Yes they are 20's when you buy at the junk auction you don't get everything you want. I would not buy them new but they are growing on me.
35" tires with 3.07 gears
- Thread starter phil8165
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The problem with the 20’s in 35’s is that you can’t really air them down enough to make a difference when you run them in your Florida sand.
Let me start by saying by no means am I trying to justify it on a TJ (or at all for that matter).
We used to live by the sand dunes (in the same town) and I would occasionally take my truck out there to meet some buddies or just hang out. I never aired my truck down from street pressure (about 36-38) and never had an issue. Now we live near the beach, but it is mostly good drivable beach though the approaches get nasty. However, the truck has about 400hp and I'm willing to hit stuff hard and fast enough to get through. Now I wouldn't go park out in the soft areas of the dunes and try to leave uphill. But you can make it work if you have to.
Yea it sucks not much sidewall to work with. They are very wide 12.5" so I am hoping they won't sink in too much. The rims are 12" wide and the 12.5" tires barely fit the rims. The rim is flush with the sidewall currently. They have curb rash from previous driver and you have to use a bead blaster or either to get the bead to catch. If I went below 15 psi I would worry about breaking the bead. I will put a can of either in my rig if I want to air down. There is some larger tire options. The rims are so damn big.
Could look for some 15 or 17”x8 wheels with 5x4.5” bolt pattern on FB and maybe even find some with 35” tires. Then sell the 20’s.
Could look for some 15 or 17”x8 wheels with 5x4.5” bolt pattern on FB and maybe even find some with 35” tires. Then sell the 20’s.
That is some good advice. That is the fun part about taking on new projects. There is so many ways you can go. I am 59 and retired I have a 9 year son that I hope to get involved in the project. In a few years I may let him pick one of my vehicles for his first car. I was hoping he would like the jeep. Every boy should start with a stick shift.
There’s nothing like top and doors off driving down the beach! 9 is a great age to get them involved in mechanical and suspension work. Most can’t drive manual, so it is great to be able too. The experience is amazing and you pay attention more while driving.
Hard to beat that only a Harley ride comes close. Looking forward to getting my gear problem fixed. I am stuck putting around town now. Going to start buying parts next month. Looks like it is going to be pricey. Going to add Eaton true tac LSD along with the gears. Maybe a dana 44 for the rear.
Gearing with traction aids is definitely a big ticket item (maybe the biggest ticket item) when it comes to a build.
It really is crazy how big wheels have gotten. Growing up, 20s were DUBS and big.
Nowadays an econobox will come stock with 19s
Do some/lots of reading on this Forum. Help you make the right choices. Easy to buy stuff that you really do not need.
Lots of good used parts at reasonable prices if you are patient on FB marketplace. (example; good set of TJ OEM 15 inch or a set of JK wheels for 100 bucks)
That is why I bought a flooded jeep at the junk auction. The big tires saved the jeep from damage, the water did not get above the tires. Water line was about an inch over the door threshold. It was a gamble that paid off. I went in thinking there will be a hidden problem so I bid accordingly giving me a little leeway. Didn't expect someone would drive for what looks like over a decade maybe 2 with terrible gearing. The rims were discontinued 3 years ago,and the sky jacker lift is very old looking. The only responsive gears are 1st and 2nd. No taking off slow a have to step on it. It keeps up with traffic and that is it,but only to 60 then it is done.
Having 4lo really helps you learn a manual and a love for offroading at the same time! the clutch action is much easier. And can make it fun in a large field or beach.
You are correct that is why I joined. Everyone has given me great info and made me laugh all morning . I certainly joined the right group for me. I new the topic would get me some responses. You guys do not disappoint thanks everyone.
Welcome! We love it when the younger folks join the forum!
Lots of great folks with lots of knowledge here. And we like to have fun as well.
Jeff
Edit: Almost forgot. Tonz and Fodeez!
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