Should I worry if previous owner drove with 33 inch tires on a stock TJ for years?

[jeepwindowshopper]

Hey everyone,

This community has been extremely helpful and patience with me over these past few days, so I'll like to say thanks!

I'm still looking at TJs to buy as a newbie and recently come across a nice looking TJ with the Dana 30 + Dana 35 setup. However, I'm wondering if there are any concerns I should have in regards to potential issues caused by the previous owner running 33 inch tires on their stock Jeep, with no lift? They mentioned they barely experienced rubbing or other issues and has been using 33 inch tires with the stock setup for 4+ years . It's mainly a typical daily driver with no major off roading.

Now I have been reading this awesome guide by Chris (https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/a-beginners-guide-to-lifting-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.733/) and thus noticed that many highly recommend having a 4 inch lift (suspension lift with/without body lift) to properly fit the 33 inch tires. Is this clearance ONLY needed for off roading? Is it possible to damage the stock suspension, axles, etc from not lifting it over these many years?

Thank you!!!

 

[bbaldwin237]

That could really depend. The rubbing could be a concern if the tires were grabbing and bending or damaging what they were touching. If the person backed off when it rubbed and didn't make it grind on the parts I wouldn't worry too much. Many folks on here run 33's with every variety of lift and wheel combo.

The bigger concern would be the added weight of larger tires wearing on factory components. Again, many folks run them, but worn suspension components would be a larger concern to me than rubbing.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

Tires that are too big for how it's driven will destroy themselves and the edges of the wheel wells along with the fender flares.

There could be some thoughts about clutch or automatic transmission wear even if only driven on the street depending on the axle gearing. Hard to tell how much is too much on those.

 

[jeepwindowshopper]

That could really depend. The rubbing could be a concern if the tires were grabbing and bending or damaging what they were touching. If the person backed off when it rubbed and didn't make it grind on the parts I wouldn't worry too much. Many folks on here run 33's with every variety of lift and wheel combo.

The bigger concern would be the added weight of larger tires wearing on factory components. Again, many folks run them, but worn suspension components would be a larger concern to me than rubbing.

Yeah. That's what I was worrying about too, the suspension components. If I do buy the TJ and install a lift kit, will that replace all the suspension component that may have been damaged?

 

[jeepwindowshopper]

Tires that are too big for how it's driven will destroy themselves and the edges of the wheel wells along with the fender flares.

There could be some thoughts about clutch or automatic transmission wear even if only driven on the street depending on the axle gearing. Hard to tell how much is too much on those.

It's an automatic transmission with the stock Dana 30 and Dana 35 setup. Hmm, yikes.

 

[P man]

I wouldn't worry about it

 

[Artsifrtsi]

It's an automatic transmission with the stock Dana 30 and Dana 35 setup. Hmm, yikes.

Do not fear it, just make sure that you do as good an inspection as you can. If seller will allow it, take it to a reputable shop to look it over for you. Buying used you will not find all defects until you are behind the wheel for a while, but an inspection should at least find the glaring ones.

 

[chili_pepper]

Buying used you will not find all defects until you are behind the wheel for a while

Truth.

 

[JustDandee]

33x12.50x15. or 33x10.50x15 is something to throw into the conversation. The skinnier version is friendlier to the lower lift. For reference I run the 10.5 wide on a 2.5" with no rubbing issues. The 12.5 wide is more popular but will want more lift to not rub.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Yeah. That's what I was worrying about too, the suspension components. If I do buy the TJ and install a lift kit, will that replace all the suspension component that may have been damaged?

That depends on the kit. There are everything from basic budget lifts that are only a spring spacer all the way up to full kits that include everything. Plus every combo in between.

Some of the components you might be interested in checking on are the control arms, shocks, and track bars. Even if a kit doesn't include a part that is worn, you can always add those pieces for a more complete kit or to upgrade to a better option.

 

[CreepinDeth]

I cant imagine it being an issue for a road use Jeep
Test drive and see if theres any rubbing

Becomes an issue when you try to off road