When selecting tires for your Jeep Wrangler, there are four primary tire sizes to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. To accommodate larger tires, you’ll need an appropriate lift, ranging from a budget boost for smaller tires to a comprehensive lift kit for larger ones.
General rule: The larger the tire, the larger the lift required.
Jeep Wrangler Wheel Sizes:
Larger wheels often seen as more visually appealing but not necessarily better for off-roading
- 15 Inch: Budget-friendly, stock size on YJ and TJ Wranglers; not recommended for JK and JL models
- 16 Inch: Stock size on YJ and TJ Wranglers; limited aftermarket availability
- 17 Inch: Standard on JK and JL Wranglers, including Rubicon models; popular choice for wide tire availability
- 18 Inch: Stock size on Sahara trim; larger wheel size may lead to a rougher ride, but many owners find them visually appealing
Tire Size & Lift Size Needed (Wrangler JL & JK models):
The “needed” part here is obviously “recommended”, but there are folks who, let’s say, omit this advice and do their own thing…
33 Inch: 1.5″ lift
35 Inch: 2.5″ lift
37 Inch: 4″ lift
40 Inch: 6″ lift
33 Inch Tires
The 33-inch tire size is ideal for those who seek a balanced performance between on- and off-road use. These tires provide ample off-road capability without sacrificing driveability or fuel economy, making them a popular choice. Interestingly, this tire size comes as standard equipment for the Rubicon trim, showcasing its versatility. Additionally, fitting this tire size on your Jeep Wrangler requires only a budget boost lift, making it a cost-effective option for enthusiasts.
Advantages:
- Retains factory driving dynamics and fuel economy
Good off-road ability while maintaining on-road dynamics
Minimal lift required
Disadvantages:
- Sacrifices some off-road capability for on-road performance
Less visually appealing than larger tires
Best for:
Off-road enthusiasts who want a vehicle with excellent off-road capability on weekends while maintaining stock driving dynamics and fuel economy during the week
35 Inch Tires
The 35-inch tire size has gained popularity among off-road enthusiasts who desire an extra edge in off-road performance. This tire size requires a taller lift kit, which elevates the Jeep Wrangler for enhanced off-road capability. However, it is important to note that opting for 35-inch tires may trade off some driveability and fuel economy in favor of improved off-road performance, so it’s essential to consider your priorities before making a decision.
Advantages:
- Increased ground clearance and off-road capability
- Good compromise between off-road ability and on-road handling
Disadvantages:
- Negative impact on fuel economy and acceleration without re-gearing
- Reduced on-road handling capability and ride quality
- Higher cost due to more extensive lift kit required
Best for:
Off-roading enthusiasts willing to modify their Jeep and trade off some driveability/fuel economy for increased off-road capability and great looks
37 Inch Tires
The 37-inch tire size significantly alters both off-road capability and driveability, making it a choice that requires careful consideration. This tire size is more suitable for newer JL Wranglers, which feature suspension and transmission designs better equipped to handle larger tires. However, opting for 37-inch tires necessitates extensive modifications to ensure optimal performance and safety, so be prepared for the additional work and investment involved in this upgrade.
Advantages:
Significant increase in off-road capability
- Fills out wheel wells for impressive looks
- Less impact on driveability for JL models
- Can run on stock rims
Disadvantages:
- JK models may experience driveability and shimmy issues at speed
- Re-gearing necessary or fuel economy loss of 6-7 MPG is common
- Requires extensive modifications to suspension and drivetrain
Best for:
Hardcore off-road enthusiasts seeking the limits of daily driver capability and willing to make significant trade-offs in day-to-day driving
40 Inch Tires
The 40-inch tire size represents the pinnacle of off-road capability, taking your Jeep Wrangler’s performance to the highest level. However, this tire size comes with the need for numerous modifications and upgrades, such as upgrading axles, adjusting gear ratios, and installing a large lift kit. Embracing these changes will transform your Jeep into an unstoppable off-roading machine, but be prepared for the investment and effort required to achieve this level of performance.
Advantages:
- Nearly unstoppable off-road when properly equipped
- Extremely durable tires in this size range
- Stunning appearance
Disadvantages:
- Requires significant modifications to accommodate large tires
- Expensive tires in this size range
- Negative impact on fuel economy and day-to-day driveability
Best for:
Hard-core dedicated Jeep owners willing to invest heavily in creating an uncompromising off-roading monster.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tires for a Jeep Wrangler
Off-Roading Intensity: Consider how you plan to use your Jeep (e.g., weekend trail rig, daily driver with occasional off-roading, or primarily on-road use).
Budget:Building the perfect Jeep can be expensive, so factor in your budget and find the right balance between cost and performance.
Vehicle Ownership Duration: Keep in mind that modifications might not add value to your vehicle if you plan to sell it later.
Conclusion:
When deciding on wheels and tires for your Jeep Wrangler, consider your intended usage, budget, and ownership duration. Each tire size offers unique benefits and drawbacks, so assess your needs before making a decision.
FAQs
Maintaining proper tire inflation ensures optimal fuel economy, handling, tire wear, and safety. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust as needed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The best wheel size depends on your personal preferences, budget, and intended use. Smaller wheels generally provide better off-road performance, while larger wheels offer more style and on-road comfort. Evaluate your needs and choose a wheel size that complements your chosen tire size.
Aggressive tread patterns provide better traction off-road but may produce more noise and a rougher ride on pavement. On the other hand, less aggressive tread patterns offer a smoother ride and better on-road performance but may have reduced off-road capabilities.
Proper maintenance, including regular rotation and balancing, alignment checks, and maintaining correct tire pressure, can help extend your tires’ lifespan. Also, avoid overloading your vehicle and driving on rough or damaged surfaces.
Look for indicators such as uneven wear, bulges, cracks, and reduced tread depth. If your tires are more than six years old or have reached the tread wear indicators, it’s time to consider replacing them.
Mixing different tire types is not recommended, as it may negatively impact handling, stability, and overall performance. It’s best to use matching tires on all four corners of your Jeep Wrangler.
The choice of tires can significantly impact your Jeep Wrangler’s off-road performance. Mud-terrain or aggressive all-terrain tires can provide better traction and grip on challenging off-road surfaces, while less aggressive all-terrain tires may be more suitable for light off-roading and better on-road performance.
When upgrading to significantly larger tires, it may be necessary to re-gear your Jeep Wrangler to maintain optimal performance, fuel economy, and acceleration. Consult a professional to determine if re-gearing is necessary for your specific setup.
The biggest tires for a stock Jeep Wrangler are 33 inches, as found on the Rubicon trim.
Consider factors such as intended usage, budget, and ownership duration. Each tire size offers unique benefits and drawbacks, so assess your needs before making a decision.
For 33-inch tires, a 1.5″ lift is needed. For 35-inch tires, a 2.5″ lift is required. For 37-inch tires, a 4″ lift is necessary, and for 40-inch tires, a 6″ lift is required.
A 35-inch tire is approximately 1 inch taller overall, resulting in about 1 inch more clearance at the axle.
Generally, more sidewall results in a higher load rating, so larger tires may have increased load ratings. However, this isn’t a strict rule.
For maximum off-road capability, bigger tires are generally better. However, consider factors such as on-road performance, fuel economy, and handling before deciding on a tire size.
There isn’t one specific number, but you can refer to charts for equivalent sizes.
Upgrade your stock tire size whenever you’re ready to hit the trail or if budget is a concern.
Larger tires can negatively impact fuel economy and on-road handling. However, they provide better off-road performance and increased ground clearance.
Some popular tire brands among Jeep owners include BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Nitto, and Mickey Thompson. Research reviews and performance characteristics to find the best tire for your needs.
All-terrain tires provide a good balance of on-road and off-road performance, while mud-terrain tires offer superior off-road traction but may have a rougher ride and increased road noise on pavement.
It’s recommended to rotate and balance your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan.
