Lift, Wheel and Tire Questions

[csteffen24]

We have a 2019, 4 door Sport S with the 2.0. It is not a daily driver and we bought it with the intention of mostly mild trail driving along with weekend adventure trips. We also intend to get a small camping trailer to tow behind it at some point. I am aware of the limitations of the front axle, gear ratios etc. and depending on where this adventure goes I will change/upgrade if necessary. We are going to put wheels and tires on it and this decision has lead me into the depths of the internet and this forum. I am basically trying to decide between two options with which are on a 17" wheel with Toyo Mts:

Option 1: I am considering running a 2" lift (I think the shop said Tuff Country) with 295/70/17. I feel like this is a fairly safe route that accommodates a little more clearance but should still do ok traveling on roads. My question is is this a good combo? Its a 33.5" tire. I am trying to avoid the small tire huge fender gap. Will a 35 work on this lift?

Option 2: 35s with a 3" Fabtech lift. I am a little hesitant to go down this road with the 3.45 gear. It looks great, just not sure if it is totally practical for what we are planning on doing. I am willing to go this route tho if 33s are splitting hairs and I will end up here anyway. Not sure about the 3" lift, might be a little much for me (2.5" is not available through the vendor I want to use).

We do quite a bit of moderate to difficult stuff in our RZR. I don't see us doing that kind of stuff in the jeep. I appreciate any advice. New to the JL world. Ive looked at numerous pictures and threads on here. I realize I am probably opening a can of worms, but hopefully my explanation gives us a starting point. Thanks.

Annnnd I just found the wheels and tires thread.... sorry about that, move if necessary.

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[blnewt]

Hi Chris, I run 295/70/17s on my 2dr, w/ a Rubicon suspension swap, perfect lift for that tire size, could run a bit taller but w/ the high gearing on the sport the tallest I may run in the future would be a 285/75/17.

You can find Rubicon suspension swaps for $150 or less on the site, might get lucky and find one nearby. Swap is easy and combined w/ the slightly longer Mopar LCAs you can even have a bit better steering that you currently have
Here's a thread on mine w/ before & after pics and the install of all the parts, the install would be the same w/ the 4dr.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/rubicon-suspension-on-2-door-sport.40700/

 

[csteffen24]

Thanks for the info. Is the Rubicon swap about the same as a 2" lift?

What I was ultimately getting at is are these good proportions 2"/33.5" or 3"/35s? each on 17s

 

[blnewt]

Thanks for the info. Is the Rubicon swap about the same as a 2" lift?

What I was ultimately getting at is are these good proportions 2"/33.5" or 3"/35s? each on 17s

If you don't plan to go taller then the 33.5 the Rubicon swap works well, 35s you could run 1" spacers w/ the Rubi swap, or a new 2.5" lift. The Rubi setup gains from 1.5 to 2" based on the springs you get.
The Rubicons w/ 4dr and more heavy options like hardtop, steel bumpers, and tow pkg get you taller springs.

 

[marcdm]

You really don't need 3" to run a 35" - Also, I get your apprehension about running a 35 with the 3.45 - but the updated 8speed transmission paired withe this does really well. I have historically always run a 3.73... so like you was nervous to run 35's on my Sahara... It does fine (I do also have the V6 and an upgraded D44)..

If it were me, I would run the 35 on a 2". I also stick with a CPly tire to go easy on my 48 yr old back~ Good luck!

 

[marcdm]

2" MOPAR on 315 / 70 / 17 KO2 C-Ply - basically a soft riding 35" (though likely on the smaller side)

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