Tyre size and wheelbase

[UKTJ]

I currently have a c.2.5” suspension lift which retains stock control arms, 1” body lift and 33” tyres. I now the process of lifting results in a wheelbase reduction, but from other discussions believe it is minimal. I guess at some point I may feel the urge to run 35” tyres (facilitated by more lift or high lines).

My question is for those running 35” tyres with stock (minus impact of lift) wheelbase. Are you happy with the stability of you TJ, both on and off road?

I see content on YouTube with people stretching the wheelbase, but this seems to invariably involve modification to the frame. I won’t bore you with the detail, but UK rules mean frame modification is something that is not a realistic option, so any stretch that requires frame modification is not an option. Same thing for outboarding the rear shocks.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I have no complaints with any of my Jeeps on 35s.

 

[deadbeat son]

I currently have a c.2.5” suspension lift which retains stock control arms, 1” body lift and 33” tyres. I now the process of lifting results in a wheelbase reduction, but from other discussions believe it is minimal. I guess at some point I may feel the urge to run 35” tyres (facilitated by more lift or high lines).

My question is for those running 35” tyres with stock (minus impact of lift) wheelbase. Are you happy with the stability of you TJ, both on and off road?

I see content on YouTube with people stretching the wheelbase, but this seems to invariably involve modification to the frame. I won’t bore you with the detail, but UK rules mean frame modification is something that is not a realistic option, so any stretch that requires frame modification is not an option. Same thing for outboarding the rear shocks.

If you go with more lift for 35s, can’t you use adjustable control arms to regain your stock wheelbase?

 

[jjvw]

If you go with more lift for 35s, can’t you use adjustable control arms to regain your stock wheelbase?

Not completely. If stock is 93.5" wheelbase, I would expect something less than 93" after a 4" spring lift. The vast majority would never notice this and feel a desire for more wheelbase. In which case, the goal would be a good amount more than stock.

 

[deadbeat son]

Not completely. If stock is 93.5" wheelbase, I works expect something less than 93" after a 4" spring lift. The vast majority would never notice this and feel a desire for more wheelbase. In which case, the goal would be a good amount more than stock.

Well, I am a government worker.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

If you go with more lift for 35s, can’t you use adjustable (length) control arms to regain your stock wheelbase?

Yes, absolutely.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Well, I am a government worker.

 

[The4bangertj]

With good geometry the stock wheelbase is fine for 35s. Too many people now-a days are are just going with trends, and that normally means cheap long arms that tend to have not the best geometry and then stretching it to hide it’s bad characteristics.

 

[Fouledplugs]

What answers you’ll get are likely from folks who have 35’s and a stock wheel base who also have never ran 35’s and stretched wheelbase. So their answers are all going to be yes, 35’s on a stock wheelbase are fine.

It’s like the guys who run stock gears and taller tires. They don't know if any other gear ratio is better because ignorance is bliss.

 

[Brianj5600]

If you center a 35 in the wheel house with 4"springs at ride height, will the tire crash into the back of the wheel house at full stuff? IIRC I had that issue with stock location short arms

 

[jjvw]

If you center a 35 in the wheel house with 4"springs at ride height, will the tire crash into the back of the wheel house at full stuff? IIRC I had that issue with stock location short arms

That is why you center the rear wheel in the wheel opening at full shock compression, not at ride height. Arm length has nothing to do with anything.

 

[deadbeat son]

View attachment 418329

Didn't mean to confuse. Just referring to the old adage that if stock was 93.5" and if using aftermarket adjustable control arms would get you to a littler under 93", that sounds like it's good enough for government work.

 

[The4bangertj]

Yes 100in wheelbase on 35s is preferred and would be better than stock. Given you can’t even accomplish this legally i wouldn’t look into much and build around the best with the limitations set. That’s easily stated as 35s being the largest on stock wheelbaseI by almost everyone. I still wouldn’t hesitate on stock wheelbase since I’ve seen many other rigs on 35s and stock wheelbase do things I wouldn’t be comfortable in stretched or not.