I recently picked up this 2001 TJ Sport for my son who is turning 16 soon, Dana 30/Dana 44 with 3.73 gears, 5 speed, 4.0l. We put a Zone Off-road 4.25” combo lift. The previous owner has these 18” JK wheels with 32x10 basic AT tires. I have a 2022 JL with Nitto Trail Grapplers and my friends and I go wheeling in the NW Florida area. Mostly sand and mud, but the mud can vary between clay, sandy mud, or your typical sticky black mud. I’m trying to decide which route to take with his TJ as far as a Mud Terrain or a new hybrid RT tire. 15” wheels really limit the RT options, but of course going with 17” wheels really opens up the options. I’m not against going with 15x8 and a good 33x12.50 MT, but since it’s of course my son driving, my top concern is on-road safety, but I want him to be able to come out on the trails and not be limited in the mud and end up stuck more often than not. Seeking the advice of this forum. Thank you
Tire and Wheel Advice Needed
- Thread starter BlackBeard1790
- Start date
I recently picked up this 2001 TJ Sport for my son who is turning 16 soon, Dana 30/Dana 44 with 3.73 gears, 5 speed, 4.0l. We put a Zone Off-road 4.25” combo lift. The previous owner has these 18” JK wheels with 32x10 basic AT tires. I have a 2022 JL with Nitto Trail Grapplers and my friends and I go wheeling in the NW Florida area. Mostly sand and mud, but the mud can vary between clay, sandy mud, or your typical sticky black mud. I’m trying to decide which route to take with his TJ as far as a Mud Terrain or a new hybrid RT tire. 15” wheels really limit the RT options, but of course going with 17” wheels really opens up the options. I’m not against going with 15x8 and a good 33x12.50 MT, but since it’s of course my son driving, my top concern is on-road safety, but I want him to be able to come out on the trails and not be limited in the mud and end up stuck more often than not. Seeking the advice of this forum. Thank you
General rule I was taught for tires and wheels is double the sidewall 15" rims, minimum tire 30+", 16" 32+, ect... That being said 17 puts you at 34's, difference for 33's is minimal. If you are looking at used rims theres a ton of 17's out there and more tire options. Personally I like the looks of 15's all the way up but I went with 17's out of convinience
Your top concern is safety, but no one has mentioned braking. With an increase in tire diameter and a suspension lift, the braking performance declines significantly. Just going from 265/70R16 tires to 33x12.5R15, I felt a big decrease in braking that was not exactly confidence-inspiring. I installed a big brake kit from Black Magic Brakes and it has been one of the best upgrades I have done to my TJ. I have all the braking I need now.
Also know that TJs do not take well to tire diameter increases without regearing. I would not recommend increasing the tire size unless you have the axles regeared as well. Even though your area is likely flat like mine is, it will suck to drive if the gearing is not fit for the tire size.
As for wheels, I recommend getting rid of any lug adapters/spacers present. You’ll want a wheel with about 3.75” of backspacing. 15” vs 17” wheels is a matter of pricing and diminishing availability of tires for 15” wheels.
Also know that TJs do not take well to tire diameter increases without regearing. I would not recommend increasing the tire size unless you have the axles regeared as well. Even though your area is likely flat like mine is, it will suck to drive if the gearing is not fit for the tire size.
As for wheels, I recommend getting rid of any lug adapters/spacers present. You’ll want a wheel with about 3.75” of backspacing. 15” vs 17” wheels is a matter of pricing and diminishing availability of tires for 15” wheels.
StevePannell
New Member
I have 33x12.50 mud terrains on my 2000 TJ with Mammoth wheels that have a 3.75 backspace. Unfortunately, my tires hit my sway bars when in a full turn. This is my only complaint and am currently searching for solutions. I am going to find a wheel that can solve this but may settle on quality spacers. The jeep tracks well with 26 psi on the freeway. Unfortunately, finding a shop to install these is rare in So Cal.
3” lift
15x8 wheels, 3.75 backspace, -19 offset
33x12.50 mud terrains
3” lift
15x8 wheels, 3.75 backspace, -19 offset
33x12.50 mud terrains
I really like those. I'm waiting for a local guy to lower his price of these. 35x10.50x16". Still looking for stock Moab wheels in great shape too.
I really like those. I'm waiting for a local guy to lower his price of these. 35x10.50x16". Still looking for stock Moab wheels in great shape too.
View attachment 595711
I like those also, just to expensive online. They are almost in the Swamper range.
I also have 33x12.5x15 Falken Wildpeak AT3's on my daily driven TJ. Black Magic Brakes & 5spd if it matters. Re-geared from 3.73's to 4.56's out of necessity about two months into ownership. NE weather varies a lot.. I have seen it all over the three years I own them. I do plenty of outer beach sand, both soft and hard pack. Zero mud. Mild unmaintained fire roads. They are quiet on the highway. Aired down they are fine out on the beach. I give them a "B" in the rain.
It's all about trade offs. The more street-oriented the better on-road handling, breaking, gas mileage, and tire life. For a kid I'd lean towards ATs and let him pay for MTs when he wants to upgrade off road performance. Mud really calls for MTs, but the RTs are a really good compromise. I really liked the Goodyear Duratracs in mud and on road.
17s have more options and will give better on-road handling, but 15s will be lighter and and a little better off road. But probably not enough for most people to notice.
I'd also shy away from giving a new driver a short-wheelbase car with that much lift. I did lots of stupid stuff at 16...
17s have more options and will give better on-road handling, but 15s will be lighter and and a little better off road. But probably not enough for most people to notice.
I'd also shy away from giving a new driver a short-wheelbase car with that much lift. I did lots of stupid stuff at 16...
You really don’t want less backspace. 3.75” is very good. Just add a washer to the steering stop. Test. If needed add another. A little rubbing is fine. Won’t do anything to the Jeep. Changing your scrub radius will be bad for the Jeep.
This guy bought them 2 weeks ago and decided not to mount them. He wants $300 each. I'm waiting for him to "need" to sell them. I think $900 is a fair offer since most people wouldn't look twice with that aggressive tread. Fingers crossed.
p.s. Your stock wheels with free shipping to Va would help.
Nice looking TJ. I know this is an older post, but I am curious what you ended up with. I have a 98 TJ that has 33x12.5x15 mounted on Dick Cepeck wheels and I find that on the road they seem to want to wander a bit when they hit uneven pavement. I just had a four wheel alignment after putting on adjustable control arms all around. My main purpose for the vehicle is to flat tow behind a motor home so I think I need something that is not so wide. Was thinking about going to 17" but reading that putting wheel adapters on is not a great idea. Did you end up going with 15"? Thanks
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