33's for my Jeep

[Guest db99wj]

Made my Jeep look like it should from the factory. Stock had 255/70 r17's. These are 285/70-R17's. The stock tires measured just over 30" with 35k miles on them. My overall height that I added is about 2.5" I say allthis because just because the sidewall says one thing, the actual measurements vary. The tires make a huge difference. They are a little louder and rougher than the Goodyear SRA street tires. This was expected.

Some comparison shots to a stock Sahara with 18" wheels, and 255/70 R18's

I'm excited, I love my Jeep like a love my guns, both are freaking expensive hobbies!

[Guest Lester Weevils]

Congrats! They look good.

Did you have to change anything except the tires? Has your JK been lifted?

Had 35K miles about worn out your previous tires so you would have needed new tires anyway?

[Guest db99wj]

No lift yet, probably going to add a small 2" lift, since i dont want to mess with geometry issues of the driveline when going over 2.5". They rub slightly at full lock on the control arm due to the backspacing of the stock rims. Will leave it that way or I have the option of adding spacers or aftermarket wheels with more(or less can keep that straight) backspacing.

The old tires probably had another 5-10k left, they were getting squirrelly when wet, I only rotated them once;). I hated those street tires!

[willis68]

That is a very nice Jeep!

[Guest Zombie-Hunter]

Jeeps & Firearms are my hobbys also, I feel your pain.

[Guest db99wj]

Thanks! Here's one the way they are suppose to be, topless!

[Guest Lester Weevils]

Hi db99wj

The 2 door JK I got last fall came with "P255/75R17 OWL On/Off-Road Tires". I hardly drive and haven't got 3K miles on it yet. Most likely hit 3K by the anniversary this fall anyway. At that rate will have to wait 10 or 12 years before wearing out the tires and getting newer/bigger ones. Am too cheap to buy new ones if the old ones ain't worn out.

The manual said that tires should be replaced (IIRC) at least every 5 years regardless of wear, because of rubber fatigue and ageing. So maybe get some bigger ones 4 years from now even if the factory tires still look new.

Maybe that rule is BS, but old dad gave us his RV he got too old to drive, about 10,000 miles on the RV but about 8 years old. We shredded one of the tires taking it to emissions testing, so maybe there is something to it. The tires look brand new on that RV but one of them gave it up big time just driving across town at 35 MPH.

That made me put new tires on the old van. Only 75,000 miles on the 18 year old van, but can't remember the last set of tires. At least a decade. The old tires still looked great, but didn't want em spontaneously self-destructing just because of age. Maybe everybody else in the world knew about old low-mileage tires except me.

[kieefer]

This is probably not much of a concern with Jeep owners but I'm curious about the MPG that you're getting?

[Lumber_Jack]

I had a set of Dunolp Mud Rovers on my 97 TJ. sidewall said 35x12.50 actually measured 34". But to get an accurate measurement I just measured from axel to top of tire cause the weight will bulge the bottom.

Just reaffirming that actual sizes vary from sidewall numbers

Good lookin jeep

[oldogy]

Are those Goodyear MTRs? They look good but I do see a lot of weight stuck on the wheel, normal for the MTR. If they are MTRs you will want to keep them rotated. Don't bother asking me why. Don't expect much wet road traction on any aggressive tread tire. But then you have full traction control and ABS I believe. I would suspect you may get a slight contact at full flex. The two inch spring spacers work well. I have them on the '05 Rubicon Unlimited with 32s.

Tires do deteriorate with age. Five years is normally considered the life of a heavily worked tire or one that is exposed the the weather all the time. Tires on my motor home showed signs of deterioration at less than 20K miles and it was always garaged when not in use. But, it was running at near MGVW all the time.

oldogy

[Guest db99wj]

I get 13 in all city, 20 on highway. Average about 14.

They are BFG AT tread design, made by Treadwright. Retreads. I told them to static balance. Not sure if they did. One has more weight than I would prefer. When I had real BFG AT's on my old Jeep, those things took a ton of weight to balance.

[Guest db99wj]

Drove a lot today, tires were rougher than I remember, tire place had almost 38lbs in them! Dropped them all to 35, as recommended on the door and the company, and it made a huge difference.

[Erik88]

I love Wranglers, have my whole life. I stopped by the dealership last week and drooled for a while. They have a 2010 Sport model that has been tricked out but it's brand new. It's been on the lot over a year. They have it marked way down but IMO they are still too much money for what you get. Some of the new ones were $30,000!! Wranglers were originally designed to be inexpensive vehicles that were great off-road. Somehow that idea was lost along the way.

Sadly, the used models they had were not much less than the new ones. Wranglers are one of the few vehicles where you get a better deal if you buy new IMO.

[Lumber_Jack]

Drove a lot today, tires were rougher than I remember, tire place had almost 38lbs in them! Dropped them all to 35, as recommended on the door and the company, and it made a huge difference.

I would check tread wear at different psi levels maximize your tire life. Best way to do this is take a piece of white chalk and make a like across the tread. Drive a few hundred feet and look at where the chalk has rubbed off. If it's worn more in the middle you need to drop psi and vice versa. I did this on my 08 GMC and I have to run about 38lbs in my BFGs

[Guest db99wj]

I love Wranglers, have my whole life. I stopped by the dealership last week and drooled for a while. They have a 2010 Sport model that has been tricked out but it's brand new. It's been on the lot over a year. They have it marked way down but IMO they are still too much money for what you get. Some of the new ones were $30,000!! Wranglers were originally designed to be inexpensive vehicles that were great off-road. Somehow that idea was lost along the way.

Sadly, the used models they had were not much less than the new ones. Wranglers are one of the few vehicles where you get a better deal if you buy new IMO.

They have gotten expensive. You can get a Sport base model for around 20k, but most dealers won't carry those in stock. They have only power steering, 16" steel wheels and cheap tires not worthy of a spare tire. You can have a fully loaded optioned out Rubicon for 35k plus. Dealers her put a pro comp package on which includes upgraded tires wheels 3" lift, disconnects, adjustable trac bar for 7k from 4-wheel parts. Way over priced but they do, saw one around 40k!!!

When I bought I was looking at a year old 2008 Sahara with 24k miles, I was going to have to pay 24k for it, then I found this one, a new 2009, at a dealer in Alabama. The only thing it didn't have was the Mygig stereo system with DVD/GPS that the Sahara had and 18" wheels. I didn't really want the painted fenders that a Sahara has. Mine, new was the same price and I got better financing and full warranty. I wish I would have gotten the dual top group, hard top is nice, but a soft top this time of year would make things easier. I have never been. Fan of buying new, and I won't on most that I buy, but these things keep their value. I looked at an 2006 TJ, last model yea of the old design and it was 19k.

If I won the lottery and win 100 million, I would still drive my Jeep, it is my dream. I would have a lot more stuff on it including a 6.7L Hemi swap from one of the companies that do them, those are badass, look them up on YouTube.

Edited August 15, 2011 by db99wj

[Guest db99wj]

I would check tread wear at different psi levels maximize your tire life. Best way to do this is take a piece of white chalk and make a like across the tread. Drive a few hundred feet and look at where the chalk has rubbed off. If it's worn more in the middle you need to drop psi and vice versa. I did this on my 08 GMC and I have to run about 38lbs in my BFGs

I will be doing this due to the tires. Hopefully I can get them dialed in. Dropping the air pressure just that small amount made a huge difference.

[Guest Lester Weevils]

I love Wranglers, have my whole life. I stopped by the dealership last week and drooled for a while. They have a 2010 Sport model that has been tricked out but it's brand new. It's been on the lot over a year. They have it marked way down but IMO they are still too much money for what you get. Some of the new ones were $30,000!! Wranglers were originally designed to be inexpensive vehicles that were great off-road. Somehow that idea was lost along the way.

Sadly, the used models they had were not much less than the new ones. Wranglers are one of the few vehicles where you get a better deal if you buy new IMO.

Never had a Jeep and didn't get interested til last year.

After a month or two googling what features was willing to pay for, the next problem was finding a good price on the features and color. Last fall stock was pretty slim in most nearby dealers on 2010 and 2011 models. Couldn't find the color and features anywhere.

Then widened the search area and found Dallas Dodge down in GA.

Dallas Dodge Chrysler Jeep - Used Cars Dallas, Auto Service Dallas, Dallas Auto Parts, Plano, Richardson, Garland

They had lots of inventory including a couple of Jeeps with my features, color and approx price. The price was as good or better than anybody else I'd checked out.

Called em on a saturday morning to ask if they would transfer to a local dealer for me to buy. They said they would be glad to do that but they would just as happily sell me the Jeep that day.

Since I only buy a vehicle every 10 or 20 years, lots had changed since buying the last one. I filled out a loan app to their web form then emailed a scan of my drivers license and insurance card. Got credit approved by early Saturday afternoon. Dallas Dodge prepped the jeep and drove it up to Chatt before nightfall the same day. I signed a sheaf of papers and the driver headed back to Atlanta. Everyone I spoke with on the phone and the man who drove the Jeep up to my driveway were nice and friendly. It would have been more trouble buying in-person from a dealer in my own town. On the other hand, maybe nowadays any dealer would do it all by phone and deliver the vehicle to your driveway in order to make the sale. I never thought to ask. In the past they didn't used to do that too much.

The local dealers were nice folks and I tried to spend money there first, but they just couldn't get the features and color and price I was looking for.

Bought it 36 months no interest. Kinda pricy payment, but looked back at other payments in the past, and inflation is the only thing that makes the payment and price seem so high. The jeep costed me about the same as most of my earlier (modest low-end) vehicles, if you adjust all the prices for inflation. Cars are not expensive nowadays. Dollars are just not worth as much. Not that it is fun to make a car payment.

Dunno if they are still running 36 month no interest offers. You need pretty good credit score. If we go down into a double-dip they will probably bring back 36 month no interest if it is not currently in effect.

[Guest Jasen]

Good looking JK. Chalk tires ftw. I thought it was rock rash on wheels. Almost 3k miles on my 2011 Unlimited Rubicon. Got 18.2 mpg on last tank. ALL city driving.

[Erik88]

Went back to the Jeep dealership tonight and they guy is trying his best to get me to lease one. I've always heard leasing a vehicle is a bad idea. My car is paid for and I don't want a payment so I'm going to wait.

But what I was going to mention is that the new 2012 Wranglers now come with a 3.6 liter pentastar producing 290 h.p.

Thoughts?

[Guest Zombie-Hunter]

But what I was going to mention is that the new 2012 Wranglers now come with a 3.6 liter pentastar producing 290 h.p.

Thoughts?

I bought a older (2005) Rubicon in 2007 just so I could get the 4.0 straight six, I know, I know the new advanced engineering makes for a modern, just as good as the full size 6. But I guess I am old school and like everything else it may start out better or just as good but after a little wear, you'll feel the lack of power. Just another IMO post.

[Guest db99wj]

The 3.8L motor that is in the 07-11 models, dubbed the "minivan engine" is somewhat of a dog, especially if you got an automatic and 3.21 gears, which came in the base X or Sport models typically. If you got the towing package, many times you would get 3.71 gears, which helps a lot. Some of those base models, still came with 3.71's. The Rubicon came with 4.1's. This is typical, but packages and other things could change this.

From what I understand, the 3.21 with the motor is a dog, especially at highway speeds, lots of downshifting of the automatic out of overdrive, especially if you put larger tires on, an possibly rendering overdrive useless. The 3.71's are better, and that is what I have in mine. While it is not the 4.7L V8 I had in my old 99 Jeep WJ, it does fine. I do miss the "passing gear" so to speak at highway speeds when going around a slower car. While I still can pass, I don't have the ability to punch it and get my butt moving. The 33's have really shown no difference, but I haven't driven a lot of highway yet. Going on small hour long trip Friday, we will see. The 4.1's do better, than 3.71, but I don't know by how much. If you have a 6 speed manual, I've read where the 3.21's and 6th gear, with larger tires is useless. With stock tires, you still have overdrive and 6th gear. There also has been reports and I know one person personally, the guy who's Sahara model I almost bought, with engine failures. Something with the rings and a rod, can't recall all the details and I'm not sure if it is even pinpointed in what the problem is. Some will burn a half a quart of oil to a full quart of oil between oil changes. Some have an engine tick that is the result of some oil filters, something with the blowback valve or something. Mine doesn't burn any oil and if I use a Fram Toughguard Oil Filter with my Mobile 1 Full synthetic, I don't get a tick, I used a Mobile 1 oil filter and got a tick earlier this spring.

A lot of people do complain about the engine, but for me, it is no big deal, i've got enough power to do what I need to do.

The Pentastar motor is suppose to be the fix. But the only real experience people have seen with them is with the Grand Cherokees and some other models, which is not a fair comparison, and the 12's are just starting to trickle into some lots, mostly are customer orders. There is still a lot of 11's out there, and they will be trying to get rid of the inventory before the 12's are seen a lot. From what i've seen, fuel economy is not great increased even with the new motor.

Jeep has missed the boat on this one in my opinion. The size of these JK's are large enough and wide enough, they could have started with the base V6 and had the option of the 4.7L V8. That motor would have been great with the JK. If they used the MDS technology that is out there and the 4.7L, they probably could increase the gas mileage. The should also have the 5.7L hemi option available in these. I think I mentioned earlier, there are several aftermarket companies that put the Hemi's in them, including the 5.7L and the 6.1L. The new Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes with a 6.4L V8.

Older Jeep guys still are pissed about the killing of the legendary 4.0L I6, which is bullet proof, but thanks to Cafe standards, died.

[sigmtnman]

Went back to the Jeep dealership tonight and they guy is trying his best to get me to lease one. I've always heard leasing a vehicle is a bad idea. My car is paid for and I don't want a payment so I'm going to wait.

But what I was going to mention is that the new 2012 Wranglers now come with a 3.6 liter pentastar producing 290 h.p.

Thoughts?

Don't lease a jeep.

[Guest db99wj]

I leased one car in my life, hated it, hated every moment of it. I was always worried about mileage, I was worried about door dings, I was worried about a scratch, or rock chip, or ...It worried me to death. I'll never do it again.

[sigmtnman]

I sold my 2008 rubi only to look around for a month and go buy a 2011 rubi... Nothing compares to a jeep.

[Lumber_Jack]

I think db99wj's point on engine and gear ratio is very important when buying a new jeep. Especially if you buy the bigger 4 door. Don't just buy one that lists the highest gas mileage because it may turn out to be a disappointment on performance.

Oh and I Agee 100000% DO NOT LEASE A CAR, it's the worst financial decision you could make. It's like buying furniture at rent to own. You end up paying way more than just saving, putting a down payment, and buying the darn thing.

Edited August 16, 2011 by Lumber_Jack