So... I am a newbie but, will a light (weight) 35" be about the same as a heavy 33" tire? Will the sluggish drivability be about the same between the two?

 

weight isnt the only factor, wind resistance on a larger tire, the weight being farther from the center of the axle

 

You can run 35s with a minimal lift. and do it without changing gears, how ever its like driving a yugo in rush hour traffic. not a lot of fun. You live in SE michigan. The Guy who did mine is a member tuffjarhead, is his Handle on here. 175 per axle. plus a 100 to put on the C gussets and the LCA skids Gears are 500 from David at Northridge