Keeping the stock wheels
Consider spacer with your stock wheels and 295/70R17 KO2's E rated. That's what I have on Rubicon wheels on my TJR. I put them on my JLR when I go to the dealer or get a safety inspection. The 295's are wider and taller than the stock 285's, but not too big.
I have the Willys with Firestone MT 255/75R17 (32"). I measured actual height mounted vs Rubicon BFG KO2 285/70 mounted and the difference is literally less than 1/2". Not even worth the swap. I'd just go to a 34" (285/75) or another brand as the BFGs run small.
I was looking last night and when I searched for 34 inch tires I came up with only a couple no name brands. Then going to 35’s it seemed like I had to choose between 10 inches wide or 12.5 wide. As much as I’d like the 12.5 that might be too wide. Especially if I’m gonna keep the stock rims and do spacers.
What about Toyo ATIII 285/75r17? That's one of the ones I'm thinking of going with on my stock Willys. In theory it's an inch wider and more than an inch taller.
This is the 34" tire I was talking about above. There's a thread just about this tire size. If I can find it, I'll post the link. Great size for those who don't want a lift but need just a little bigger tire.
You wont need a lift with a Rubicon, but you will need spacers or Rubicon springs/shocks with a Sport or a Willys. Yeah you can get by, but there will be some rubbing here and there.
This is what I vaguely have in mind for my first tire/suspension upgrade: 34's (probably Toyo's) + Rubicon springs. I hear this suggested a lot for Willys, since it already has the Rubicon shocks. But where does one get the springs? Besides looking for a used set someone is selling from their Rubicon, does mopar sell this new somewhere? Any idea what part number or size I should be looking for to match with the shocks?
This is what I did. Picked up some take-offs locally. Have two sets! Both were about $100, so waaaaay cheaper than ordering new from factory. Got one set from a Rubicon diesel w/steel bumpers, and another from Rubicon with hardtop, steel bumpers, and towing package. Hoping to get about 2" from these.
