Road to 33's and now to 35's: order of updates?

[starkey480]

We have a nice lad on this here forum that does this stuff with a Super 35. Took just one trip in me wee little TJ to see the path I wanted to follow.

Hey that’s me! A super 35 makes a lot of sense financially when compared to any swap and is more than enough axle for 35s. Ive wheeled mine on very hard rock crawling trails for years now without failure. In fact, when I asked Blaine if he’s ever seen one fail, he said not once. It’s relatively cheap and gets you out there wheeling!

 

[tnjeepguy]

Well, a mixture of diesel and grape Kool-aid.

 

[legobuff]

Definitely don't just trust a shop. Most shops these days know little to nothing about building a TJ. They're used to slapping a 2.5" lift and 35" tires on a JK/JL. Those platforms and the TJ/LJ are not the same. Bottom line, know what your desired end state is, keep doing your homework, don't be in a hurry, and absolutely don't cut corners!

You are correct... but yeah, I my anxiousness is getting to the "new shiny" is there. More research and homework for me.

 

[legobuff]

Are you totally set on 33's ? 31's might be a better choice if you are mild wheeling. Very little cost to make them fit and all can be used if go bigger. Worth a try and if the frame is questionable ?? even more reason. Good MT in 31 with a limited slip, is always a surprise where it will go. Just sayin. I could be wrong. D

I'm currently on 31's. Going to skip 33's and stop at 35's.

 

[Irun]

Hey that’s me! A super 35 makes a lot of sense financially when compared to any swap and is more than enough axle for 35s. Ive wheeled mine on very hard rock crawling trails for years now without failure. In fact, when I asked Blaine if he’s ever seen one fail, he said not once. It’s relatively cheap and gets you out there wheeling!

People routinely ask me about upgrading their Dana 35 to a Dana 44, because someone told them the 35 is a POS. I tell them a Dana 35 is lighter, provides slightly more ground clearance, and well up to the task of running 35" tires, provided you go the Super 35 route. Unfortunately, not one of them has believed me and they ultimately end up buying a 44. The power of web wheelers is strong!

 

[Yeti08]

FWIW, I've built Jeeps on 35s, 33s, and 31s. My favorite by far is the 31" tire build. It forces me to focus on understanding the vehicles limits and on honing my driving skills. That said, my 31" build is far from typical and has migrated slightly to a 32" (metric) tire. It was built specifically with tire size and belly height in mind, and wheels and performs commuting duties beyond my expectations. The thing I love most about it is the fact that it maintains the "zippy" feeling I've grown to appreciate from a stock-like vehicle. Sure you can maintain that feeling on a larger tire build, but maintaining all around performance (Braking, handling, acceleration, etc.) will cost you $10K plus on 35" tires. The point to all this is that the desire is routinely different than the true appetite. Just be sure you know what you truly want and will use, or you'll end up disappointed and selling the Jeep within a year or two!

While I agree with what you are saying. what I find when I look at wheeling destinations or trips Many jamboree's, trails, clubs all recommend 35s with dual lockers for everything above green trails. this is what leads me towards 35's myself.

 

[toximus]

Well, a mixture of diesel and grape Kool-aid.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/63600/10002/-1

 

[JMT]

If you do 33s the correct way without all the shortcuts being suggested, the only difference to get to 35s is a small body lift.

@legobuff. This^^^

33’s are about perfect for a TJ stock wheelbase. For what it sounds like you’ll be doing 33’s are more than you’ll ever need.

 

[legobuff]

@legobuff. This^^^

33’s are about perfect for a TJ stock wheelbase. For what it sounds like you’ll be doing 33’s are more than you’ll ever need.

Agree with the caveat on what @Yeti08 mentioned. A few of the trails I've looked at say they require 35", if that is a true requirement I might as well just get to 35".

 

[BlueC]

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/63600/10002/-1

That's great, I didn't know that existed. I think this one might have the fat girls following you home.