My front tires are nearly bald. My back tires have significant tread left. Long story short, I rarely/never rotated my tires. I know I should have, but I just never got around to it.

I want to get new tires because I don't like the idea of riding on near-bald tires. Is it possible to buy just 2 new tires for the front? I don't believe this would be an issue, but someone suggested I ask around because it might mess with the 4WD/etc. (?)

I would normally just buy 4 new tires. But I'm intending to go up to 35" tires soon, just need to save the money to buy everything for this. So I'd like to save the money on just buying 2 new tires now so I don't waste a bunch of money when I upgrade in ~6 months. I just want to make sure that putting on 2 new tires and keeping 2 older tires (with sig. tread) won't mess with anything.

Thanks for any advice!

I drive:
2007 Wrangler JK, 2-door
Auto trans, 4.10 gears
17" Rubicon wheels with 32" BFG Mud-Terrains

 

just rotate them now and save up for the 35s

 

...or pitch the bald ones, sell the two good ones and use the funds toward getting your 35's now.

 

Yes you can simply replace the fronts. Find someone with good-condition take-offs and their tread depth will likely match your rears. THEN rotate every oil change or 2-3,000 miles. Not rotating alone won't cause your fronts to wear out. Check to see if they are wearing evenly and, if not, have your front end aligned.