I have a 96 XJ 4 banger 5 speed. 4.5 lift bfg mt's hp30 and 8.25 in the back. What should my next step be? I do alot of trails but they are muddy. also most of the ruts out in them are 35+ tires from trucks. its a constant thing of getting hung up on the axles!!! any ideas what i can do? Are 35 safe for a stock axels? Just need some ideas on what to do night....Went from a ford on 38.5 swampers to a xj its been ruff....

 

35" tires will put a major strain on your 4 cyl engine, stock axles and gears for sure.

 

if you want more tire, gears should be high on your prioroty list.

 

you can do 35s on stock axles and gears, but it will be a bit doggy.
i wouldn't waste money on regearing stock axles tho, put some pennies away for a set of 3/4 ton or even one tons. they usually come with 4.10 gears if you choose the right donor truck.

 

his rig is a 4 cylinder. a bit doggy is an understatement.

 

I agree if you have plans for 35"s dont bother to waste $ on regearing stock axles. Those stock axles weren't meant to support the weight of a 35" tire.

 

I6 swap.. plenty of those engines out there..

 

you're better off just getting a different xj altogether

 

Honestly I havnt had any issues with the 4 banger I have 33 on it right now. Unless its high traction I can 4 high up and hill long as I'm in first. And if it ever needs 4low in first plenty of power. It was a auto so it has 456 gears at the moment with the stick. Just can decide to go with a 35 or a 12.5 wide 33 ....

 

the hell with it, go for the 35's!

im guessing your rims are 15 inch...in which case bfg makes a 35x12.5x15. the goodyear wrangler mt/r also comes in that size.

 

17 inch rims off a Rubi with bfg mud terrians

 

Why?

 

More room for brakes, larger tires are offered in more 16" and 17" rim sizes lately from what I've seen. And the coolness factor, which is most important.

But the wheel adaptor thing is annoying.

To each his own.

 

17" rubi rims are 5 on 5, so you would need adapters.
either go with a tj rubi wheel, which is 16" and stock had goodyear mtr's. that was a better combination, not sure why they went with bfg for the jk's.

but get the 35's, it won't be that bad. you definitely won't win a race, but as long as you don't mind the slower take off speed, and not being able to use 5th, then it's tolerable.
as you said, in 4lo, you'll be fine. then when you get better axles, you won't need tires.

that's what i would do.

i ran 36 bias iroks, which is really a 37 inch tire on stock 3.55 axles (xj44 rear), it was a bit slower, but manageable.

go for it. worst case scenario, you take the 35s off and stick em in the shed till you're ready.