I recently picked up this 2001 TJ Sport for my son who is turning 16 soon, Dana 30/Dana 44 with 3.73 gears, 5 speed, 4.0l. We put a Zone Off-road 4.25” combo lift. The previous owner has these 18” JK wheels with 32x10 basic AT tires. I have a 2022 JL with Nitto Trail Grapplers and my friends and I go wheeling in the NW Florida area. Mostly sand and mud, but the mud can vary between clay, sandy mud, or your typical sticky black mud. I’m trying to decide which route to take with his TJ as far as a Mud Terrain or a new hybrid RT tire. 15” wheels really limit the RT options, but of course going with 17” wheels really opens up the options. I’m not against going with 15x8 and a good 33x12.50 MT, but since it’s of course my son driving, my top concern is on-road safety, but I want him to be able to come out on the trails and not be limited in the mud and end up stuck more often than not. Seeking the advice of this forum. Thank you
Tire and Wheel Advice Needed
- Thread starter BlackBeard1790
- Start date
I recently picked up this 2001 TJ Sport for my son who is turning 16 soon, Dana 30/Dana 44 with 3.73 gears, 5 speed, 4.0l. We put a Zone Off-road 4.25” combo lift. The previous owner has these 18” JK wheels with 32x10 basic AT tires. I have a 2022 JL with Nitto Trail Grapplers and my friends and I go wheeling in the NW Florida area. Mostly sand and mud, but the mud can vary between clay, sandy mud, or your typical sticky black mud. I’m trying to decide which route to take with his TJ as far as a Mud Terrain or a new hybrid RT tire. 15” wheels really limit the RT options, but of course going with 17” wheels really opens up the options. I’m not against going with 15x8 and a good 33x12.50 MT, but since it’s of course my son driving, my top concern is on-road safety, but I want him to be able to come out on the trails and not be limited in the mud and end up stuck more often than not. Seeking the advice of this forum. Thank you
I went with the 33x12.5x15 Falken Wildpeak AT3 on our TJ, we have mainly clay type mud up here, along with rocks. I have not had any issues yet with these tires. They are very quiet, track well, and actually self-clean a lot better than the BFG All Terrains that were replaced.
General rule I was taught for tires and wheels is double the sidewall 15" rims, minimum tire 30+", 16" 32+, ect... That being said 17 puts you at 34's, difference for 33's is minimal. If you are looking at used rims theres a ton of 17's out there and more tire options. Personally I like the looks of 15's all the way up but I went with 17's out of convinience
Your top concern is safety, but no one has mentioned braking. With an increase in tire diameter and a suspension lift, the braking performance declines significantly. Just going from 265/70R16 tires to 33x12.5R15, I felt a big decrease in braking that was not exactly confidence-inspiring. I installed a big brake kit from Black Magic Brakes and it has been one of the best upgrades I have done to my TJ. I have all the braking I need now.
Also know that TJs do not take well to tire diameter increases without regearing. I would not recommend increasing the tire size unless you have the axles regeared as well. Even though your area is likely flat like mine is, it will suck to drive if the gearing is not fit for the tire size.
As for wheels, I recommend getting rid of any lug adapters/spacers present. You’ll want a wheel with about 3.75” of backspacing. 15” vs 17” wheels is a matter of pricing and diminishing availability of tires for 15” wheels.
Also know that TJs do not take well to tire diameter increases without regearing. I would not recommend increasing the tire size unless you have the axles regeared as well. Even though your area is likely flat like mine is, it will suck to drive if the gearing is not fit for the tire size.
As for wheels, I recommend getting rid of any lug adapters/spacers present. You’ll want a wheel with about 3.75” of backspacing. 15” vs 17” wheels is a matter of pricing and diminishing availability of tires for 15” wheels.
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