Six years ago I bought my TJ and told the local tire shop that I wanted 33s. They went ahead and put them on and I ended up with Cooper Discoverer STTs on 16” wheels. Because of the size, they happened to be load range E.
From years of Jeep forum participation I became aware that individually, the Bilstein 5100 shocks that I had or the load range E tires were not the best choice for a TJ. In fact, I have been personally questioned, and have seen others questioned, about their choice of using a load range E tire.
A few months ago I swapped out my shocks from Bilstein 5100s to Rocksports. That switch was immediately noticeable and took away much of the small event harshness from everyday driving.
I then decided that maybe it was time to make a tire switch. I had been really hesitant because I knew it was going to be expensive since I would need to buy new tires AND wheels. Last week I pulled the trigger.
I think I may have a unique scenario though, which is why I’m writing this post. I have not been able to find anyone else that swapped the same size, brand, and model of tire from E to C with no other changes to the Jeep.
So the result?
I finished swapping them and my wife and I hopped in and drove around the block. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t the “Holy Shit” come to Jesus moment that I was expecting. The ride difference was very subtle, and we both came up with the same description as it being “smoother”.
I went out today and drove a twenty mile round trip route that I take several times a week and that I know very well. I know certain rough patches of the road that are coming up and how the Jeep reacts to them. After that ride today, I stick with the initial thought of everything being smoother, and still not the “Holy Shit what have I been missing” reaction that I was anticipating.
In summary, the load range C tires are nice. The ride IS better. If I was buying tires for the first time I would suggest buying them. However, if you already have a set of perfectly good load range E tires I don’t think you need to spend the money to swap them until you need new tires, and even then only if you want to try them.
*My opinion, for my Jeep*, is that the shocks made a greater difference in the quality of the ride. However, I reserve the right to amend that opinion as I get more time with these tires.
Because someone will ask, the load range E tires were at 23psi and the Cs are at 26psi.
From years of Jeep forum participation I became aware that individually, the Bilstein 5100 shocks that I had or the load range E tires were not the best choice for a TJ. In fact, I have been personally questioned, and have seen others questioned, about their choice of using a load range E tire.
A few months ago I swapped out my shocks from Bilstein 5100s to Rocksports. That switch was immediately noticeable and took away much of the small event harshness from everyday driving.
I then decided that maybe it was time to make a tire switch. I had been really hesitant because I knew it was going to be expensive since I would need to buy new tires AND wheels. Last week I pulled the trigger.
I think I may have a unique scenario though, which is why I’m writing this post. I have not been able to find anyone else that swapped the same size, brand, and model of tire from E to C with no other changes to the Jeep.
So the result?
I finished swapping them and my wife and I hopped in and drove around the block. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t the “Holy Shit” come to Jesus moment that I was expecting. The ride difference was very subtle, and we both came up with the same description as it being “smoother”.
I went out today and drove a twenty mile round trip route that I take several times a week and that I know very well. I know certain rough patches of the road that are coming up and how the Jeep reacts to them. After that ride today, I stick with the initial thought of everything being smoother, and still not the “Holy Shit what have I been missing” reaction that I was anticipating.
In summary, the load range C tires are nice. The ride IS better. If I was buying tires for the first time I would suggest buying them. However, if you already have a set of perfectly good load range E tires I don’t think you need to spend the money to swap them until you need new tires, and even then only if you want to try them.
*My opinion, for my Jeep*, is that the shocks made a greater difference in the quality of the ride. However, I reserve the right to amend that opinion as I get more time with these tires.
Because someone will ask, the load range E tires were at 23psi and the Cs are at 26psi.