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Thread: New (bigger tires) and side effects

  1. #1
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    Default New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Thinking about picking up some 33 x 10.5s this weekend along with new wheels with appropriate backspacing. Have I forgotten anything else I need to worry about?

    Here's what I have in mind:

    Jeep has 2.5" suspension lift on (factory-size) 30x9.5 now. Front is Dana 30, rear is Dana 44. No sleeves or reinforcement of axles, just stock configuration.

    Replace 4 30"x9.5"x15" BFG T/A KO2 / stock wheels and spare (not matched).
    Install 4 33"x10.5"x15" BFG T/A KO2 / new wheels with ? backspacing (3.75"??). Get matched spare
    Do something to carry new larger, heavier spare. Thinking about a hinge reinforcement kit. If not this, I'll need a custom tire carrier or bumper with tire carrier. Leaning towards hinge reinforcement kit.
    Get a bracket to offset the spare if I get a hinge reinforcement kit. Bigger spare tire will likely hit bumper without this.
    Relocate brake light so it is visible above bigger tire
    Get new speedometer gear. 31 tooth? 3.73 gears on 33" tires.


    Anything else?

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    You will want to re-gear the axles at some point.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Re-gear to combat sluggishness or other reasons?

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Yes, to get the power back.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    If you get too far from spec ratio/tire size, it may be sluggish, and can increase wear and tear on the clutch (assuming it's not an automatic).

    I wouldn't worry about changing the speedo gear until you have the gear ratio you are happy with, or you will replace it twice...
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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    When you look into backspacing, look at the cost. You can get new steel wheel for $50 each.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    6 speed manual. It's already had a new transmission and clutch service, before I bought it. Don't know the entire story on that, but surprising for a Jeep that had 70k miles when I bought it.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    I have that same setup, 33x10.50 / 3:73 / 6speed and it is PERFECT!! the 6 speed had a 4.5 to 1 first gear that is almost useless with smaller tires. Nothing rubs at full stuff / flex, it's great.

    Cheapest Steel wheels, FWIW: http://www.trailmastersuspension.com...09&t_pt=101659

    I had to do my clutch @ 60kish, it's the bearing that goes, OEM is plastic: http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/...p-Clutch-Sound

    For the spare, all you have to do is raise the 3rd eye brakelight. The 4 OEM bolts are long enough to accommodate a 1.5" or so spacer, I used t-case spacers but anything will do, it's just plastic. My avatar shows it.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Good decision, you will appreciate the added clearance.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    I put 285/70/17 on my JK with 6 speed manual and 3.73 gearing. It was a noticable change in power going up hills. Have to downshift to 5th more often. Other than that not much drivability difference.

    Those are only about 1.2 inches bigger in diameter than stock. They are also a bit of a pizza cutter so didn’t need new rims.
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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Tom previously posted:
    "I put 285/70/17 on my JK with 6 speed manual and 3.73 gearing. It was a noticable change in power going up hills. Have to downshift to 5th more often. Other than that not much drivability difference."

    I only get to use 6th on the highway occasionally as it is, now. 5th gear is rarely over 3k RPM for me, unless I'm going 80 in Utah.

    I might get away without new rims, but it's not clear whether the bigger diameter will rub or not. I'd prefer new rims instead of spacers, if there is an issue with rubbing.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Got 33s today. They fit on the factory Ravine wheels without any rubbing on the control arms. Whatever was done with the lift installation prior to my ownership apparently has changed the geometry enough that the large backspacing on the factory wheels is not an issue for the 33 x 10.5 x 15 tires. Now I still have to solve the spare tire carrier & brake light issues, but those are easy and cheap. (Can't just raise the brake light, because doing that results in the wheel rim hitting the light bracket before I get the wheel onto the studs on the carrier. Aftermarket wheels with different backspacing probably work great this way, but not the factory wheel).

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Shoot, I was going to say go to 35’s lol, I’m on 33’s and already planning on how I’m going to squeeze 35’s+ under the taco but I have issues...regear, cut, max caster and cut some more. Congrats on the upgrade though!

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Looks great, and should make a big difference on trails.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    You won't need to even think about re-gearing till you hit the 35" range on tires. 3.75" backspacing is PLENTY to alleviate any rubbing, and if it did rub, it would only be on the sway bars at full lock. You'll really appreciate the additional clearance! :thumbsup:

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    I think I see why the tires don't rub, after poking around the steering components more this weekend. At full wheel lock either direction, I do not hit either steering stop. There is a rather substantial gap (1/4" or more) between the stops at full lock. I always thought my turning radius was not very good, and never reaching the stops would explain that.

    I noticed the previous owner installed a drop pitman arm, so I wonder if it is shorter than the stock pitman arm (shorter from steering box to drag link, not vertical length), which would limit the length of travel on the steering.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Hey Trent how do you like the 33’s? Did you get a chance to test em out yet? Looking forward to wheeling with you again.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Taco Chris previously posted:
    "Hey Trent how do you like the 33’s? Did you get a chance to test em out yet? Looking forward to wheeling with you again."

    Not yet. Waiting for new spare tire mount and speedometer gear later this week. Don't need the speedometer gear to wheel, but I do want to bring the spare. Should be able to install new parts sat or Sunday and be rolling for next week.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    When I got my 94 it already had 33's and 6inch lifts. No spare tire carrier. Got one at the junk yard, wouldn't fit with the brake light that protrudes above the tire. Simply took that part off. Took it on a run, went thru mud, over pretty large rocks and thru snow. Didn't do any radical rock climbing but loved the 33's. No worries and with my 6 cyl and 5 speed seem to have plenty of power. Think you will like yours.

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    Default Re: New (bigger tires) and side effects



    Yep, my 33's have been great. I installed them back in July. It's amazing how much difference the little bit of clearance (~1.5 inches extra) makes. I rarely scrape the undercarriage now. Most often, if I hit anything, it is the rear hitch receiver or tailpipe when dropping off a ledge.

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