garrettuecker

What processes are involved when fitting larger tires such as 38s or bigger? And what size would you go with when getting into larger tires?

Maertz

you dont just get into 38 or 40s. You either commit and do it right or go 37s imo. Tons of threads on this, id search around a ton, and when your done searching give it a day to set in then search again.

TheDirtman

To do it right you are looking at:
axle swaps, At least a strong dana 44 up front and a minimum of a dana 60 rear (recommend full float) , at least 5.13 gearing. Look at least 3" wider then stock axles.
Larger brakes.
Hydraulic assist steering
New wheels because your lug spacing is going to change.
A fair amount of body trimming.
All new tronger steering links/track bars.
Min 3" lift. I would recommend replacing all the factory mounts with hd mounts.

Are you still interested in running big tires?

garrettuecker

Thanks for the info, I'm certainly a lot less interested now...

big dr

I am somewhat interested to see where this thread goes. I have already done all the mods needed to go as big as 40",, maybe even 42". I have the 68" wide D60's, 5.13's, 3 linked, coilovers, 1350 yokes, hydro assist steering with all heavy duty hardware. I currently have BFG KM2 37's,, which is to say 36 1/2's. My next tire is going to be either a true 40",, or BFG 40,, which means 39 1/2,, or a true 38" if I can find one I like. They will be mounted to beadlocks. I dont mean to hijack the thread,, but maybe the OP wanted to also know which tire would the experienced rock krawler pick if left to their own experience and needs. Please,, share your opinions on which size big tire you would choose and why!

TheDirtman

I run 40's for the extra ground clearance and the fact 40's climb over everything. I would not even mess around with 38's and if you have a 2007-11 automatic I would not run over a 35" if you want a decent on road performance.
40's are really too much for the 3.8 with a 6 speed as well here in the mountains and are just ok if you live in that flat lands. Right now I just down shift to 4th and suffer up the hills.

big dr

My JK is a 2012,, so I have the right engine. Would the fact that BFG 40's would be closer to 39 3/4 keep you from going with them,, I love my KM2'S, and get a slight discount on them. Or would it be worth it to you stick to a true 40?

Maertz

id run them and not worry. Lots of guys out here swear by the bfg crawlers, but there pricey. but thats just me. i have some crappy 39.5 irocks to hold me over till i get my 41.5 pitbull rockers.

big dr

Nice choice in the 41.5 Pitbulls,,,, are they going on as soon as you finish the build?

TheDirtman

The only experience I have with the new motor is that I rented a sport for a weekend once. it had the smaller tires and did find for running around but have no idea how it handles big tires.