there are people who've had the dealer deny the warranty even with mopar lift. some dealers require you have THEM lift it. then you're thousand$ into it. and you'll need additional parts because the kit is lacking a few things. that's a whole different can of worms.
I got the stock Willys too and i think there is no need for me to go 35s for the way that i use the car ! Moderate trails are my thing and exploring having the right gear with you , you should be fine going out there ! The only reason i will change tires and keep the same stock wheels is the noise on the Willys . I am looking at the new Falken AT4 and i ll go from stock 255/75r17 to 285/70r17 . I feel like people now days go big wheels mostly for the looks , not that is anything wrong with that .I have been off roading since I turned 17 back in 1991 and have only ever driven jeeps. Back in that day they came with 235/75r15's. We would put 32s on 4 and 6 cylinder models without a regear and the jeep would suffer badly in mud holes and steep climbs. Now days jeeps are coming with larger tires stock and going up a size or two isn't such a big deal anymore. Personally for me I still have my 255/75R17's on it from the factory (Willy's) and have done level 4 trails. Sure I can't climb 4' high boulders but that's not off roading to me, that's mountain climbing. The idea of off roading has changed so much on the years that people look at what others call off roading and feel they have to do the same. I am quite happy with level 4 and under trails and still have plenty of fun. Hell I think my tire converts to a 32" tire in metric.
This is all my opinion and I am not trying to down people with 37's or 35's ect. That's their thing. I am quite happy with my Willy's in stock form. How much actual ground clearance do you increase with a 35 over a 32? Some 35's are under 35" and some 32 and 33's are bigger then their metric size. Maybe 2" or a little more? Has anyone actually measured from the bottom of both pumpkins before and after 32-35?
As I don't disagree with what you're saying, in-fact I think it's good advice especially for someone who just wants to run larger tires on pavement.
You lifted to improve ride quality though, not to fit tires. The question is if you wanted to fit 35s, would you spend thousands on a lift kit, or just swap flares? Assuming you weren't running out of articulation (few do); if you were, by all means, lift away.
Actually, I initially lifted for looks. I didn't like the way it looked with 33's and no lift. With the skinny tires I run I don't think clearance/rubbing would have been an issue at full flex & full turn, but I never put it to the test with that set up. The ride quality was a pleasant surprise/bonus.
I’m likely going to your tire size next in a few years, either 255/80/17 or 34x10.5R17, so these photos are helpful. I do have 0.5” spring spacers, and don't intend to add more.Actually, I initially lifted for looks. I didn't like the way it looked with 33's and no lift. With the skinny tires I run I don't think clearance/rubbing would have been an issue at full flex & full turn, but I never put it to the test with that set up. The ride quality was a pleasant surprise/bonus.
This made me realize: In the future if I ever decide to run a larger, wider, tire I would leave my suspension exactly the way it is. I originally thought I would have to add an additional 1/2" coil spacer for additional clearance, that's out of the question now. I would definitely, absolutely buy and install the Rubi/high clearance fenders. This would allow me to keep my current set up and it wouldn't change my COG. ? ?
