@jkowitz That rack looks nice, but how is the backpack?
jkowitz Build Thread
- Thread starter jkowitz
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Looks good. I can't wait to see it with the lift and new tires on it. Interested in your feedback on the handling with the rooftop tent and a 4" lift.
Hands down the best back pack I've ever owned
Okay so I'm debating heavily on 33's vs 35's. I absolutely love the looks of 35s, but I'm aware that it will greatly affect my gas mileage and without regearing it will be a bit sluggish. I've also heard with stock fenders it's more difficult to get full flex, is that true? Any recommendations and personal experience would be greatly appreciated! Also how do you like someone's post? I can't seem to figure that out
The like is at the bottom right next to the reply button. Having ran both 33’s and 35’s its a toss up from me, 33’s are definitely peppier but I absolutely love the 35’s they just look so killer. Also a good thing to remember is with 33’s you will put less stress on parts so if you plan on having a lot of weight 33’s may be a better idea.
Hands down 33's with all that gear you want to run. Plus, you won't be able to get your TJ in Dads garage with that rack and 35's.
That's the problem I'm having! I want to have some of the overlanding gear on it, which may be best with 33s, but I also want to be able to take it all off and hit some decent trails. I don't want to add too much stress on the Jeep... decisions decisions
Is the difference in drivability between 33s and 35s that noticeable? And we may have to air down and put the new wheels and tires on in the driveway LOL
Do you plan on running trails harder than the Rubicon? I've ran it twice, once on 32's and then 33's. For a DD, weekend warrier, 33's are much more manageable, and easier on your drivetrain.
My Jeep made it up little sluice on 33’s no problem, reason i went for 35’s is i wanna do some crazy stuff like Fordyce. Honestly 33’s were great but if you do 33’s i highly recommend sticking with a 15” wheel instead of a 17 as you'll need that extra sidewall.
I don't think I'll ever do anything more extreme than that with my Jeep, at least in the near future. Did you have any issues or difficulties with 33's on the rubicon? Thank you for the input!
Sounding more and more like 33's might be the way to go since I don't plan on going anywhere that crazy! As for the 17 inch rims it may be a little too late for that
@jjvw has a tj that has been optimized for 33”s, we can pretty much all agree that 33s are gonna work out best for what you want. Are y’all still training right now? My next deployment is still on track.
downthepines
TJ Enthusiast
I have an 06 rubicon. I put 33's on pretty nicely with a 2 inch OME and 1.25 jks. Nice sime way to run 33's with out having to change out anything other the lower control arms. And if you want to run 35's you just need flat fenders and gears. Remember 33''s and the jeep is going be be more capable with a tummy tuck than a shovel and 35's. 35's are a big tire and may cause axle issues. and steering issues. These can obviously be address press easily.
I’ve run both, for over-landing I would go 33s, for crawling I would go 35s. Once I get my RTT done I would love to come down and meet you and your dad for a trip.
It’s been well known, 35’s done properly on a TJ is expensive and not easy.
It’s not a JK or JL, the axles will NEED a regear. That is the surface, it goes much deeper. Steering, brakes, axle shafts, etc. @Chris has done this and has said, 20k+ to do it right.
Stick with 33’s, enjoy the Jeep and use your skill to walk past the huge Jeeps on 37-40” tires when you can. 20 years ago we had Suzuki‘s on 31’s going past us TJ’s and laughing about our “huge” Jeeps clogging up the trail, they were close to CJ2 size....
Use the TJ’s size and weight to your advantage. You want to overland like your dad, don’t go over the top man.
It’s not a JK or JL, the axles will NEED a regear. That is the surface, it goes much deeper. Steering, brakes, axle shafts, etc. @Chris has done this and has said, 20k+ to do it right.
Stick with 33’s, enjoy the Jeep and use your skill to walk past the huge Jeeps on 37-40” tires when you can. 20 years ago we had Suzuki‘s on 31’s going past us TJ’s and laughing about our “huge” Jeeps clogging up the trail, they were close to CJ2 size....
Use the TJ’s size and weight to your advantage. You want to overland like your dad, don’t go over the top man.
It ain't cheap by any means.
Once you start adding up all the parts (quality parts, not crappy ones), 20k isn't an exaggeration.