Tire Size Advantage

[robaw]

I've been wondering for a while what the actual advantage of larger tires are. I get that they add additional height/clearance and more circumference (although I'm not sure what that helps necessarily). I'm admittedly a total off-road noob...

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[NFRs2000NYC]

Tires are essentially the ONLY thing that give you ACTUAL added ground clearance...meaning, from ground to diff pumpkin. They also allow you to roll over larger obstacles easier, and climb more difficult obstacles. Downside, they rob you of power, gas mileage, stress axle parts, ujoints, pinion, bearings, require a carrier, and cost more to replace. Many will sacrifice all that for performance offroad and looks (mostly), reliability be damned. Hey, you only live once.

 

[American Adventurist]

Find a small rock.

Attempt to roll over it with skateboard. Then with bicycle. You’ll see the larger wheels/tires roll over obstacles MUCH easier. See King of the Hammers for reference. Rocks and 33’s are no bueno.

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

Depends on the size of the rock lol

 

[Djmatt85]

Larger tires will also give you better approach/departure angles.

 

[American Jeeper]

Don’t forget breakover angle as well. The JL(U) in stock form is a bit of a belly dragger.

 

[robaw]

Tires are essentially the ONLY thing that give you ACTUAL added ground clearance...meaning, from ground to diff pumpkin. They also allow you to roll over larger obstacles easier, and climb more difficult obstacles. Downside, they rob you of power, gas mileage, stress axle parts, ujoints, pinion, bearings, require a carrier, and cost more to replace. Many will sacrifice all that for performance offroad and looks (mostly), reliability be damned. Hey, you only live once.

Thanks - I guess I was looking for kind of a pros/cons so this is definitely good info. Much appreciated info from all others as well

 

[allenn]

I have 44’s helps me get over the speed bumps in the mall a lot better. They ride like crap though

 

[allenn]

Got pics?

Hopefully tomorrow. I just switched the 42’s out for 44’s . I had the suspension took back off and painted it should be ready tomorrow fingers crossed and I’ll post some pics.

 

[UKCATS]

Hopefully tomorrow. I just switched the 42’s out for 44’s . I had the suspension took back off and painted it should be ready tomorrow fingers crossed and I’ll post some pics.

Ultimate 60’s?

 

[Zazoh]

In theory.

Next time you are out in the wild count every obstacle that is 3-4 inches higher than what you are going over, that's that advantage you get. + a few more.

BUT, count all the obstacles that are infinitely larger than what you can roll over. Easier just to drive around when you can.

With proper tire placement and finesse it is possible to stretch abilities, but all things being equal, it will allows you to drive over a few more obstacles. In a recent video on a popular Jeep Channel, Kevin took his JL where the buggies with 40+ tires were running.

There is an advantage, don't get me wrong, but there is a trade off as well. Bigger tires also mean better grip as there is more surface area touching the ground. Also why it is important on most off road challenges to air down the tires to get even more surface area, as well as protect the tires against sharp rocks.

 

[allenn]

How high did you have lift to stuff those monsters on ?

8” Roam long arm.

 

[allenn]

Ultimate 60’s?

As of yet no. I do have the money set aside if I need them. I honestly doubt I will. I don’t rock crawl no rocks where I live, but I do go in bad mud some and do a lot of trail riding so time will tell.

 

[allenn]

@robaw I’m sorry for going off topic.

 

[robaw]

@robaw I’m sorry for going off topic.

I want to see pics!

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