Moving to 40s: Need advice on wheels and tires

Mach4x4

Mach4x4

Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2021
Messages
50
Location
Sparta, NJ
Hello all. My 2003 TJ is a work in progress, but it's come a long way. I converted the rear axle to a Ford 8.8, put an ARB in while I was at it, had the Teraflex Pro LCG long arm kit installed, and a bunch of other stuff. Anyway, it's time to do the stretch (literally - about 4" forward and 4" back) and move to 40s. I currently have it on 37s. I attached a pic.

I'm pretty set on 17" wheels. For tires, that puts me into 40x1350R17.

Looking for recs on a very good beadlock wheel and a 40 which does okay in snow/ice and as somewhat of a driver (for now — I have a Bronco on order to replace the daily driver duties. Don't hate me. LOL) but in a perfect world I'd go with MTs of some kind.

I've kind of been eyeballing the Mickey Thompson Bajas. The shop I work with has had a rash of bad experiences with BFG (despite their popularity - sorry) and Patagonia. So I'll stay away from those.

Help me pick out some great wheels and tires for my TJ! And one last question, I'm debating deleting the spare. It's basically unmanageable for one person to handle a 40 in the unlikely event I blow one on the highway, and if I'm on the trail I'm with a group. Maybe just get good at plugging? (I've never done it) Share thoughts please.

IMG_0079.jpg
 
x2 on axles? The 8.8 wont be strong enough to handle 40s and even with a 44 in the front youre gonna be eating through ball joints like crazy. Not to mention the weakness of it on a 40 anyway.

Some beadlock brands are:
TrailReady
Raceline
Walker Evans
 
Can I LOL?! A $65,000 build on a $$1500 axle. Just more problems on the trail. Not fun.

I’m kicking peoples ass on 33’s, and pulling guys on 37’s out.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: Tob, TimboSlice, CodaMan and 3 others
DylanM345 said:
x2 on axles? The 8.8 wont be strong enough to handle 40s and even with a 44 in the front youre gonna be eating through ball joints like crazy. Not to mention the weakness of it on a 40 anyway.

Some beadlock brands are:
TrailReady
Raceline
Walker Evans
Click to expand...

thanks for the reply. Well, hopefully you’re wrong about the 8.8 supporting 40s. Number of folks in my group run them hard and don’t have any problems. Thanks for the wheel suggestions!
 
  • Like
Reactions: D M
Mach4x4 said:
thanks for the reply. Well, hopefully you’re wrong about the 8.8 supporting 40s. Number of folks in my group run them hard and don’t have any problems. Thanks for the wheel suggestions!
Click to expand...
No problem, just a heads up because those axles are really not strong enough for anything bigger than a 35 even with a super 88 kit. Good luck with the wheel findings!
 
Last edited:
How are you planning on stretching the front forward 4"? A 4" stretch in the rear is super easy and you can go a few more if you want with out going past the body.

But I'm really curious what you are doing with the front unless you're going full hydro for steering.

And what Dana 44 are you thinking? And just a not the RCV doesn't warranty the Dana 44 axles for anything larger than a 40" tire.
I have a HP44 but mine is out of a Ford.

With width are you planning for your axles? Do you have the Super 8 kit in your 8.8? If not you might want to look into one.
 
Chris said:
I like how the guy asks for advice on what wheels and tires to run and we're picking apart his build :LOL:

If he wants to run 40s on a Ford 8.8, let him.

Do I think it's a good idea? Hell no

But, it is his build (y)
Click to expand...
True, I just gave him some insight and then what he wanted, I wasn't trying to be mean. I don't know about others, but for myself If I ask on something and someone can give advice I always appreciate it (unless they are obviously trying to be a dick)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wildman
Chris said:
I like how the guy asks for advice on what wheels and tires to run and we're picking apart his build :LOL:

If he wants to run 40s on a Ford 8.8, let him.

Do I think it's a good idea? Hell no

But, it is his build (y)
Click to expand...

Totally agree. I'm just always looking for NEW ideas about how others are doing things. I'm not trying to dish his build I'm just curious.


For beadlocks I'm a dual beadlock guy so I like Hummer wheels/StazWorks/Hutchinson.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chris
DylanM345 said:
True, I just gave him some insight and then what he wanted, I wasn't trying to be mean. I don't know about others, but for myself If I ask on something and someone can give advice I always appreciate it (unless they are obviously trying to be a dick)
Click to expand...

Oh I know, I'm more or less just messing around. I do it myself as well (giving advice even when it's not asked for) :LOL:
 
  • Haha
Reactions: D M
LOL. No worries, fellas. I won’t be offended. Yes, I’ll be running hydro. There are some additional elements I didn’t mention which would better explain the evolution but that’s not really what I’m after here, just good suggestions for wheels and tires. Don’t worry, the build will support the 40s!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wildman and D M
Mach4x4 said:
LOL. No worries, fellas. I won’t be offended. Yes, I’ll be running hydro. There are some additional elements I didn’t mention which would better explain the evolution but that’s not really what I’m after here, just good suggestions for wheels and tires. Don’t worry, the build will support the 40s!
Click to expand...

That was the one step I wasn't ready to take yet. I'm running IROCK's now that are 36x13.5x16.5 on StazWorks dual beadlock wheels. My last set of tires were TSL SX 38x12.5x16.5 which are about the same height as the IROCK's at 37". I've stretched my front forward 2.5" and the rear is 4.5".

Here it was before I tore it all down again for it's current build.

IMG_2747-1.jpg


I'm running a Dodge magnum V-8 & 4 speed auto trans. STaK's 3 speed transfer case with a Ford HP44 front & TeraLow CRD60 rear. Both axle have ARB's & 5.13 gears.
The rims in the picture are Hummer rims that were recentered to 4" BS.



When I was stationed in MD most of the guys I ran with ran some type of Interco tire. Now a lot has changed since then tire wise.
 
I also don't see how you'd run 40's on an 8.8 or Dana 44. Going to want a Dana 60 front and rear first. Among other things. Otherwise stick with 35's.
 
Top Bottom
Back