Topic: New shoes for my lady...

[jfrabat]

Well, My rig has new shoes!  I got 5 BFG KM2's 33X12.5R15 mounted today!!!  WOOOHOOO!!!!  Now I only need to extend the bump stops o the tailgate to avoid damaging it, and I am ALL SET!  (well, sort of; I still need to install the flares, rocker guards, inertia ring and cam; THEN I'll be set - for about a week!).

Please excuse the cel phone pics!







Here is why I need to extend the bumpstops...



So, next weekend (I will not be home this coming weekend) I will extend the bump stops, and make a plate to tie in te Warn Powersteering skid to the bumper, as well as use a section of the stock front bumper to raise my 3rd brake light.

Felipe

[sharpxmen]

looks good  - i got the same tires just that mine are about 4 years old now
quick question - do you have the spare on the stock tailgate mount? I can't tell from the pics, if you use the stock one i would strongly suggest an upgrade

[jfrabat]

I do have the stock one on the tailgate, but I plan to extend the bumpstops.  There are many people running 33's on the stock one without issues, but you need to make sure the tire has something to sit on so it does not flop around.  Jeffy did a writeup on the subject, which I plan to use as a guide (I will probably use the TC drop pucks to between the sheetmetal and the ABS tubes to protect a bit more the sheetmetal, and if possible, I will use some leftover Tough Stuff Rocker Guard Gasket behind the pucks).

By the way, I noticed I messed up on the last picture; it was suppossed to be this one:



Felipe

[FourbangerYJ]

I like the looks 

[sharpxmen]

i had mine on the stock one as well and was shaking the hell out of the tailgate - but i didn't do any mods so can't speak for that. You might want to consider a set of TJ tailgate hinges, they're much stronger than the YJ ones and easy to install (i did it a while ago but i think you only need to drill 1 hole for each of them all the other 3 line up fine).

[TahoeYJ]

Looks great! 

So now that you've finally got the 33's on, how do those 4:88's feel? 

[jfrabat]

Looks great! 

So now that you've finally got the 33's on, how do those 4:88's feel? 

To be honest, I was so used to 31's on 4.88 that now the Jeep feels a bit sluggish...  I have to downshift on long overpasses to 4th.  I wish I could go to 5.13's, but that would mean 2 new axles, which I will not do.  I am just happy I discarded the whole 35's idea early on!

[TahoeYJ]

To be honest, I was so used to 31's on 4.88 that now the Jeep feels a bit sluggish...  I have to downshift on long overpasses to 4th.  I wish I could go to 5.13's, but that would mean 2 new axles, which I will not do.  I am just happy I discarded the whole 35's idea early on!

Don't worry, I downshift to 4th on slight grades too, but I'm running 35's 

After you've had the 33's for a while and ever decide to go to 35's, the power difference, IMO, is minimal. The only thing that changed for me is that I've got to downshift more frequently on inclines, but on the highway it's smooth sailing.

Again, your rig looks great! Definitely looks much more aggressive with the new bumpers/winch

[jfrabat]

Regarding the power, I am getting used to it.  Also, I am sure it will improve a bit more once I put in the MOPAR Performance cam and new springs.  What I am surprised about is just how QUIET these tires are!  I was expecting a lot of hum, but they are basically almost (not quite exactly, but almost) as quite as the street tires I had on before...  And they drive GREAT on dry pavement (have not tried them yet on wet pavement or mud).

[drunkencityworker]

tj hinges bolt right in. I did it when i replaced the rusted out old tailgate. i did hear the rubicon tailgate hinges are even beefier than regular tj hinges.

[drunkencityworker]

If the tire gets hung  up it will rip tailgate off even if it has bump stops. I got a fourreal daystar xj swing and had it welded into my bumper. swing was only $100.

[drunkencityworker]

check my thread, ryno build in build section. u can email me for finished pics or i can txt pic by phone. my net hookup is out so i cant post pics right now.drunkencityworker@hotmail.com 7734479580

[jfrabat]

I actually thought about buying the BestTop tire carrier, but I have seen many people use 33" tires in the YJ without issues, so I decided to use the money for the rocker guards instead.  I thinkfor now, I will risk it...  I may look into the TJ hinges, though, as that sounds more appealing (ie. less expensive).

[sharpxmen]

i have the Besttop swing-out tire carrier - i is quite convenient and nice, but i also have their tailgate mounted rack so if i'd be to do it again would probably buy one that is welded to the rear bumper. So for 33 tire by itself the Besttop will be just fine (given that is properly adjusted), if it's 35 or have anything else on the tailgate I would say go with a beefy one. TJ hinges are a dream and easy to install, even if it wasn't the tire you should do it - the stop is also built in the hinges so it doesn't need the silly piece of metal on the rear fender to stop the tailgate from getting slammed open.

[drunkencityworker]

Sure. Easy to install once you get past the torx...grrr. I had to cut hinges off w a cutoff wheel. Then take brackets off from inside even the bracket had threads. Plus the tached on nuts.