Go to 33's?

[Eagle_SX4]

I am going to get new tires soon and was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on going to 33's versus staying with 31's. I have a 4.0 liter, AX15, NP242 and 4.10 gears. I have looked at the RPM difference and it should be about 100-150 lower RPM depending on speed. Just would like to here some opinions on the topic. 

[89 MJ]

Going to lift it more? If not, you might get away with a 31x10.50. I say do it, but only because I want to do the same, I just don’t know if they’ll clear

[Eagle_SX4]

I already have 31x10.5R15's they clear just fine.

[89 MJ]

I mistyped, I meant 33x10.50s

[Comanche SS]

I ran 33s with 3.07s 4.0/AX15 truck for years and it was doable. With 4.10’s already….no brainer if you can fit them.

[TurboedMJ]

Definitely do 33s. They will fill out the wheel wells nicely.

[Pete M]

I have the same drivetrain and 33s in my 88 and it is... ok.  wish it was 4.56.

 

be prepared that rim width and backspacing make a world of difference in trying to fit 33s without major surgery.   

[Htchevyii]

As long as you've got clearance, the 33's should be fine. I've been running 33's for years with 3.73's usually loaded down for a week or two on the road. It's doable, but 4.11's or 4.56's are definitely on the wishlist.

[75sv1]

I've have/had some Metric that are about 32-33's and 10.5 on an XJ. It was an auto and 4.10's. Did OK. I had to limit the steering radius a bit. I also did a header, CAT back and a bore TB. Did good on flatlands of IN. Did Ok in the mountains of WV. I was getting about 17 mpg on the highway. So, unless your doing some of the Passes out West, then I'd think you'd be OK. 

[Eagle_SX4]

I have decided to go to 33's but it won't be until next year. I am going to wait until the BFG K03 comes out in a 33x10.5R15. It is scheduled to be released Feb 2026. My current tires should last one more summer just need to get them rebalanced.

[aris_garage_builds]

I'm planning on making the jump to 33's as well. I figure I might as well lift and regear all at once. Tire options with the 10.5 width seem to be pretty limited, is running the 12.5 width doable without trimming so long as you have enough backspacing? Anyone here running 33's and have recommendation on what amount of backspacing to go with? My fenders are fairly rust free, so I'd like to avoid trimming if possible.

[watchamakalit]

Everyone keeps saying the wheels and backspacing are an issue. Will 33x10.5's work on stock turbines without a spacer? On let's say about 4.5" of lift.

[Pete M]

stock rims with no spacers can see 31"x10.5" tires rubbing on the control arms at full turn.  add aftermarket arms (usually round) and 33"x10.5" and it probably won't be that bad? but still possible.  the steering stops can be adjusted if necessary.   

[boxyjeep]

I'm running BFG A/T KO2 in 285/70R17 size with 17x8.5" wheels and they fit nicely.  Powertrain is a 4.6L stroker with AX15 and stock 3.55 gears.  It's "okay", but wish they were 4.10's to be honest.  Suspension is ~5" lift up front and a "low SOA" in the rear.  I think the height and size is perfect.  Not too big, not too small.

 

[llhat]

thanks for this,  soon to replace tires on stock height 1989,

when i obtained it @ 72k, it had 235 BFG all terrian C loads on an aftermarket 'centerline' looking wheel,  @ 140k replaced with take-offs

30 x9.5 GSA goodyears with a 'accessory'  jeep wheel polished,  but seemed to have deeper backspacing than those others

on the back i would hear a 'click click' st times from a rub on emergency brake cable, and on front lower control arms at times.

originally had steel wheels.

Now debating on dropping back to LT235  or staying around the 30 x 9.5  (my 'tire guy' has some mud terrrains

he took off of his scout...  will decide next week.)

 

it now wants to drop out of OD 'quickly' at speed (3.54 gears)... but pre 2000 when driving it a LOT it would get up to 23mpg.

 

[aris_garage_builds]

3 hours ago, boxyjeep said:

I'm running BFG A/T KO2 in 285/70R17 size with 17x8.5" wheels and they fit nicely.  Powertrain is a 4.6L stroker with AX15 and stock 3.55 gears.  It's "okay", but wish they were 4.10's to be honest.  Suspension is ~5" lift up front and a "low SOA" in the rear.  I think the height and size is perfect.  Not too big, not too small.

 

Beautiful rig! I'm hoping to get a similar stance with mine, so this is super helpful.

[ghetdjc320]

Look at metric sizes. As @boxyjeep posted, 285/70/17 is a great size and is widely available. Looking for 33x10.5’s will produce limited results.  

[Eagle_SX4]

I agree 285/75R16 is also a very popular size and would be a great option if I could find some TJ Moab rims.

[watchamakalit]

I am currently about 4.5"of lift with 4.10's and 31x10.5 general grabbers on turbines.  I get a very small amount of rub on my core4x4 control arms.  Just thinking that 33s should fit if they are the same width. Is this correct in theory?

[Pete M]

55 minutes ago, watchamakalit said:

I am currently about 4.5"of lift with 4.10's and 31x10.5 general grabbers on turbines.  I get a very small amount of rub on my core4x4 control arms.  Just thinking that 33s should fit if they are the same width. Is this correct in theory?

 

the corner of your tire that rubs will be sticking an inch further into those arms at full turn. 

[watchamakalit]

Just now, Pete M said:

 

the corner of your tire that rubs will be sticking an inch further into those arms at full turn. 

Good point. Guess I didn't think about that corner moving out from center with the 33s. I'm an idiot. Lol

[75sv1]

Mine are 265/70r17. 

[Eagle_SX4]

If any one is interested this calculator shows your current offset/wheel size versus what you are thinking of running. Gives you a better understanding of how the bigger tires fit with different offsets and sizes.

 

https://tiresize.com/wheel-offset-calculator/

 

[Eagle_SX4]

22 hours ago, boxyjeep said:

I'm running BFG A/T KO2 in 285/70R17 size with 17x8.5" wheels and they fit nicely.  Powertrain is a 4.6L stroker with AX15 and stock 3.55 gears.  It's "okay", but wish they were 4.10's to be honest.  Suspension is ~5" lift up front and a "low SOA" in the rear.  I think the height and size is perfect.  Not too big, not too small.

 

Are you running adapters with those wheels? I saw in your build thread that they are Quadratec Hardrock wheels and those have a 5x5 bolt pattern.

[boxyjeep]

Just now, Eagle_SX4 said:

Are you running adapters with those wheels? I saw in your build thread that they are Quadratec Hardrock wheels and those have a 5x5 bolt pattern.

 

Currently running WJ full outers/hubs/brakes in the front (so no adapters).  Running adapters in the rear until I have a chance to get some 5x5" axle shafts and do a disc brake conversion.  I hate running adapters, but it's not the end of the world.