33" vs 35"

[Projekt-XJ 41]

I'm going to putting some new tires on my xj shortly, as of now I have 33" BFG AT with stock gearing on the Dana 30 axel. I'm debating on going up to 35" AT but whether or not I keep the 33" or go 35" I'm going to re gear. Any opinions on this?? Also not sure if I should get the BFG AT or General Tire Red Letter Grabber. Thanks guys

[prerunner1982]

I don't have an opinion on the 33 vs 35 as I have neither. If you are considering the bfg at or the general grabber grabber, why not the General tire grabber AT2? I personally would go with the AT especially of that design. They seem to be a good off road tire and have enough siping to make it good on road in wet conditions.

[cantab27]

on stock gearing i would stick to 33s BUT others run 35s on stock diffs axles etc ,see what they say..i only ever run 33s on my old xj with .....then it comes down to driver beware when wheeling....less right boot...what do ya play in.. is it gonna help going to 35s ...

[Projekt-XJ 41]

on stock gearing i would stick to 33s BUT others run 35s on stock diffs axles etc ,see what they say..i only ever run 33s on my old xj with .....then it comes down to driver beware when wheeling....less right boot...what do ya play in.. is it gonna help going to 35s ...

I haven't gone to take her out yet. But I wanna do a lil crawling. Nothing to crazy and just some fun trails. Thought 35s might help but unsure

[cantab27]

how worn are the 33s ya running now.......wheel it 1st on them maybe.....see how ya go???...

[Projekt-XJ 41]

how worn are the 33s ya running now.......wheel it 1st on them maybe.....see how ya go???...

Pretty bad. But I think they might be able to hold up a try

[cantab27]

got any pics of ya jeep mate...and a bit of info on what else shes running .....please

[4.3LXJ]

Personally I would opt for the ATs in either brand. The grabbers were designed as a high speed dirt tire, not a trail tire. As to 33a or 35s, It would depend on what rear axle you have in that 99. If the D35. the no way. If the 8.25 OK. But it also depends on whether or not you plan to lock it. If so, stick with the 33s

[bluedragon436]

For me personally I'm sticking with 33's because I DD my Jeep too.. so don't need the loss of gas mileage by going to 35's... plus not to mention I think you would be able to do what you want to do just fine with 33's... How soon do you plan to regear?? If it is going to be a bit.... then why not run 33's until that point then decide at that time if you want taller tires...

[Jeepster19]

Even if you decided to go with the 35" tires,would they fit with the 4.5" lift you have?Do you have cut out flares or no flares with the fenders cut?

[Projekt-XJ 41]

It's got a 4.5" rough country lift with rough county quick disconnects. Stock axels and gearing. Front and back fenders are both cut, rear was cut and rolled. 15" pro comp wheels and shortend exhaust. I think I'm gonna stick with some 33" AT

[bigjim350]

I have been thinking of going to 35's and im on 6.5" lift. The way i look at it is: is the 2" of ground clearance while wheeling worth the extra strain the 2" will put on the drivetrain while not wheeling it. In my opinion its not worth it to me. Ive never been wheeling and wish i had 2 more inches, i have wished that during other times on other "things" though.......:o

[XJ Wheeler]

I have been thinking of going to 35's and im on 6.5" lift. The way i look at it is: is the 2" of ground clearance while wheeling worth the extra strain the 2" will put on the drivetrain while not wheeling it. In my opinion its not worth it to me. Ive never been wheeling and wish i had 2 more inches, i have wished that during other times on other "things" though.......:o

Going from 33s to 35s would actually only net you 1" higher ground clearance.

The 2" taller tire means you gain 1" around the tire. Hard to explain but basically 1" on top and 1" on bottom makes 2".

[cantab27]

you're on to it jake...........

[07Negative]

I personally didn't like the BFG A/T. Though they seemed to have lasted way longer than I ever wanted them too. The Goodyear DuraTrac is a dope tire. No way Jose would I do 35's on 3.55 gears. Even with 33's and 3.55 it's slow and steady wins the race. If you don't wheel much and if your mainly on minor trails. 33's are great I think. As for gear ratio, You could do 4.10's. It kinda gives best of both when it comes to power and fuel mileage. But 4.56 would give you the wiggle room for 35's tires.

[Projekt-XJ 41]

Awesome thanks guys. I got a price for the 33" BFG AT today gonna hopefully get them this week. And I'll keep you informed as to what I do gearing wise

[Keaton]

35's on stock axles and gearing is a big no no. Youll hate the mpg and things just start breaking at that point. Stock steering,if thats what you run, wont be enough anymore. Acceleration goes down the drain. All that extra strain isnt worth it. Stick with a 33 or build your axles.

[Sneedle Vision]

Going from 33s to 35s would actually only net you 1" higher ground clearance.

The 2" taller tire means you gain 1" around the tire. Hard to explain but basically 1" on top and 1" on bottom makes 2".

Totally right, easy way to look at it is from the ground to the center of the wheel is half the diameter or the tire.

33s = 16.5 from ground to center & 35s = 17.5 from ground to center so 1" difference in overall height.

[xjfrank]

weight i going to be the big issue!BFGs SWAMPERS AND SUCH ARE VERY DIFFERENT IN WEIGHT. HOW EVER MY 35 PRO COMP XTERRANS ONLY WEIGHED 1.5 POUNDS EACH DIFFERENT THAN THE 255 WRANGLERS I JUST TOOK OFF THESE WERE ON 17X9 ALLOYS GO FIGURE NO REAL DIFFERENTS IN POWER EITHER. WITH 6.5 INCHES THIS TRANSFORMED THE LOOK INTO A MONSTER AND PEOPLE THINK I HAVE SOME CRAZY LIFT.

[jonb8]

I was alway's a firm believer in 33's, My brother went to 35's and I was amazed at the difference it made in his jeep. I would have never believed a inch of diff clearence would have made a day/night difference like it did so I followed and now running 35 wranglers on my trail rig.