Topic: Bigger Better?

[oldjeep]

You are correct, the bigger you get the more likely you are to break stuff - especially on stock axles.   Depending on your local trails even 35's can be way over kill.  I've seen the same thing that Jeffy is seeing.  Not comp buggies, but guys who built trailer in rigs now switching back to street drivable YJ's on 33-35" tires because they are more fun (I'm one of them).

Now 1200 - 1600 a set for 35's  that seems pretty high.  My current set of MTZ's cost $740 for 4, my old 37" Iroks cost $205 each. 

[Tall Boy]

Well, I included rims too. The maximum width of tire I can put on my rim is 10.50. Most 35"s are 12.50. So, yeah you got a good point, but rims will need to be upgraded from stock. Maybe even beadlockers too for serious rock crawlers. I just put down a rough estimate for high/low end. Plus installation and warranty.

[Liljeepz]

This is really subjective since not everyone does the exact trails everyone else does.  Many trails out there have more then one route so they could be mild all the way or increase in difficulty as you go along.

One thing to keep in mind is that when you take a heavily built Jeep over milder trails, it really tames the trail.  To the point of making it too easy.  I know several guy's who went form mild Jeeps to building competition buggies.  Now they're wanting something milder that they can take the family in.  Although, they're running 35's or 37's instead of 38's.  (competitions had limits to 38.5" tires.)

There are times I wish I had a milder Jeep.  Mine has lost some of its do everything'ness.

That is exactly what I am seeing in our club too. My mind is set on what I want, I was just wondering what the rest of the world mind set is at on this subject. You all make great points. Looks like that middle ground is a very large area in not to big but not to small... Just find what fits you and stick with it.