is it worth upgrading to 35's?

[jeep-N-montero]

I have the power, lift, and the gearing for it, but will the extra inch of clearance make much of a difference over the 33's? Rear axle is a trussed 44 out of an XJ with chromoly shafts and Detroit Truetrac, front is an lp30 that will be getting a Rusty's gusset kit. If the lp30 breaks I will swap in the hp30 out of my other Jeep that is already geared when I start parting the Jeep out. One upside to the 35's is I would get slightly better mpg out of the v8.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Another thing to consider is that a 35 will not fit in the spare location with the rear seat up, so I would likely have to splurge on a rear tire carrier.

 

[Bart]

I think it's worth it with what you have now. I've been running 35s on my TJ lp30 for a couple of years. I upgraded the inner shaft to an alloy, but haven't had a problem. I've done Pritchett, Green Day, Hanging Tree, Crazy 8 and some other tough trails. BTW, I'll have a sweet set of 5 used 35s coming up for sale in the next month or so if you decide to go that route.

 

[Slangy]

I think it is worth it, just like Bart I have also been running a LP Dana 30 with a 44 in the rear on 35's for a few years and have been fine. I am also kind of a wimp when it comes to mashing down the skinny pedal. I swapped in a V8 last year and still have had no problems.

 

[rholbrook]

I am trying to figure out how you plan on getting better gas mileage with 35s. True it will increase your gear ratio but you also have a heavier tire and the tires is not the place raise and lower gear ratios. You have just increase your spinning mass which will hinder you gas mileage.

 

[sixstringsteve]

In my opinion, it isn't worth it because of the 1" extra ground clearance. HOWEVER, I do think 35's are worth it for a different reason. It's much easier for a 35" tire to roll over a bowling-ball size rock, compared to a 33" tire. Bigger tires help you maintain your momentum and roll over obstacles a lot easier. The extra 1" of ground clearance is just an extra bonus.

 

[JL Rockies]

I've only rolled 32" tires and I'm more gangster than most... gangster being actually out there. I'm a good driver though.

 

[yz250_]

Obviously this is an exageration, but how easily does a skateboard wheel roll over even the smallest pebble on the sidewalk. It will make more of a difference than you realize.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I think it's worth it with what you have now. I've been running 35s on my TJ lp30 for a couple of years. I upgraded the inner shaft to an alloy, but haven't had a problem. I've done Pritchett, Green Day, Hanging Tree, Crazy 8 and some other tough trails. BTW, I'll have a sweet set of 5 used 35s coming up for sale in the next month or so if you decide to go that route.

PM me with the details on the tires.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I am trying to figure out how you plan on getting better gas mileage with 35s. True it will increase your gear ratio but you also have a heavier tire and the tires is not the place raise and lower gear ratios. You have just increase your spinning mass which will hinder you gas mileage.

With the v8 and 4.56's my rpm's will be quite lower with 35's, especially cruising mpg will be better with less vibration.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'm no expert, but I read somewhere that while low rpms usually = higher MPG, it's not always the case. There was some weird formula. Not trying to discourage you, it'd just be a bummer if you were expecting better MPG, and you ended up staying the same or getting worse. But I'm sure you've done your research and surveyed others who have 35's on a ZJ with that gearing.

 

[mesha]

I had 4.56 gears in my old TJ with 33s I got about 12-12.5 mpg average. I switched to 35s and got about 15 mpg average. I am not saying it will be the case for everyone, but it was the case for me.

Steve is spot on about the 35 rolling over stuff easier. I noticed a really big difference in my ride quality on dirt roads due to the bigger tires.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

And would BFG A/T's be sufficient traction in a 35x12.50? I know a guy who might trade some for my MT/R's.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Lots of different opinions, here's mine. For what I drive (street, dirt, rocks, moab, snow) BFG A/Ts are one of my least favorite tires I've ever run, and I'm normally a huge BFG fan. The only tire I've run that was worse was the Procomp X-terrains.


I'd rather have 33" KM2s than 37" BFG A/Ts. You can have all the cool suspension mods and traction devices, but without good tires, it won't matter one bit.

 

[airmanwilliams]

dont do it. ill trade you 31's for the 35s.

 

[eddie d]

just try it u can always go back to 33 s

 

[jedi]

A 35 will fit in the back of a zj standing up in the stock location. That's where I have mine. Just put the psi around twenty and it fits like a glove.

 

[gertsch]

Just get the 35's and don't look back!

 

[Max Power]

Do it!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

A 35 will fit in the back of a zj standing up in the stock location. That's where I have mine. Just put the psi around twenty and it fits like a glove.

Even with the back seat up there is room? A 33 fits fine with the threaded rod extended but thought a 35 would be too long with the seat up. Can you post a picture?