35"s

[longfiredragon]

Sometimes this jeep stuff can get confusing. So please chime in and let me know if I don't know what I am talking about or if this makes sense.

I am thinking 35"s. There's a lot said, no do 37"s , 39"s etc. You will wear out parts sooner etc.

One example, a friend bought a 2018 sport. Before he took delivery he had the Mopar 2" lift installed, pro Comp steel wheels and MT Baja 315, 35"s installed. He now has 75K on his jeep and the only part that has ever worn out/been replaced is the track bar. He carries the spare in the stock location with no reinforcement, and no issues. And yes he has done considerable off roading.

I have also read posts on here from jeep people that seem to know a lot more than me, and state that the JL components are much stronger than most people realize. This is not the JK days. Everything is bigger and stronger.

So then for me why 35"s?

Because I believe 35"s will do everything I need for the way I use my jeep off road.

I can use the stock location for the spare. Which upgrading is just more money.

I do as much maintenance as I can myself. My jeep has never been to a shop except for tire installation. This said I am 60 years old, 150 pounds, solid muscle and have worked out all my life. However, I can barley lift my 33"s to do a tire rotation. The spare, before going out on the road I would use my floor jack to lift it up as high as I could then muscle it up without destroying the rear camera.

Being on the road in an RV now I have to get my wife to help put the spare back on. I can do it, but I fear damaging the camera.

35"s I think I could still change a flat on the trail and do my tire rotations.

Of course the look. I am not doing a 3 1/2 or 4 inch lift. I don't need it. So with about a 2 1/2 to 3 inch lift I think 35"s look good. I like a gap between the tire and fender. When you have 37"s or 40"s and they fill up the fender well, I don't like the look.

I guess a part of the confusion and question is that some say you will have to do ball joints, knuckles, tie rod ends U joints, all kinds of parts replacement just to move up to 35"s on a sport.

I have seen and heard different.

What say you all?

Thanks

Sponsored

 

[AcesandEights]

35" tires on a Jeep is lame unless you need 35" tires to do the trails you want to do. There is no reason to move to 35" tires, unless you need them, and most don't. It also looks lame to have 2"+ lift with 35" tires. That's my opinion.

That being said, 35" tires aren't going to blow things up. There isn't some straw waiting to break the camel's back at 35" tires. Do what you want and enjoy your Jeep. Replace parts as needed, and they probably won't be needed anymore than they would with 33" tires.

 

[Maverick909]

35's are a great fit with a 2.5" lift. especially with stock sport low fenders. you can find yourself a lower weight 35" tire that will be pretty close to the weight of a 33". I've ran the stock 31.75 in sport tires, 33" rubicon tires, 35" Milestar Patagonia, and now am on 37" Milestar Patagonia's. I've ran everything but the stock sport tires on my 2.5" lift. 35's look great on a 2" mopar lift and 35's are a great all around size for anyone that's not doing rated 7 and up trails

With that the ONLY thing i feel i had to do was i did replace my stock ball joints at 25K miles. The stock ball joints just plain suck and they will wear out slightly faster with 35's than the stock tires. but all ball joints will eventually wear out. I how ever didn't run the 35's on my door hinge though. had a bumper with a spare tire carrier to help with the weight.IF you choose to add a spare tire kit i can recommend cavfab. they make a good product unpainted for a darn good price.

 

[azwjowner]

35" tires on a Jeep is lame unless you need 35" tires to do the trails you want to do. There is no reason to move to 35" tires, unless you need them, and most don't. It also looks lame to have 2"+ lift with 35" tires. That's my opinion.

That being said, 35" tires aren't going to blow things up. There isn't some straw waiting to break the camel's back at 35" tires. Do what you want and enjoy your Jeep. Replace parts as needed, and they probably won't be needed anymore than they would with 33" tires.

Yes. Before I purchase anything, I ask myself: What specific current problem am I experiencing that is this intended to solve? If you can't identify one, don't make the purchase.

 

[azwjowner]

35's are a great fit with a 2.5" lift. especially with stock sport low fenders.

But why should he spend all the money on a lift kit that raises the center of gravity and and hurts MPG when he can put Rubicon takeoff springs on for $100 that will net 1.5", and find or purchase takeoff Rubicon fenders, and run the 35s that way?

 

[Maverick909]

But why should he spend all the money on a lift kit that raises the center of gravity and and hurts MPG when he can put Rubicon takeoff springs on for $100 that will net 1.5", and find or purchase takeoff Rubicon fenders, and run the 35s that way?

2.5" lift with 35's i ran 18-20mpg with 4.10 gearing
even with 2.5" lift 37's and 4.88 gears i am runing 16-18mpg

 

[longfiredragon]

Thank you all for your responses. So, the number one limiting factor I see off roading is clearance.

I am not doing extreme rock crawling, or number 10 trails. However 35"s would be 3 inch's bigger than my Willy's sport came with.

I have been off road a lot this last year and a bit more clearance for the trails I do would be nice. A few less nerve racking moments trying to get over boulders and such would be good.

Of course there is a cost concern for me. And 35"s may allow me more room for a re-gear and other items. I am kicking things around and appreciate the feedback.

As far as looks, that's what makes the world go around. As others have stated I like the way 35"s look with about a 2 1/2 lift. The jeeps I have seen with 37"s and bigger I didn't like as much.

The lift would be because I want better shocks and springs for a better all around ride.

Thanks again. I do a lot of research these days before I jump, especially when the cost is up there.

 

[AcesandEights]

The lift and tires will give you more clearance, unquestionably; however, it is likely going to have a less comfortable ride. A 3" taller tire will provide 1.5" of additional ground clearance. The lift will provide additional clearance under most of the vehicle, but not "ground clearance" (as measured at the axle).

35" tires typically have a stiffer sidewall; although they will have more sidewall. They also add un-sprung weight.

The springs will raise the vehicle, and the center of gravity. They will likely also increase the spring rate and the shocks will provide a more "firm" ride.

So, you will probably end up with a vehicle that is less comfortable to drive on road. Of course, larger tires are effectively a larger gear and you will have a decrease in the amount of torque at the ground, less power both on road and off.

35" tires are great when you need additional clearance, but they decrease power and contribute to a less comfortable ride. I've already chimed in more than you probably needed me to, but if you want to continue your research, I'd say look into the pros and cons a bit more. The pros get you over harder trails, which it doesn't look like you do. The cons will be cons every time you drive the Jp on road.

 

[longfiredragon]

The lift and tires will give you more clearance, unquestionably; however, it is likely going to have a less comfortable ride. A 3" taller tire will provide 1.5" of additional ground clearance. The lift will provide additional clearance under most of the vehicle, but not "ground clearance" (as measured at the axle).

35" tires typically have a stiffer sidewall; although they will have more sidewall. They also add un-sprung weight.

The springs will raise the vehicle, and the center of gravity. They will likely also increase the spring rate and the shocks will provide a more "firm" ride.

So, you will probably end up with a vehicle that is less comfortable to drive on road. Of course, larger tires are effectively a larger gear and you will have a decrease in the amount of torque at the ground, less power both on road and off.

35" tires are great when you need additional clearance, but they decrease power and contribute to a less comfortable ride. I've already chimed in more than you probably needed me to, but if you want to continue your research, I'd say look into the pros and cons a bit more. The pros get you over harder trails, which it doesn't look like you do. The cons will be cons every time you drive the Jp on road.

Your good brother. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

I understand unsprung weight, loss of power and torque trying to spin bigger tires.

However, with my 2.0 turbo and superchips tune I don't think it will be too much of an issue. (I would have to re-gear also)

Also if I went 37"s (which I haven't ruled out) wouldn't the torque and power loss be even more?

As much as people don't like to admit it, looks is a big deal. I need to look at wranglers with about a 3 1/2" lift with 37"s and see what they look like.

What are you running? Pic.s?

 

[Philly_]

Your good brother. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

I understand unsprung weight, loss of power and torque trying to spin bigger tires.

However, with my 2.0 turbo and superchips tune I don't think it will be too much of an issue. (I would have to re-gear also)

Also if I went 37"s (which I haven't ruled out) wouldn't the torque and power loss be even more?

As much as people don't like to admit it, looks is a big deal. I need to look at wranglers with about a 3 1/2" lift with 37"s and see what they look like.

What are you running? Pic.s?

Things will wear out faster with larger tires, but it doesn't you'll have to replace everything the next week. 35's will be friendlier to your stock parts than 37's, but if you go with a light weight tire like the KO2 in either size, there shouldn't be much difference.

I lifted and swapped to 35's with ~14k miles on the odometer, now I am ~20k, and It things are just starting to get a little squirrely on me, but I ran my Jeep pretty hard in the rocks with the stock suspension, and was expecting this to happen sooner or later. First step for me was to make check the torque on all the bolts in my suspension/steering. I had done this shortly after lifting, but never hurts to check. Everything was tight. Next, I decided to add a Steer Smarts track bar and sector shaft brace. Massive improvement in steering feel, but I'm concerned it could be hiding other wear, so new ball joints, knuckles, tie rod, drag link, and steering stabilizer are all in my future. I also plan to bump to 37's after I've finished all these upgrades, so i've already upgraded my tire carrier to support that. You should be okay with a lighter 35, but the Mopar tailgate reinforcement would be nice for peace of mind... Take-off's for these usually aren't priced too badly.

As far as power goes, I also have the 2.0T without eTorque and it's a blast to drive. Adding the larger tires didn't make me feel like I lost power, but instead made the Jeep feel a little heavier. It performs great on both city and highway roads, as well as off road with the Rubicon 4.10's. Because you have a higher gear ratio, you may be more inclined to regear, but I would hold off until you know for sure if you want to move to 37's at some point and just do it once.

Here's my Rubicon with the 2.5" Metalcloak Gamechanger. I gained exactly 2.5" in the rear with the backseat in and no other gear installed, and ~3" up front, but I believe this is compensating for the ~3/4 of sag in my stock front springs from installing a winch.

Without Rubicon fenders, you will lose about 1" of gap in the wheel well with the same setup.

 

[longfiredragon]

Things will wear out faster with larger tires, but it doesn't you'll have to replace everything the next week. 35's will be friendlier to your stock parts than 37's, but if you go with a light weight tire like the KO2 in either size, there shouldn't be much difference.

I lifted and swapped to 35's with ~14k miles on the odometer, now I am ~20k, and It things are just starting to get a little squirrely on me, but I ran my Jeep pretty hard in the rocks with the stock suspension, and was expecting this to happen sooner or later. First step for me was to make check the torque on all the bolts in my suspension/steering. I had done this shortly after lifting, but never hurts to check. Everything was tight. Next, I decided to add a Steer Smarts track bar and sector shaft brace. Massive improvement in steering feel, but I'm concerned it could be hiding other wear, so new ball joints, knuckles, tie rod, drag link, and steering stabilizer are all in my future. I also plan to bump to 37's after I've finished all these upgrades, so i've already upgraded my tire carrier to support that. You should be okay with a lighter 35, but the Mopar tailgate reinforcement would be nice for peace of mind... Take-off's for these usually aren't priced too badly.

As far as power goes, I also have the 2.0T without eTorque and it's a blast to drive. Adding the larger tires didn't make me feel like I lost power, but instead made the Jeep feel a little heavier. It performs great on both city and highway roads, as well as off road with the Rubicon 4.10's. Because you have a higher gear ratio, you may be more inclined to regear, but I would hold off until you know for sure if you want to move to 37's at some point and just do it once.

Here's my Rubicon with the 2.5" Metalcloak Gamechanger. I gained exactly 2.5" in the rear with the backseat in and no other gear installed, and ~3" up front, but I believe this is compensating for the ~3/4 of sag in my stock front springs from installing a winch.

Without Rubicon fenders, you will lose about 1" of gap in the wheel well with the same setup.

Thanks for sharing. So this pic. Is on 35"s correct? See I love the look. When you go to 37"s it will take up more fender gap and I don't think it looks as good.

Of course you will get the benefit of more clearance with 37".

 

[Philly_]

Thanks for sharing. So this pic. Is on 35"s correct? See I love the look. When you go to 37"s it will take up more fender gap and I don't think it looks as good.

Of course you will get the benefit of more clearance with 37".

Thank you!! I love the gap too! My plan was always to swap to 3.5" Metalcloak springs when I go to 37's because they are the only difference between the 2.5" kit and 3.5" kit. Should be super easy... assuming I can find a jack long enough or get it on someone's lift! ?

I maxed out my floor jack to get the frame as high as possible while I did the swap, and basically dropped one side of the axle all the way to the ground while jacking up the other side and could barely squeeze the 2.5" springs in... those MC springs are insanely long, but I suppose thats why you don't have to worry about them falling out with their standard kits. If you started modifying for more droop, then limiting straps might be necessary, but I haven't even gotten to the where I've need more flex, yet, so I'm not too worried about that.

Before I swap to the 3.5" springs, I think I'm also going to run it as is on a few trails to see how I like it, because I am sure the extra height will increase my drag on the highway and hurt fuel mileage even more, but it's really not bad if I keep it below 75mph with flat roads, and no wind. Around 70mph (speed limit on most highways in southern Michigan) and good conditions, I can get 18-19mpg. Around town varies depending on how heavy my foot is that day, and off-road is a crap shoot of conditions so if it's a longer run, I count on getting ~12mpg so I never worry about being stranded without fuel.

I've heard adding a full belly pan (despite weight of steel/aluminum) will decrease the air turbulence a bit underneath and actually improve highway mileage, but no first hand experience yet. An aluminum Artec system is also in my future, because I don't drag or high center nearly enough with the height and short wheelbase to need the steel, and with salty roads, I would rather not add more things to rust out.

Sometimes I do feel like I need to fill the wheel well a little more with this setup, as the KO2's do run a bit small for a "35," but for the most part, especially on the two door, I feel this setup just looks like a classic Jeep, and I get tons of compliments... and ducks!

 

[Bill_BCNtoNY]

From what you said in your initial post, I agree with you that matching the tire size (and lift, and any other mods for that matter) to your use case is the right way to think. 35s seem to fit what you do today and what you want to do with your Jeep in the future, too.

Regarding looks, well that is 100% subjective so only you can tell how you want your Jeep to look. For example, I'm happy with how my 2.5" lift looks with 33s on my Sahara. That is probably not everyone's cup of tea and that is ok.

 

[BobW]

Thank you all for your responses. So, the number one limiting factor I see off roading is clearance.

I am not doing extreme rock crawling, or number 10 trails. However 35"s would be 3 inch's bigger than my Willy's sport came with.

I have been off road a lot this last year and a bit more clearance for the trails I do would be nice. A few less nerve racking moments trying to get over boulders and such would be good.

Of course there is a cost concern for me. And 35"s may allow me more room for a re-gear and other items. I am kicking things around and appreciate the feedback.

As far as looks, that's what makes the world go around. As others have stated I like the way 35"s look with about a 2 1/2 lift. The jeeps I have seen with 37"s and bigger I didn't like as much.

The lift would be because I want better shocks and springs for a better all around ride.

Thanks again. I do a lot of research these days before I jump, especially when the cost is up there.

Tho I'm more overlander than rock-crawler, out here it's often rocky, a lot of granite. I upgraded armor (aluminum belly pan) rather than lift.

 

[AcesandEights]

From what you said in your initial post, I agree with you that matching the tire size (and lift, and any other mods for that matter) to your use case is the right way to think...

I didn't find the OP's use case in the thread, can you link it?

Sponsored