Checklist for 33 inch tires?

Nschoone

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I’m looking to put 33x12.50s on my Jeep TJ 4.0 in the near future, what needs to be done to it other than regearing? I currently have a 3 inch RC on it with 275/70s, doesn’t really cause issues but don’t know how 33s will hold up. If anyone has done this before and could let me know I would really appreciate it, thanks in advance
 
3" lift, 1.25" BL, regear should do you well. I am just on an OME approx 2.5" with 33's but I don't do any/hardly any wheeling. Stock gears too, but making provisions to change a lot of powertrain items.
 
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I’m looking to put 33x12.50s on my Jeep TJ 4.0 in the near future, what needs to be done to it other than regearing? I currently have a 3 inch RC on it with 275/70s, doesn’t really cause issues but don’t know how 33s will hold up. If anyone has done this before and could let me know I would really appreciate it, thanks in advance

The first post in this thread will tell you everything you could want to know.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/a-comparison-of-building-for-33s-and-35s.65713/
 
I have a 3.5 lift and 33s clear with no issues and i am regear'd to 4:88s

A 3.5in lift is set up the same as a 4in (same 2in extended bump as a 4-5in lift) just lower ride heigh which isn’t the problem, the problem is where the tire stops.
 
I’m looking to put 33x12.50s on my Jeep TJ 4.0 in the near future, what needs to be done to it other than regearing? I currently have a 3 inch RC on it with 275/70s, doesn’t really cause issues but don’t know how 33s will hold up. If anyone has done this before and could let me know I would really appreciate it, thanks in advance
I would just add a 1" to 1.25" body lift to give the tires a tad more clearance and install a stronger tie rod. The TJ's OEM tie rod is hollow and skinny and starts getting too weak at about the 33" tire size. If you want to offroad on difficult trails it would be very hard to beat the Currectlync Heavy Duty Steering kit from www.rockjock4x4.com or for less $$$ go with the bolt-in ZJ tie rod which is solid and significantly stronger than what is installed now. It is what the V8 Grand Cherokee ZJ came with.

Also, please complete your Profile by adding basic information about your TJ. Like its model year, engine size, transmission type, and anything else you know about it. Knowing your model year and transmission type would be essential to being able to recommend a good axle ratio for your new 33" tires. That information is critical to selecting the right axle ratio. :)
 
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A 3.5in lift is set up the same as a 4in (same 2in extended bump as a 4-5in lift) just lower ride heigh which isn’t the problem, the problem is where the tire stops.

I have stuffed the tire pretty well with no real rubbing issues. I do plan to move up to 35s but I have a body lift if I need it.
 
I have stuffed the tire pretty well with no real rubbing issues. I do plan to move up to 35s but I have a body lift if I need it.

Exactly. The standard is 4in lift(2in extended bump which is the same as what you and I have) for 33s and the. Add the 1.25 body lift for 35s. Some things can change that, for example my tires stick out more than I want and would hit the stock flare 2in before the bump when articulating. My tires are not the recommended backspacing that those parameters were said around but I could have taken the flare off to fix that since it wasn’t a fender issue.
 
Yea stock front fenders would rub with the flare a little but since I changed to a flat fender its been good. I run 1.5 wheel spacers and when I upgrade axles my TJ will get wide
 
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