Tire size suggestions!

[ThatCherokeeGuy]

Alright, so I've picked up a TeraFlex 1.5" Leveling Kit (its the kit with just the spacers and sway bar end links) and a set of four 1.5" Spider Wheel spacers for my 2010 JKU. :wings: The specs say I can run up to 305/70r17 tires...but I'm having trouble finding tires in that size. I want to run BFGoodrich All Terrains and keep the stock wheels but they don't come in that size. I've looked around and read that some people have put 315/70r17 tires on with this lift kit, but I'm wondering if that's to much...if its an issue with rubbing when tires are at full flex a set of bump stops would fix that. If i can run 315/70r17 tires than i could get the BFG All Terrains - they go up to like 285 and 315. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[chemlight_ninja]

Alright ThatCherokeeGuy here goes. I too have a 2010 JKU, that is sitting on 35s with no lift, a fender trim and 1.5" spider WS on stock wheels. I only have the spacers on the front because of the rubbing of course, but you don't need them on the back. You will never notice that the rear isn't as wide imho. The wife and I take it out quit a bit for hunting, fishing (we live in MT and where we fish its like a mini Rubicon), and gathering wood I have not noticed any limitation in articulation with the 35's. And I like the way I have my fenders chopped! Reminds me of a 53' Willys I used to have. If you go with larger tires i.e.. a 315 you will probably rub on the fenders if you don't chop but if thats the size you want go for it. Try it without the chop first and see what you think. Over on the JK-forum there are plenty of threads where people wish they would have gotten 35s instead of 33s . And if you get a 315 and they rub it takes a half a day and a couple of cold ones to do the fender chop.

 

[ThatCherokeeGuy]

Thanks chemlight_ninja for the response! Definitely leaning toward either 315's or 35's.

 

[ThatCherokeeGuy]

Also quick thought, what kind of fuel economy hit does running 35 or 315 tires attribute to? And is re-gearing the rear something that should be done?

 

[chemlight_ninja]

Excellent question, as far as the fuel economy goes I can't give you a good answer. I believe that dealership can recalculate your speed-o up to 33's after that you need to get a programer. Since the speed is off the mileage is off I'm not sure how bad the MPG took a hit. I'm currently saving for one that will recalc the speedo and let me turn the lockers on in 4H. As for the re-gear 4:10s in my experience are adequate for what we do. Some times long hills she will do the auto tranny hokey pokey. I certainly want to change to 5:13s "one of these days" but who knows if we move back to Michigan or NC we may not need too. Some people on the jk forum say they don't mind with their 3:73s but I think they may be FOS.

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

235/85/16 is the official expo tire size...

 

[chemlight_ninja]

and Skyline chili is the official chili of cincinnati... but I will never put spaghetti noodles in my chili. I have been overland many a time in HMMWV's in all kinds of terrain and they certainly didn't run a 235. Not here to start a pissing match, just like to answer thatcherokeeguys question with what I know from experience as opposed to "I think" and "I have heard". However 3jarrells, I do like your signature, made me chuckle.

 

[ThatCherokeeGuy]

235/85/16 is the official expo tire size...

I would think the official expo tire size is any tire size your willing to put on your rig that's larger or more capable than your stock ones. Not trying to sound like a ******** and I appreciate you in put but I would think you rig should be what you want and shouldn't be limited to "official descriptions". This is just my my opinion of course. :sombrero:

 

[DallasJKU]

Get the 315's you will be happier. I really like my Duratracs and would choose those over BFG AT's. Maybe the new version will be better looking and be able to compete with the DT's in that dept. I would also go with a flat fender like MCE just because I don't like the stock ones cut. Here is mine with 315 DT's, but also 2.5" AEV.

 

[Hilldweller]

and Skyline chili is the official chili of cincinnati... but I will never put spaghetti noodles in my chili. I have been overland many a time in HMMWV's in all kinds of terrain and they certainly didn't run a 235. Not here to start a pissing match, just like to answer thatcherokeeguys question with what I know from experience as opposed to "I think" and "I have heard". However 3jarrells, I do like your signature, made me chuckle.

he was being funny, you know...

I'd get the thinnest 35s you can find, new wheels, and add flat fenders. Declare victory and go have fun.

 

[ThatCherokeeGuy]

Get the 315's you will be happier. I really like my Duratracs and would choose those over BFG AT's. Maybe the new version will be better looking and be able to compete with the DT's in that dept. I would also go with a flat fender like MCE just because I don't like the stock ones cut. Here is mine with 315 DT's, but also 2.5" AEV.

I've had Duratracs in the past...had a set of 31's on my old 98 XJ, my only complaint is they're loud as CRAP on the road. Don't get me wrong, those things lasted a long time and their performance was well worth the money (i got them off tirerack.com with they were 150 a pop Lol) and I have found myself looking at them from time to time though. I think though BFGoodrich AT would better fit my overall build, my jeep will see more pavement than offroad for the foreseeable future so the less aggressive tread patterns of the BFG AT would better suit that.