FINOCJ previously posted:
"Trent has a pretty sweet set-up on his LJ - functional on both street and trail....On the shorter wheelbase TJ, 33s will have more functional clearance with break-over angle and such (the longer wheelbase can have some traction advantage though in certain terrain conditions). I run 33x10.5 on my even shorter wheelbase cj5 and it feels like it can keep up with longer 4dr jeeps and such that are on 35s.At the same time, its pretty amazing what a small, short wheelbase jeep can get through without large lift or tires. Although most of the newer jeeps on the rubicon are running 37s, there are still a few early cjs doing fine on 31s. FWIW - you can get BFGs mud-terrain tire in a 33x10.5r15 as well if you are looking for more aggressive tread pattern. But, be aware that many of the traditional (non p-metric) tires sizes are rated at LT, and thus have a bit stiffer sidewall and may make the ride a bit more harsh, and/or lower air pressure might be warranted."
James, I've been tossing this around a bit and have gone back and forth between 31's and 33's.
Here's where I'm at:
When I drove this thing with 33x12.5s on it for the first two weeks of owning it it felt like it had no suspension and I think the wheels/tires were just too heavy for the suspension. Been kicking around on some little 235's on stock TJ Canyon wheels (while I figure out what I want to do) and the ride is enjoyable by comparison. I know these are little trucks and I'm used to driving my oh-so-soft Volvo around so my butt needs to adjust.
I've spent some time in the past few days digging through old TJ forum posts about tire sizes (and the seemingly endless debates about the lift/tire combos) and I'm liking what I'm reading about people's experience with a 2in lift and 31's in combination with disconnects and SYE. The consensus is that it'll get you just about anywhere except for the really difficult trails. I also want to avoid putting so-big-a-tire on it that it takes the challenge out of it as well as keeping a LCOG.
Here's a reference for "stance", the lighting is bad but it's the closest thing that represents what I'm going after I will be adding a roof rack at some point as well: