Chino

I'm going after an MT tire set. I've been using 31s AT for a while with the OME lift kit w/o problems (knock on wood)
Would I need to heavily modify/lift the XJ in Oder to fit 33s or will the 33s fit with just fine with spacers and shackles?
One more question, does the XJ handling drastically changes with those bigger tires (breaking, acceleration, wobbling)??
Appreciate your comments.

This is what it looks like right now on 31s

DieselD

33x12.50s (most common 33) is going to need a wider wheel with less backspacing. So you'd need to buy some wheels.

You wouldn't necessarily need to lift more. You would need to remove the stock flares and trim your fenders though.

33s will also be heavier so it may take your MPG down a notch and the steering might be strained if its stock. Brakes will have a slightly harder time braking due to more mass on you rubber.

I'd say stick with 31s they look good you can get a 31" MT tire anyways.

Atmos

if you're wheeling for sure jump up to a 33. if you're staying on the street and off the rocks a 31 is fine

I'd strongly consider a 33x10.5 over the 12.5 if you're not regearing. saves weight and arguably conforms to rocks better than a wider tire
a bigger tire will always leave you wanting more upgrades than your previous smaller tire. even if you dont realize it at first. a zj tie rod is a must, bare minimum, even wheeling on 31's

denverd1

I was planning to cut my fenders anyway so going to 33 was a no-brainer for me. You'll notice a difference in acceleration but its not enough to warrant new gears in both axles. I have 3.55 gears and it does just fine. if you have 3.07s I'd stay with 31. My 33s went on with no problems but I have aftermarket rims FWIW

Atmos

I disagree. stock axles on 33's are a PIG especially on gas. but you're right, for some that's still not enough to warrant a regear.

thus why I suggest 33x10.5
and also I forgot to mention alloy rims. so much lighter than steelies

XJmike0122

Its all in how you drive. I drive around 60 miles a day 3 days a week. I stay off the highway drive around 55mph call it driving like a grandma but its ok with me because I average 18 to 20 mpg with 10.50 33s and stock gears. More money for parts.

98cherokee531

My 33x12.50s on stock steel wheels and my 5 speed is a pig pulling out but ok rolling. Definite power loss though. I considered regearing but I bought a sye instead. It's like all my gears are moved up one. 1st is 2nd and so on. 5th is overdrive lol

srb531

if your suspension has decent flex 33's will be all into that sheetmetal, worse w/ 12.50 , dont forget as the tire size goes bigger so does the breakage of drivetrain parts. its just simple physics.

Chino

Thanks for the comments.
I'll go for the 33x10.5 and post some feedback later on.

dav5942

Ran 31s for five years-rockcrawlin'-was fine. Went to 33s(12.5) for two years-rockcrawlin' was fine in 4WD-a pig in 2WD and a pig on road!. Went from 3.55 to 4.56 gears-wow like a brand new car on road!!! Headed to KOH, Moab, etc. in the spring to test her out.

Muddawg430

just started fixing up my first xj got it when everything was bone stock love fixing it up. I now have 5"s of lift with 33/12.50 mud grapplers on 17" black bullet hole wheels trimmed my fenders put after market radio in with a flip out DVD screen "with some dash modification" and then put camo head liner up.

Parsnip

Handling is subjective, but yes it is different. Going from 31 to 33? Not much difference. Going from 31 to 35 like I did- big difference. If its an auto, be prepared for power loss, if its a 5 speed, all the better. I'm at 7" lift with 35s, 8.8 rear, 3.73 geared and its honestly got some *** behind it, but it will haul if you put the hammer down

MrSimon

I've wheeled with 31s, 33s, and 35s .... with a mix of stock and aftermarket axles/gears. If I had it all to do over again, I'd have stayed on 31s with lockers and armor.

Your Jeep looks awesome with 31s!! If you stick with 31s, you don't have to change axels or gears, you won't add any weird driveline issues, you won't have to add any lift, you won't have to get new wheels, you won't have to trim any sheet metal, and you won't loose any accelration/braking.

Especially if this Jeep is your DD, I'd recommend sticking with 31s.

In my opinion, 31s and one locker will go a LOT more places than 33s open.

94XjSport94

Yeah... No.

XJ's are under geared from the factory, IMO. 33x10.5's and 4.56 gears feels good right now. It won't have as much power when I go to 35's, but way better than stock gears.

You need a transmission cooler if you plan to go offroad, AW4 doesn't like heat.

exjay1027

you could always go half way with 32x11.5