Topic: to 33 or not to 33?

[joe-joe]

I am in the market for some 33's for my beloved 4 banger (99 TJ manual trans 4.10 gears). Why? that is a good question. Personally, I like the look of 33's but the power loss and fuel economy loss are haunting me in my sleep. I have a few questions for you guys with 33's.

1. Is the extra inch of ground clearance worth the jump to 33's on the trail over my current 31's

2. Is the loss of 5th gear and fuel economy worth the gain if any on the trail?

3. Will jeep with 31's (should be locked in the rear by november) be limited and or not make it on some the trails at the Cliffs and Badlands?

4. Will I always be looked at as a "little guy" if I stay with 31's?

[david97tj]

Hmmm...  If it were me, I would not go to 33s if I were going to have to suffer a big loss of performance.  Heck I lost some performance going to 31s.  Hopefully, this exhaust swap will dig me out of that hole.  So far, things seem to be OK.

Just my opinion.

Cheers,
David

PS.  I wouldn't care whether anyone thought I was the little guy.   From what I understand, it is mostly the driver not the equipment.  I would say a 60/40 relationship.

[StefanBidi]

I don't know the answer for any of your question, but I have a suggestion!  First I'm assuming you have a suspension lift that required you to use the t-case drop kit.  In that cause, it would be a lot cheaper to just get a SYE and put the t-case back into it's original place or use one of those belly up skids (which would require a 1" body lift).  You're just not going to gain any axle clearance.

[catfish33]

I like the 33's on mine.  The extra clearance benefitted me on my trip to Coal Creek recently. My buddy had 31's and drug a couple places I didn't. But he has limited slips front and rear, where mine are open diff so it didn't slow him down any.  
Buddies with 31's  

Mine with 33's  

[joe-joe]

I am currently running with 3.5 inches of lift (RE BB and stiffer Rubicon springs)

[Jeffy]

Well, have you found a situation where your 31's haven't been able to cut it?  33's will not only raise the Jeep up 1" they will also give you a bigger contact patch, especially when deflated.  If you stick with stanrd size tires, then a 33" will be 12.5" wide.  That's 2" wider then a standard 31" tire.  The added traction will allow you go crawl up obsticals better.

Now if you find yourself dragging your rear a lot then that's probably a good sign you might need a bit more clearance.

As for fuel economy, you could see it get a bit better as long as you don't push the Jeep too hard.  On road performance doesn't dip too badly.  I drove with 32's and stock gears for 5 years and had no problems.  A few eyars ago a friend drove from AZ to CA with 31x9.5R15 TSL (these are close to 33" for many radials.)  He drove it across to Socal then up to the Rubicon.  (2.5L XJ TBI) Another guy drove his TJ with 31's and followed him.  There was another guy with a YJ and 33's and then I rode shotgun in a 2.5L TJ with 33 BFG MT's from the Bay Area to the Rubicon.  Everyone made it unscathed.  Although the TJ with 31's did ass drag a bit over the rocks.

With that said, I'd probably wait for the locker then see how it is.  You might not need 33's.

With that

[Bounty Hunter]

I'd hold off on the 33"s in hopes of getting the rear locker sooner.

Then consider some power mods to compliment the 33"s down the road.  My '95 2.5L pulls 33" Swampers surprisingly well with several power mods to the engine.  Regearing is best, but the power mods were much more affordable.

[Bounty Hunter]

joe-joe, where you from in IL?  I'm near St. Louis on the IL side.  Ever been to www.rorp.com ?  Awesome Offroad park.

[joe-joe]

Bounty Hunter,
I usually got to The Cliffs Insane Terrain http://www.thecliffsinsaneterrain.com/

Or the badlands
http://www.badlandsoffroad.com/

[Bounty Hunter]

So.........you're in the Chicago area?  I've been to the Badlands a few times, never to the Cliffs.  You should check out Rockport if you get a chance, and www.redbirdsra.com if you want to venture further south in Indiana.  Both parks are well worth the trip.

[Craigs_YJ]

I think its all driver preferance. I was on a trail when i was stock on 29" BFG AT's at jeep jamboree and running a fairly mild trail and there was a CJ ahead of me with a spring over and 33's and he struggled when I had no problems. As long as your good at picking your lines 31's can hang with any tire. almost :)

You could also consider running a 33/10.5 to lose some weight from a 33/12.5. I find my 33/12.5's that once they find a rut its hard to get them out of it, whereas with a 10.5 you'd have room to maneuver the tire to get outta the rut.

If your goign to go with a 33 and not regear Id suggest a narrower tire.

[joe-joe]

hey guys I decided to go with a 33x12.50 kuhmo MT

[Soffa King]

joe-joe,
i am in the same position. i want to go to the 33's.
i have a 4" lift with 31's and want to make the jump to 33's.
for several reasons, ground clearence, looks, etc, etc...

how did it go with the 33's?
i would love to know.

Ron

[schmitty1990]

i put 33s on my 90 YJ 2.5 TBI.  my jeep also has stock gears. and honsetly it drives alot better with the 33s than it did with the 30s. on and offroad.

[dexetr30]

Holy old thread revival Batman,