2000CHERO

I've decided to sell the set of 4 practically new tires I have and either get a more aggressive 33x12.5, or 35x12.5.

I've built my rig to "handle" 35's, meaning it's been geared properly, upgraded steering/brakes, etc. The only concern would be the front 30 with OEM shafts and full circles.

MY QUESTION, preferably from seasoned members or those with direct experience: is there going to be a big difference OFFROAD between the 33 and 35, besides 1" belly clearance? Is the extra "strain" on the front end really that bad from a 33 to a 35?

My jeep has stock flares and is bumped properly for them with the 33x10.5's I have now. I was planning on running them for a few years, and seeing what my needs were before actually getting 35's, even though its setup for 35's, as I will most likely have to cut the fenders; not ready to cut the fenders in the dead of winter, and I'm starting to like the clean look.

BUT, with the price of 33x12.5 and 35x12.5 the same, say in a Cooper STT flavor, would I be crazy not to get the 35's now? I am pretty sure I can fit them for DD, just won't be able to flecks.

I have searched multiple threads and forums, gathering peoples opinion, so I've def searched. This is a DD, and will see a fair amount of offroad use.

2000CHERO

What I'm working with:

MoparNJeep

I went from a 33x11.5 (285/75-16)to a 35 (315/75-16) and I think it made the jeep look much better. I didn't loose any flex but I'm set up for mostly downtravel. My front is Spartan locked and stock shafts and I haven't broke a shaft yet. I'm not a aggressive driver but I'll try any obstical I can find too.

In my mind that extra inch makes a difference. And I can tell you almost every tire measures small. Those Stt in a 35 are gonna be more like a 33.5 with the weight of your rig. What they advertise is never right.

I bet if you go grab a tape measure and check yours they will be 31.5-32"

I'd say do it. If you like to drive aggressive, get some spare stock shafts and hit the trail

XJlimitedx99

X2 I say go for it. If you're thinking about it now you'll kick yourself in the **** if you go with 33s. I'm not sure how they'll do with stock flares though. I drove around on the roads for a few days with 6" of lift and stock flares on 35s and rubbed a good amount.

How could you not..

2000CHERO

Yeah I'm going to measure today to see actual height of them. I'm setup for mostly down travel as well, and if needed can bump even more. You however, don't have stock flares though do you? I will cut and fold eventually, but not for a while.

Fred/N0AZZ

Exactly what gears do you have now? The LSD in the rear is a bit of a question for off road use also as opposed to a full case auto locker like the Detroit Locker. I run 2 sets of tires and wheels 33's on Soft Eights and 35's both 12:50's on Beadlocks FOR OFF ROAD ONLY no highway use.


The 35's do help a little for clearance but on mine I can air them down more than my 33's 14# vs. 8# on the 35's. You must do this with any tire off road for it to work and ride properly.


There is really no reason to go larger if you don't want to trim the fenders to take advantage of your lift it's lost as is now no up travel. even worse with 35's.


Is your SYE a better one with a good built driveshaft both front and rear those will be stressed more also. I carry extra driveshaft and axles for mine all axles are stock.

2000CHERO

4:88. I DD this and make 9 hour one way trips regularly, and while it can be done with a Detroit I didn't want to deal with it possibly engaging at random on a snowy highway at 55mph+, also I read about uneven tire wear. For my DD duties I thought long and hard on the gear driven LSD. People bash them, but I can lock it up with brake work, maybe not as good still as a Detroit, but that's what my front air locker is for. I don't question whether I should have gotten the Detroit over a LSD one bit.

This is a DD and while I would like to have 2 sets of tires/wheels I don't have the money or space to store them.

I WILL trim the fenders. I have already decided what aftermarket flares I'm am going to get, however it will most likely wait until I recoup from this build financially, so maybe a year, maybe before.

SYE is AA. Driveshafts both Tatton's with non-greasable Spicers.

I was waiting for you to chime in, I've read elsewhere that you run 2 sets of tires, and am looking for opinions from people like yourself.

Has there been many instances where that one inch really made a big difference that couldn't be over come with throttle/line chosen/using your head?

I do air down as well, I've gotten my 33x10.5 on V5's down to 8psi no prob, but wheeling in snow.

RoyalXJ

All the cool kids are doing it so why not be one of them. STTs are good for traction but the sidewalls blow on the rocks.

2000CHERO

I don't care about the cool kids. If I did I would have a hi-lift mounted on my hood haha. If I can go 99% of the places someone with a similarly built rig can on 35's why would I sacrifice fuel and more wear and tear in front end parts. Even if I built this rig for 35's.

Any suggestions for either size? I was looking at the STT Pro's and the MAXX specifically.

RoyalXJ

Larger tires cover up bad driving skills. I've never had a problem following guys on larger tire when I run 33s. I would go with mtr kevlars in either size depending what you choose.

2000CHERO

Those look nice, but at $250/tire too much for me to pay, although there is a rebate on them now..

I measured my 33x10.5, with all the weight I have on them, and aired to 30psi, they're 32" exactly.

RoyalXJ

You get what you pay for. Worth saving up some extra money and buying the better tire.

2000CHERO

How try are they to size? I see they're actual size listed as 34.8, which means 1.4" bigger overall over my 32"(33's) bfg's.

PurpleToxin505

DO IT!!! Personally I went from 31s to 35s and it made a world of a difference. that 1" can be pretty useful. and like fred said, it allows you to air down more. I run 8 to 6 depending what im doing(without beadlocks) never popped a bead.

2000CHERO

Yeah I'm leaning that way at the moment. Going to drive to Goodyear here shortly and price out 4 MTR's, unless anyone knows a cheaper place?

Maybe I'll just slap them on now and deal with any rubbing. I don't really want to deal with the fenders for the next 3 months so of it rubs its going to rub. But if they tell me the 33's are cheaper by more than s few dollars who knows haha.