Balanced Rim/Wheel/Lift Upgrade Combination?

[CJJL]

I've got a 2021 Rubicon with basically every option that was available. It's a daily driver that I take off-roading about once a month in AZ. I'd like to put on some bigger tires/rims and possibly do a small lift. I have a couple of buddies who recently went to 21" rims, 37" tires and a 2.5" lift. They love it for off-road but said they lost a lot on the highway ride. What I'm looking for is some thoughts on the perfect combination of rim/tires/lift to maximize improvement for off-roading, while minimizing the loss on the on-road side of things. Thanks for any insight you can share.

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[CJJL]

IMO, 35's and a 2" lift. Who's tires/wheels and lift is up to you.

Thanks, for the reply. Does rim size or tire width affect things one way or another?

 

[JeepersCreepers2]

I tend to agree with sourdough above. 35's and a 2 inch lift (which might net you up to 3 inches) is a good balance for offroad and highway driving. As far as rim size, the more rubber you have the better ride you are going to get. Many people on this forum choose 17 inch rims for this reason. You also generally have a few more choices in tires. That being said, many have larger tires and wheels and do just fine but may spend more time offroad than on.

 

[Some Random Guy]

Thanks, for the reply. Does rim size or tire width affect things one way or another?

I think the width has the biggest impact on fender clearance. With a Rubicon, you might be ok. I’m figuring out a similar combo. I’m between 37’s on a 2.5” lift and 39/40’s on a 3.5” lift. Mine is not a DD, I only commute with it in precipitation or sub-40 temps. As said earlier, smaller diameter rims gives more tire flexibility. Larger diameter rims would decrease your air down/up time though.

 

[Morris4x4]

The most common basic setup, from what I've seen, is 2.5" (3.5 for heavier jeeps w/ bumpers/winch/etc..), 35's and 17" wheels.

Now in terms of specifics, Teraflex/icon/fox/jks/rockkrawler has been the most common shocks/kits I've seen on set-ups. For wheels method/black rhino/kmc have been to go to's. Tires will vary but KO2 is good on-road and casual wheeling. mickey thompson deegan38 and baja series have been great for a lot of people for wheeling and some road. Cooper stt pros have treated a lot of people well too.

 

[stevieb92]

On my 2020 Rubicon, I cobbled together my own lift kit. I went with Rusty's Off Road 2 inch springs, Falcon SP2 3.3 fast adjust shocks, Fuel Vector wheels (17x9) with BFG KO2 315/70R17 Load C and Rock Krawler adjustable control arms and adjustable track bars. The ride is very good and just like stock. Tire Pressure set to 30-32 cold.

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