I am currently running a 3" lift on 31's but would like to upgrade to 33's someday. Is it possible to run the 33's without much trouble? Or will I have to do a lot of cutting. I really like the look of 33's but don't have the budget to upgrade to SYE and new drive shafts since I just installed this lift/tire combo within the last month and a half.
Oh yeah....'99 4dr auto, 3" lift with full leafs, discos, JKS adj. track bar, transfer case drop, 31x10.50/15 Mickey MTZ on 15x8 rims with 3.75" BS, sway bars still connected front/rear.
Winter mods: Cowl CAI and possibly interior rack and roof cage?
Spring mods: no lift relocation brackets w/boomerang shackles, and adjustable lower control arms....(uppers???) funds permitting-Billstein shocks all around.
Wondering if I do the relocation/shackle kit if it will raise back end too much and then need to do something to front again? Vicious cycle but addictive!

 

You'll have to trim. Why don't you want to trim?

 

If you want flex you will be trimming. If you want a wider tire, you will be trimming. If you don't, you may get away with it.

I had to trim with 31's because I wanted flex.

You can trim and keep your baby still looking stock.

Remember its a jeep, not a Rolls.

 

Not really sure what or how to trim. But I really want to make this a very capable DD.

 

Pics would be apreciated!

 

Mine are really trimmed. Just cut the front with an angle grinder. The rear has to be done as a "cut and fold". You make relief cuts in the fender about every 4" or so, then beat it over flat into the fender well.

 

You have a 4.5" lift cheater

 

To answer your question about the shackle relocation bracket, get the no lift model. A couple companies offer them. I went with HD and they're great.

 

Yeah that's the ones I plan on getting. And I was thinking of getting the shackles and lower control arms from IronRock.
I don't really have the cash to replace bumpers right now. That's why I was wondering if I could get away with 33's at all or not unless I either cut the H.E.double hockey sticks out my jeep or lift it beyond 3"?

 

You will need to trim. In the pic I have a 3 in. lift & 33/12.50/15's on 10 in. wide wheels.
I trimmed where the top of the flare use to be at.

 

You can even trim and keep the stock look

 

It's not hard to cut for the 33's. You can find a bunch of write ups online.

Here you go, 3" on 33's.

 

33x12.5x15 Duratracs on 15x10 wheels with 4" backspacing

Stock:


3" lift:

 

3.5" on 33x10.50's with 15x8 and 3.75" BS

I trimmed the fronts and rear, No matter what size lift you have on an XJ any tire over a 31 will need trimming since XJ's are plagued with tiny wheel wells

 

Thanks to everyone. Great info. Sounds like I will just have to get over my fear of surgery...plastic surgery (flares and bumper caps) no problem... It's metal surgery that makes me squeamish! Lol!