NewKindOfClown

Is he trying to break axle shafts?

Spydie

Far from that. I might stick with my stock gears as, per gear to tire charts, they seem to give me a bit more fuel efficiency and I really don't wheel hard enough to justify new gears. The trutrac is about as close as I'll come to a locker on this rig

McCaffrey

I "wheel" about as hard as you can on 33s and still running 3.55 gears. I can only see it as "nice to have" at this point.

NewKindOfClown

I had 3.55 with 33s in my XJ. It was fine offroad, but it was a nightmare on hills. I felt the same way with 37s on my Wrangler with factory 3.07 gears.

After putting in 4.56 gears, I now consider regearing to be a requirement. It's wonderful when I'm driving, but I wouldn't miss it offroad

salad

Have you factored in the gigantic increase in rotating mass of larger tires? This is usually the problem.

McCaffrey

Yeah. I might be blissfully ignorant. One day I tell you, one day I will re-gear.

Fred/N0AZZ

I don't see that as an issue and I have never had that problem but maybe I'm missing something don't claim to know it all for sure.


I have said the same thing all along about going from 3.55's to 4.56 gears with 33" tires and lockers at the same time best single upgrade I have made for on/off road use. On road the mpg's gained alone almost 5 in fact and no more lugging the engine, trans hunting gears on level ground was a big plus.

Marks2000XJ

I am putting this question in the lift section since lifting a vehicle affects your steering. Looking for suggestions on otk steering kits similar to IRO. I ran their steering kit on my last jeep without issue. However I was not a fan of all the clamps. Any other otk kits out there without out all the clamps and does not require cutting off/relocating sway bar link mounts?

CR-Snow

Anyone running 8" wide wheels with 4.5" back spacing? I know most folks say 4" or 3.75", but i found some wheels I really like and they only come in 4.5" backs pacing. Would i have to run 10.5" tires to not hit the control arms? Or could I get away with 12.5's.

Thanks for the help

Basslicks

Well.... You're missing a variable. It would also depend on the diameter of tire you're talking about. If you're talking about a 31" tire, you might be fine. If you're talking about a 33" tire, be prepared for it to rub the control arms. You could also get a set of good-quality wheel spacers - no more than an inch and it would change that 4.5" to a 3.5" and remove the issue.

CR-Snow

Should have said I'm moving to 33's. Why can't you guys read my mind...

I've been doing some searching and it looks like people have some success with 4.5 back spacing if the tire isn't too wide. I want 295/75. Which is 33x11.3 or something. I'd really prefer to not run spacers. Honestly I really want some 4" back spaced wheels bi can't find 16x8 in anything that I like with the right BS.

I know I'm bouncing around here a bit but this is the tire thread soooo.

Thoughts on Kenda Klevar MT's? They loud? Any good in snow and rain?

NewKindOfClown

I would consider 17s. I recently discovered the options for smaller wheel sizes are dwindling. I have to step up to 17s with my next set of 37s. Also lets you run bigger brakes if you decide to upgrade

Basslicks

Also good advice. 15s will probably go the way of 14s in the next decade, I predict.

CR-Snow

I've thought about it but 17's on Cherokees look kinda funny to me. Although big brakes are the thing that would make me consider 17's more than anything.

With all the 1/2 3/4 and full size trucks in the last 10 years, there are plenty of tire choices at 16. Really good options for snow too considering how many of these style trucks are plowing now too.

Those Brembo SRT grand Cherokee brakes fit behind 17's though...

Basslicks

Ah yeah. I see what you mean....





That looks ridiculous.


I wouldn't worry about dropping that much coin on the brembo brakes. The Akebono WJ brakes and a disc brake swap in the rear will allow you to lock up all 4 on 35's. The SRT WK Brembos would be massive overkill unless you're on 40s and tons.