My tucked-in setup: 11.5" Falken 4W's and Method 703's

[Padre]

So the rig I bought used had Toyo Open Country Rough Country 35x12.5's on Method 309's (0mm offset, non-beadgrip) on a Mopar lift. Tread was at about 50%, but I got some good use from them in Moab and Colorado.

However, I don't like the aggressive poke (more than 2", I was kicking up rocks onto the body), plus I wanted some 3-peak tires for Colorado, since I'll be living high and deep in the mountains by the time the snows start. Also, narrower tires do have advantages offroad and in the snow and rain, and lighter weight should help fuel economy and road manners. This is my daily driver.

So after a lot of searching, I settled on:
- Method 703's, 17x8.5 with a +25mm offset ("Beadgrip" technology from Method)
- Falken Wildpeak A/T4W's 35 X 11.50 R17 (LT 118R C1), 3-peak rated

Now, the tires are tucked in much better, with the treads inside the stock fenders and just a little sidewall sticking out. The +25mm brought the setup in one inch, but the narrower tires mean I'm maybe only a half inch closer to the struts, etc.

Pros: At 10+ pounds less per corner, I expect better economy and road manners. Initial drive, it seems more nimble and responsive, less floaty. Bigger test will be on the highways and on the plains, where the old setup exaggerated bumps and grooves in the road. I loved the Wildpeak 3W's on my Trailhawk, so I look forward to these 4W's.

Cons: the old 309's had a ring that protected the stem and spokes (no worries when on rough trails in Moab). The new 703's have no ring and less lip, so I'll have to me more careful and expect they'll scratch more easily.

Anyway, here are the pics. I'm very happy with the setup. Special thanks to Brennan at CORE Off Road in Castle Rock for the consult and getting me set up.

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[Cips]

Looks good. I am currently shopping 35" tires and haven't considered the weight difference.

 

[jadmt]

any chance you can take a few measurements for me? ie when parked on smooth cement measure from center of hub to the cement and maybe put a level on the top of the tire and measure to the ground? I am an at3w fan other than they were rock magnets on gravel roads. I like narrower tires as well. I have a set of AEV salts with the same specs and deciding on what tires to put on. I love my Micky Thompson 255/85-17's but they are too narrow for an 8.5 wide wheel. Also I have to ask where were yours made?

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Add some xr flares for even more protection and a nice aggressive look. You can get them off Amazon for like $100 for the rubi. https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-2...ix=jl+fender+flares,aps,147&sr=8-7&th=1&psc=1

 

[Padre]

any chance you can take a few measurements for me? ie when parked on smooth cement measure from center of hub to the cement and maybe put a level on the top of the tire and measure to the ground? I am an at3w fan other than they were rock magnets on gravel roads. I like narrower tires as well. I have a set of AEV salts with the same specs and deciding on what tires to put on. I love my Micky Thompson 255/85-17's but they are too narrow for an 8.5 wide wheel. Also I have to ask where were yours made?

The best measurement I could get with a level to ground (just haven't found the perfect level spot yet) was a little over 34.5" at 33psi.

I set my tire size with the Tazer at 34.5" and the GPS speed is about 1 mph higher, so good enough.

They are made in Thailand.

 

[Padre]

Add some xr flares for even more protection and a nice aggressive look. You can get them off Amazon for like $100 for the rubi. https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-2018-2023-Wrangler-Unlimited-Clearance/dp/B0C77H62M3/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=84P8PFPRE4SL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WYkzUwU_nZLiZezj4a1wyAQYb4shkOy-d9oI_222qXtXyF_1lMB2611_CivW1nyjgzO4q6nkV39viBcRYZ2ODHlYotmw6h10_1RwZ5OIRYcdKe06C0wnro7YdP4iBZk7IiVvGWkrGQMDuEGRBXgiEenXAwgm1F3EEeqH7IiLBUKWXuqrOap82TGt5JMa97ZuO0SdQTo_jv9aGszivGFieg.WuzaUGT3NL01G8JMLXiL8MBATKTw5hhWwAcnJj3POxg&dib_tag=se&keywords=jl+fender+flares&qid=1721741371&sprefix=jl+fender+flares,aps,147&sr=8-7&th=1&psc=1

I saw those and considered them - good option. As is, with the main tread inside the fenders and just a little sidewall sticking out, I'm happy with it.

 

[Padre]

Just an update: I've been driving the Eastern Plains of Colorado for several hundred miles, back and forth trips, mostly flat with gentle hills, speeds 55-65. Before, I was getting about 370 miles max range (estimate on the fuel economy display) with similar driving. Now I'm getting over 410. Accomplished one of my main goals. I'm sure it will do equally well on the trails and rocks.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

I saw those and considered them - good option. As is, with the main tread inside the fenders and just a little sidewall sticking out, I'm happy with it.

If you decide to add them, they are a SUPER easy install. You'll just need a rivet gun for plastic rivets. If you don't have one already they are something like $13 is all. You sound a bit like me which is why I suggested them, I bought them because I don't like the idea of rocks and other garbage being slung down the side of the jeep.

 

[Padre]

If you decide to add them, they are a SUPER easy install. You'll just need a rivet gun for plastic rivets. If you don't have one already they are something like $13 is all. You sound a bit like me which is why I suggested them, I bought them because I don't like the idea of rocks and other garbage being slung down the side of the jeep.

Agreed. I also don't like the idea of kicking up rocks at my neighbors.

 

[jadmt]

The best measurement I could get with a level to ground (just haven't found the perfect level spot yet) was a little over 34.5" at 33psi.

I set my tire size with the Tazer at 34.5" and the GPS speed is about 1 mph higher, so good enough.

They are made in Thailand.

thanks, I wonder if they are like the AT3w some where made in Thailand and others made in the USA. I had a set of 5 all made in the US and my buddy bought a set of 5 and 3 were made in the US and 2 in Thailand. both sets were bought at the same time from the same place.

 

[Padre]

thanks, I wonder if they are like the AT3w some where made in Thailand and others made in the USA. I had a set of 5 all made in the US and my buddy bought a set of 5 and 3 were made in the US and 2 in Thailand. both sets were bought at the same time from the same place.

Interesting. I was just going off of what Tirerack said, but I bought them elsewhere. I'll check them individually when I get a chance - good information to be aware of.

 

[Flip]

Just an update: I've been driving the Eastern Plains of Colorado for several hundred miles, back and forth trips, mostly flat with gentle hills, speeds 55-65. Before, I was getting about 370 miles max range (estimate on the fuel economy display) with similar driving. Now I'm getting over 410. Accomplished one of my main goals. I'm sure it will do equally well on the trails and rocks.

That's a significant increase in mpg. Skinny tires do have a few advantages, nice job!

 

[Midwestjeepguy]

Installed those exact tires and they have been great. I went from stock 33" BFG KO2s to the 35x11.50r17 Wildpeak AT4Ws. Interesting enough, the Wildpeaks are 10 pounds heavier per tire and taller, but I'm getting the exact same MPG (16.3 mpg with my 3.6L JLUR). With the taller tire I expected to lose some MPGs. I have not changed my driving habits as I don't care about the MPG in my Jeep, that's not why I bought it. Just thought it was interesting I haven't lost any.

Also, I have the XR extended fender flares. Here's what it looks like with those Wildpeaks on stock rims...

 

[Tredsdert]

So the rig I bought used had Toyo Open Country Rough Country 35x12.5's on Method 309's (0mm offset, non-beadgrip) on a Mopar lift. Tread was at about 50%, but I got some good use from them in Moab and Colorado.

However, I don't like the aggressive poke (more than 2", I was kicking up rocks onto the body), plus I wanted some 3-peak tires for Colorado, since I'll be living high and deep in the mountains by the time the snows start. Also, narrower tires do have advantages offroad and in the snow and rain, and lighter weight should help fuel economy and road manners. This is my daily driver.

So after a lot of searching, I settled on:
- Method 703's, 17x8.5 with a +25mm offset ("Beadgrip" technology from Method)
- Falken Wildpeak A/T4W's 35 X 11.50 R17 (LT 118R C1), 3-peak rated

Now, the tires are tucked in much better, with the treads inside the stock fenders and just a little sidewall sticking out. The +25mm brought the setup in one inch, but the narrower tires mean I'm maybe only a half inch closer to the struts, etc.

Pros: At 10+ pounds less per corner, I expect better economy and road manners. Initial drive, it seems more nimble and responsive, less floaty. Bigger test will be on the highways and on the plains, where the old setup exaggerated bumps and grooves in the road. I loved the Wildpeak 3W's on my Trailhawk, so I look forward to these 4W's.

Cons: the old 309's had a ring that protected the stem and spokes (no worries when on rough trails in Moab). The new 703's have no ring and less lip, so I'll have to me more careful and expect they'll scratch more easily.

Anyway, here are the pics. I'm very happy with the setup. Special thanks to Brennan at CORE Off Road in Castle Rock for the consult and getting me set up.

Ooh, got some pizza cutters.

As pizza cutter as 11.5 is, you could have done so much better with some 35x10s... Mickey Thompson Baja boss at has a really nice quality 35x10.0r17

For a while there I was set on getting these tires pictured above, but at this point I think I'll keep going with 35x12.5


Nice little set up you got there though.

 

[Padre]

Installed those exact tires and they have been great. I went from stock 33" BFG KO2s to the 35x11.50r17 Wildpeak AT4Ws. Interesting enough, the Wildpeaks are 10 pounds heavier per tire and taller, but I'm getting the exact same MPG (16.3 mpg with my 3.6L JLUR). With the taller tire I expected to lose some MPGs. I have not changed my driving habits as I don't care about the MPG in my Jeep, that's not why I bought it. Just thought it was interesting I haven't lost any.

Also, I have the XR extended fender flares. Here's what it looks like with those Wildpeaks on stock rims...

Nice. I was considering stock rims also, which would have brought it in one more inch (+25mm mine vs +45mm OEM offset), but I have done/will do a good bit of rock crawling and like the assurance of the extra clearance. Plus the Methods have their "beadgrip" tech which one day might save me on the trail. Either way, you've got a great setup.

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