Wheels, Tires & Gear Questions

[Tgpj83]

I just ordered my new Sahara 2 weeks ago. Since then I’ve been sucked into the Jeep world and addicted to these forums. So many things to learn!

I have two questions and haven’t found any answers on other threads.

1. I’m thinking about going with a 20” wheel just because I love the look(example down below). No other reasons. Saw one in the parking lot last weekend and it looked great paird with 35’s. I’m not seeing anyone on this forum with 20’s or even talking about it. Any special reason? Is it bad to go that route. My Jeep will be a daily driver and will almost never go offroad.

2. I do want to put 35’s on. I know about the spare tire things I’ll have to add. I read on another thread that a Sahara shouldn’t go bigger than a 33” tire because of the 3.45 gear. Has anyone else heard of this?

I will be putting a 2” lift on as well.

Thanks guys for your help.

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[johnnymiz]

no one answered so I will give my thoughts..
vehicles suspensions are designed with tire sidewall flex included in the equation.... so when you upsize the rim and go low profile on the sidewall you make the ride much more jarring provided you KEEP the same overall tire diameter.
Porsche, for example, makes this tradeoff for the added grip and response of low profile tires. jeeps aren't expected to take turns the same way, and the springs are generally higher rated, so the sidewall flex is needed.
you, however, are upsizing the tire diameter so youre recouping some or all of that sidewall flex. so, while it wont look like your typical lifted off roader (rock crawler dudes might give you the stinkeye), it will probably ride fine for you and I think it'll look great. it WILL have slightly longer stopping distances due to added unsprung weight.
35" spare should fit and be fine unless you get a really heavy rim.
as for the gearing... 3.45 gears are kinda high for 35s, but again, you may be fine. according to guys online, the auto tranny is supposed to be great but you may find it hunting around between 6th 7th and 8th at speed.

I did some gear numbers using the spicer gear calculator.
in 8th.. the overdrive is .67.
at 70mph that gives you 1755 rpm w/31s, 1648 w/33s, and 1553 w/35s
at 60mph you get 1503 w/31s, 1412 w/33s, and 1331 w/35s.
that's turning pretty slow

I had a 69 Camaro with a Tremec T56 6speed in it.
0.63 final drive... it turned 1750 rpm at 65... too slow for me. I found I was never ever in 6th
just my experiences.... your mileage may vary