannot seem to get any straight answers. Alright here they go:

1) To fit 33" tires on my JK do I need a lift? (another wrangler owner told me I did not but the forum tells me I should)

2) If I do get bigger tires do I HAVE to change out my 17" stock rims?

3) If I do get 33" tires will I defiantly need to change the gear ratio? (is there any way around this?)


I love this car and before I do anything to do it I want to get as much feedback and research done as possible!

 

ok.. here ya go..

you can fit 33" tires under your jeep without lifting it.. but I wouldn't recommend it. If you ever disconnect your sway bar.. which.. you will want to when you start off roading.. which you will eventually.. they will rub under your fenders and do some damage. You can keep your 17" wheels if youd like.. a basic thing to keep in mind is.. the bigger the wheel.. the less rubber you have under your jeep. bigger wheels are better on road.. but not good off road and remember.. its a jeep.. not a mustang. you wont HAVE to regear.. but it does help. also.. all jeeps come with different gear ratios. look at what you jeep has to make sure of what you have before you decide to re gear.

 

welcome to the forum! you made a great choice in buying a jeep

the guys above answered your questions pretty well but please in the future do not disrespect your jeep anymore by calling it a "car"

once again welcome and get ready to empty those pockets for mods!

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! You guys where very helpful. Haha I'm totally ready to start spending stuff on my jeep already. The only thing I'm still a little confused on is the gear ratio. I don't fully understand how it works in Jeeps. (I also cycle so gear ratio is a big deal ) - Also does anyone have any recommendations for tires? I already have some candidates for a lift (budget boost)

 

It's been said that each time you call you Jeep a "car" a kitten dies, sad.... Lol

Welcome to the forum!!

 

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your new ride.

 

Dong refer to ur jeep/rig as a car. Lol

 

Haha, I get it - It's my JEEP! Okay so mine is a 2011 so as stated earlier in the thread I can only get 32's now? I also drive on the highway sometimes is it a bad idea to put bigger tires on? tires, tires, TIRESSSSSS

 

I have a 10 JKU and would have easily put 33's on if I did what your doing now "research"... The 3.73 gears that you most likely have will still have the power to push them. I know I've only got 32" tires (cepek mud countries), but on my last run at the obstacle course I would easily conquer (and guys running 33's and no regear) a muddy hill at 5-10 mph while other guys to include F-150's etc had to get on the gas. Going from a 32" to a 33" tire, there would honestly be no reason to reset your speedo... The difference will not be that noticeable. As for superchip, yes that will give you a good boost and is a good investment, but truly need, not in my opinion. I honestly have no issue with the power performance of my 3.8....

 

Yeah, as to your question regarding recalibrating your speedo have a look at this link. It's a tyre size calculator with a handy graphic that shows you the effect of different tyre sizes on your speedo readout.

(you'll need to copy the link & paste it into your browser window since, as per forum rules, I wont include a clickable link as the page contains some non-sponsor advertising)

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html