Minimum tire/wheel upgrades

[tomk62]

Hi there, Jeep Cherokee owner new to Wranglers. I am planning on getting/ordering a new 23/24 Sahara at the end of this summer, but I don't care for the stock all season tires and want to upgrade to an all terrain with a more aggressive tread. I plan to do minimal off roading (of course I say that now) so it's mostly the styling I am interested in, with the occasional ability to go off road..

Is it possible to go to a 33" to 35" tire w/o changing the wheels or lift/suspension? Can I go slightly wider than stock w/o changing the wheel? That's what I am after: slightly taller, slightly wider, more aggressive AT tread. Don't want mud tires. I am starting to think it's not possible and that I will have to upgrade the wheel to get the tire look I want. (pay once - cry once)

How is the speedometer recalibrated if you change tires/wheels? At what point is this necessary?

If I happen to go for a Rubicon, how easy is it to change out the red interior dash trim with something more "subtle"?

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[MerPinXEss]

Rubicon wheels are wider and the fenders higher, will allow for more height and width wheel options. You can also opt for 33 or 35 a/t tires factory. The dash is a puzzle with about 10 screws and clips to pop out, 1 YouTube video and it is an easy switch. Rubicon also gives you easy access to mild off-roading with sway bar disco and if you want to do more you have lockers.

 

[AcesandEights]

As stated, if you get a Rubicon it'll have 33" all-terrains. You can fit 35" tires if you want. Are you looking at a certain trim?

 

[tomk62]

My preference is the styling for the Sahara, but I'm open to the Rubicon.

 

[Jtclayton612]

33” will fit on the Sahara, 35” will fit on the rubicon. Technically 35” that fall in the small size of spec ex km3/ko2 should also fit the Sahara. You will rub if going over a speed bump too fast and if you don’t get more backspacing you will also rub on control arms/inner fender at full lock.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

You can fit 33” tires on Sahara 18” wheels with no other modifications. The most popular tires size to do that with is a 275/70R18. Most are load range E, which I would avoid due to the harsh ride. General does make the ATX in that size in a non LT rated version., and it has the not too aggressive AT tread you want.

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/tires....dewall=Blackwall&partnum=77SR8GRATX&tab=Sizes

There is only about a .75” diameter difference between that tire and the OEM tire. I doubt that you would need to correct the speedo for that.

 

[jludave]

Here's a set of 275/70R18 on a stock 18" Sahara wheel (these are Sport Altitude wheels, which are the same as Sahara wheels just in all black). Tires are the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT.

 

[tomk62]

Thanks everyone, very helpful! @jludave yeah that looks so much better.

I have since learned that spacers will allow you to push the wheels out a bit and get a wider stance, and there are electronic/app based tools to recalibrate the speedo.

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