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33 x 10.5 or 33 x 12.5?

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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 01:03 PM
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Default 33 x 10.5 or 33 x 12.5?

33 x 10.5 or 33 x 12.5?

Whats your thoughts on both tire options?

Reasons for your thoughts also.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 01:15 PM
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I just like the way a 12.5 fills the wheel well. I had 10.5s on my ZJ, and they just looked too skinny to me. I also like the added traction the wider foot print provides.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 01:17 PM
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Depends on what your using them for the 33X10.50 are better in mud 33X12.50 better on rocks. For mud use you want a skinny but tall tire. For rocks you want a wide foot print.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by nick_n_ii
33 x 10.5 or 33 x 12.5?

Whats your thoughts on both tire options?

Reasons for your thoughts also.
33x12.5---
more traction
more fender rubbing
stering works at the limit (all steering components)
that dana 30 works at the limit to
works perfect with beadlocks
looks killer

33x10.5---
more gas millage
less weight

(at the limit means safe) you cant ABUSE if you dont upgrade that steering and axle.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 01:57 PM
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You know i changed to the 10.5's... and glad i did.

Less stress on unit bearings, balljoints, etc. Mileage,quiter, and they look sexy.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by OverlandXJ
You know i changed to the 10.5's... and glad i did.

Less stress on unit bearings, balljoints, etc. Mileage,quiter, and they look sexy.
I know you did. And that's sorta what lead me to look for the pros and cons of each..

I do mainly trail riding and some mud. Also do snow wheeling.

I'm about 6 months away from getting 33's so figured I'd start looking up info now..
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 02:13 PM
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How tough are the LEO's in your area on flare coverage? I worked in NJ and they can be a bear.. thats another reason i went this route.

If it's a non issue 12.5's may work better for you.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 03:27 PM
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If you get alot of snow go with the skinner tire better traction in snow.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 03:28 PM
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like some one else said, just depends on what kinda terrain you are using it for...if you want to dig down to find traction, like mud and snow, the skiny tire is better, if you want to go over top of everything, the wider tire is better

it also depends on the tire itself...with some tires, the wider they are, the more space there is between lugs, and the better they clean out....i know that kinda goes against my skinny in mud is better theory because you also want a tire that cleans out well..


alright, i guess i was no help to you...my bad...lol
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 03:37 PM
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another thing to consider...you going to get long arms? ive got RK arms...and my tires rub lock to lock. they are about 11" wide retreads...and thats WITH the 1.5" wheel spacers...
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 03:53 PM
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Personally, I like 10.50. It's less stress on components, and tucks in nicely and aired down, is a good foot print. I like the way it looks too.

12.50 is better for rocks, but how much better and is it worth it for the extra component stress? It's all personal choice. It does look killer though. My friend ran TSL 33x13.50 on his XJ w/5" lift and cut fenders. To say it looked tough was an understatement at best.

I'm going to stay w/10.50s for my next tires still though.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 04:11 PM
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10.5s
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by OverlandXJ
How tough are the LEO's in your area on flare coverage? I worked in NJ and they can be a bear.. thats another reason i went this route.

If it's a non issue 12.5's may work better for you.
They don't bother me at all. And on the 31's with no flares I stick out about 3" each side..
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 01LimitedXJ
another thing to consider...you going to get long arms? ive got RK arms...and my tires rub lock to lock. they are about 11" wide retreads...and thats WITH the 1.5" wheel spacers...
I'll be building a 3 link setup..
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 07:02 PM
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Lots of good input keep it coming.

Right now I'm split on mind set between 2 different tires.

Parnelli Jones Dirt Grip 33 X 12.5 - 15
OR
BFG KM2's in a 33 x 10.5 - 15
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