Can I safely get 33's without too many problems?
10-08-2009, 06:50 PM
#1
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Model: Wagoneer
Can I safely get 33's without too many problems?
Heres the thing - I want 33's! I have (5) 31'' MT MTZ's on MT Classic Locks (which Im selling) and I found a set of (4) 33'' SS TSL's on some basic black Rock Crawler's for pretty good price used and Im picking them up this weekend but Ive heard alot about changing gear ratio, axle shaft strength etc. so its kinda freaking me out. Im not worried about rubbing cuz Im already trimmed but can do more if need be, but Im waiting to get my 1.5'' spacer/shackle setup to add to my 3.5'' RE and see how much it rubs then. But can a lifted XJ not handle 33's without beating the crap out of it or breaking it shortly after?? 
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
10-08-2009, 06:58 PM
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Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2
im doing 33s and i have these same questions. eveyone tells me it will be fine the way it is so i guess i will just wait and see. how much you wanting for your wheels
10-08-2009, 07:15 PM
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10-08-2009, 09:15 PM
#7
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i've got 2 TJs on 33s, one has 3.07s and the other has 3.73. both 5spd and d35 rears with LSD.
and an xj on 36s locked d44 with 3.55s and no problems, cept for front u-joints.
you'll be fine. you'll lose a bit of power and maybe a bit of fuel economy, but i'd say nothing to really care about.
however my xj is sluggish compared to my stock one, but for the cost of regearing a d30.... not gonna happen. i'm waiting to build my 44/9 with 4.88.
and an xj on 36s locked d44 with 3.55s and no problems, cept for front u-joints.
you'll be fine. you'll lose a bit of power and maybe a bit of fuel economy, but i'd say nothing to really care about.
however my xj is sluggish compared to my stock one, but for the cost of regearing a d30.... not gonna happen. i'm waiting to build my 44/9 with 4.88.
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10-08-2009, 10:29 PM
#9
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
What transmission and rear axle do you have? An automatic isn't as harsh on your axle train and you don't feel the loss as much as a manual. I would also encourage a limited slip in the rear as opposed to a locker for traction but if you use some sense you shouldn't have any problem. I usually run 36" tires on my XJs and have found that a little common sense goes a long way. If you keep rolling over obstacles you are fine, If you try to climb brick walls straight up a shaft will let go!
Andy-Ironman4x4
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10-08-2009, 11:32 PM
#10
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its an auto, and i got a chys 8.25 in the rear and ya im getting the common sense thing just not sure if theres some MUST HAVE parts drivetrain/axle strength wise, other wise ill go for it and replace as i can
10-09-2009, 12:15 AM
#12
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Year: 2001
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Thirty-threes are fine on your XJ. That's as large as you want to go with the stock axels. Without changing the gears you will see a loss in fuel milage, and likely power. Just don't hot-dog it and you'll be OK. Your already at a 3.5" lift. If you go higher you need to consider installing a SYE, a slip-yoke eliminator. Along with a rear drive shaft. This because the angle of the drive shaft gets too great much above 3", and may cause problems for you. The stock yoke slides in & out of the case with a fixed drive shaft. The SYE is stationary and the new drive shaft does the moving. When you do change the differentials, 4.56 gears will get you about where you want to be in keeping the engine rpms as close to stock as possible with the bigger tires. As far as lockers, I like the ARB's. They are pricey but worth the money. Locked on demand and open the rest of the time. And no tire chirping when turning on the blacktop. Enjoy your XJ, it's a terrific vehicle! Vaya con Dios.
10-09-2009, 12:34 AM
#13
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Year: 1997
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I have a 4.5 Rustys lift in my 97 jeep cherokee, did a lil hacking of the front fenders, and a lil bit in the rear, and only time i rub is if i have the wheel turned all the way left or right, u should be fine, do it up !
10-09-2009, 03:46 AM
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Year: 1988
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Engine: 4.0 Renix I6
Rock 'em!
If you break something, it will just give you an excuse to Replace/upgrade
If you break something, it will just give you an excuse to Replace/upgrade
Last edited by fallenknight308; 10-09-2009 at 03:48 AM.
10-09-2009, 02:40 PM
#15
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^^ totally what i was thinking lol, hard convincing the wife to buy stuff that hasnt broke yet but in a way preventive maintenance is good too-but ya ill post some pics once i get them on hopefully i pick them up tomorrow oh and as for the SYE, < i already have looked into getting one once i decided on the tires cuz the tc drop has worked this far but im not risking it with the bigger tires/1.5" more of lift... but thanks for the info guys!