Stumbled across this today. Thought it would benefit some people when they make tire selections.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/resea...tion_rev1.html

 

this is awesome thanks!

 

No problem. It is a little lengthy, but it is good to see some real research and physics applied to offroading. All I have ever heard is "wider is better" (and it is in some situations). But it is definitely good to hear both sides and his conclusions make a lot of sense.

 

well my dad had the same outcomes back when he did mud racing with his 87 chevy. he couldnt lose when he had 36x12.5" tsls. then he got 35x15.5's and while they look mean, they didnt perform as well. the mud wasn't super watery so it wasnt about floatation but more about digging in and gripping something. his friend mike had an 84 yota with 34x9.5's and he did well.

 

Huh, right on. I agree, the application of science to wheelin is interesting. This guy is all about low cog setup. This is cool with me. It would be tough to get 33's or 34's on 2" of lift on an XJ without trimming and extending the bump stops a bit, though. I'm on 235's and 2" of BB. As it sits now, I can rub the front tires on the tops of the wheel well. I don't think the rears hit, but they can get awfully close. I've already got rub on the drivers side LCA at full lock, too. I would need to trim and bumpstop like 2" to clear 31 or 32x10.50's.

(the second pic is fresh from the wash, don't worry It was dirty that night)