going to a larger tire

[emerson]

Need some direction ... I have a 2008 wrangler JK 6 speed manual trans. and want to replace stock tires and rims with 16 in rims and LT315/75R16 tires. My rear is 3.21.Am I able to do this ? I do not have it lifted yet and know I will have to. Should it be 4in lift ?

[briaros6]

You can do it, but it's gonna hurt in the long run especially if you drive it regularly and if there's hills involved. A minimal lift would be suggested as a 4" lift is a little excessive unless you plan on going to 40's. If you plan to go off road then it's a whole different discussion which can be mainly answered through the sticky in the suspension section of the forum...

[tslewisz]

I have a 2010 6 speed that came with 3.21's. I couldn't stand them with 32" tires so I regeared to 5.13 long before I even went with 35's. Everybody is different, though, and you might be able to put up with it.

4" is too much. You can fit 35's on a JK by just cutting the fenders. A leveling kit takes out the unsightly rake. The lower you keep it, the happier the driveshafts and steering will be. My first "lift" was a Rock Krawler 2.5" kit. I changed out the springs for 1.5" last year and haven't regretted it for a second.

[redbank]

Sometimes buying a 4" lift will gain you more than 4" which is normally too much to look right for 35" tires, plus a bigger lift starts to make drive line angles bad. If your goal is only running 35" tires you only need a budget lift minimum at minimum, I bought a 1.5 rock krawler lift and gained a little of 2" and with 4.5 back spacing on my rims I have no problems, I also added front lower control arms to move my caster back to oem and added a rear track bar to recenter my rear axle. With 3.21 gears and the 3.8 motor get ready for that prius to pass you. I have 3.73 with the 3.6 motor w/auto and its okay but I wouldn't want to go any lower.

[grayroad]

Sick looking Jeep, tslewisz. That build is awesome.

[TheDirtman]

If you have 3.21 plan on gears. If you just drive around town you will get by but if you head up the hills it will suck and it just puts stress on your entire driveline from the motor to the driveshafts. If you do plan to wheel the jeep you might look for some rubi take off's with the 4.10 gears as you also gain a couple of lockers and stronger front R&P. I find them in this area for $2500-3500 which is what you would pay for gears and lockers.

[tslewisz]

Sick looking Jeep, tslewisz. That build is awesome.

Thanks, man. Put on 37's this weekend. Still with +1.5" RK springs.

[carlos1]

I run General Grabbers in 315/75R16. I installed a 2.5" lift because I don't want to cut the fenders. These General tires hold up very well. Dry and dirt/mud traction is amazing. The only issue is the slightly poor grip on wet pavement.