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Sport Model Tire Options

E in DC

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Can anyone confirm the biggest tire that can be fitted to the Sport model with the stock fenders? Also, what if you swapped out the stock fenders for the 'high-line' versions from the Rubicon?

I'm unsure if the Rubicon is actually lifted to accommodate the larger 33" tires, or if it's just the fenders that allow for it. I had a TJ Rubicon and it required some significant mods to even go to 33".

I ask because I want the bigger tires, but don't have the coin to spend on the Rubicon. If it's simply a matter of swapping the fenders to get 33's, that'd be one more reason for me to opt for the Sport.
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JHJLUR

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The Rubicon sits higher and has the higher flares, you’ll need to do some work to get 33’s properly on the sport from my understanding.... properly, meaning I wouldn’t be shocked if they do indeed fit, but rubbing etc is most likely going to be an issue.
 

ThirtyOne

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FCrackerJLRubi

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Can anyone confirm the biggest tire that can be fitted to the Sport model with the stock fenders? Also, what if you swapped out the stock fenders for the 'high-line' versions from the Rubicon?

I'm unsure if the Rubicon is actually lifted to accommodate the larger 33" tires, or if it's just the fenders that allow for it. I had a TJ Rubicon and it required some significant mods to even go to 33".

I ask because I want the bigger tires, but don't have the coin to spend on the Rubicon. If it's simply a matter of swapping the fenders to get 33's, that'd be one more reason for me to opt for the Sport.
like @JHJLUR said, Rubis sit an inch higher and have the high clearance flares that gives them the 35" capability right off the lot, 33s on a non Rubi should be just fine provided you either run wheel spacers (really do not recommend that) or aftermarket wheels with more backspacing (or less backspacing? those terms always confuse me)....whichever term means to stick the wheel farther out from the vehicle.

There is another current thread talking about a leveling kit, after looking at the photos put together by ACE, im not so sure you even need that to fit 33s....you would probably have to remove those silly front bumper wings and might need to trim the inside bumper corners for full lock turning not to rub. Its all speculation for now as there is no 100% answer yet. We know 33s fit on a Sport with aftermarket wheels, we just dont know if they will fully turn without rubbing.
 

Carolina88

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Speaking of Sport S tires, are the JL Sport S tires smaller than the JK Sport S ones?
 

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Jeepsterfreak

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Speaking of Sport S tires, are the JL Sport S tires smaller than the JK Sport S ones?
Technically yes, but not by much. 255 vs 245. Maybe Jeep includes narrower tires to help improve fuel economy. Less rolling resistance.

Overall diameter between 255/75 vs 245/75 is minimal, about 0.5 inch difference. So you lose 0.25 inch of axle clearance by using the smaller tire, although Jeep lists the JL running ground clearance as 9.7 vs 9.5 for the JK, probably due to newly designed axles.

JK Sport S
17 x 7.5 wheel
255/75-17 tire All Season

JL Sport/S
17 x 7.5 wheel
245/75-17 tire All Season

If you add the LSD, it upgrades you to All Terrain tires
245/75-17 All Terrain
Not sure if these are actually taller than All Season due to tread pattern.
 
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Carolina88

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Technically yes, but not by much. 255 vs 245. Maybe Jeep includes narrower tires to help improve fuel economy. Less rolling resistance.

Overall diameter between 255/75 vs 245/75 is minimal, about 0.5 inch difference. So you lose 0.25 inch of axle clearance by using the smaller tire, although Jeep lists the JL running ground clearance as 9.7 vs 9.5 for the JK, probably due to newly designed axles.

JK Sport S
17 x 7.5 wheel
255/75-17 tire All Season

JL Sport/S
17 x 7.5 wheel
245/75-17 tire All Season

If you add the LSD, it upgrades you to All Terrain tires
245/75-17 All Terrain
Not sure if these are actually taller than All Season due to tread pattern.
Thanks for the reply. I still get totally confused by tired measurements (ie, 255/75/17), especially when references are also made to diameter (31, 33, 35, 37). Actually, I prefer the diameter measurements because it's simpler and sums it up better. Thanks again!
 

Carolina88

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Technically yes, but not by much. 255 vs 245. Maybe Jeep includes narrower tires to help improve fuel economy. Less rolling resistance.

Overall diameter between 255/75 vs 245/75 is minimal, about 0.5 inch difference. So you lose 0.25 inch of axle clearance by using the smaller tire, although Jeep lists the JL running ground clearance as 9.7 vs 9.5 for the JK, probably due to newly designed axles.

JK Sport S
17 x 7.5 wheel
255/75-17 tire All Season

JL Sport/S
17 x 7.5 wheel
245/75-17 tire All Season

If you add the LSD, it upgrades you to All Terrain tires
245/75-17 All Terrain
Not sure if these are actually taller than All Season due to tread pattern.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the JK Rubicon tires are also 255/75-17, right?
 

Boatbuilder88

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Thanks for the reply. I still get totally confused by tired measurements (ie, 255/75/17), especially when references are also made to diameter (31, 33, 35, 37). Actually, I prefer the diameter measurements because it's simpler and sums it up better. Thanks again!
Using just diameter measurements leaves out important tire width and wheel diameter information.

1 mm = 0.03937 inches

So for a tire size 245/75-17, use this formula: [(245 x 75% x 2) x 0.03937] + 17 = 31.5 inches in overall diameter
 
 



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