I have another "dumb" question on the '13 JK and a same question I asked before (with an explanation).

1. Is the stock tire rack strong enough to take the weight of a 33" tire and an 8x16 aluminum wheel? If not, can it be reinforced in order to maintain the stock look and still hold the weight?

2. If I change the gear ratio in the rear axle, do I need to change the gear in the front? Explanation: conventional thinking is yes. Both axle gear ratios must match with a narrow margin of difference between the front and rear. However, if you go to the Jeep website and click on the build & price option; as you progress through it you will come to the option of drive train which contains the optional 3.73 gear ratio for the back axle only. Is this because, the front axle ratio is within the tolerances' to except changing only the back (ie.. the front axle ratio is different from the back)? Or is there something about the "Next Gen" Dana's that allows a wider difference between the ratios? I have ask my dealership tech and have an inquiry to Jeep (haven't heard back from them yet). The dealership is a conventional thinking and is quoting an absurd amount to change it over. I intend to run the 33s and 3.73 will put me back close to the stock speedo settings.

I would appreciate any and all comments on these questions. Differing opinions usually spawn solutions.


I appreciate the responses. And darn if I go to the wesite today and it doesn't say that anymore. Plus the option went from $195 to $495.

 

Teraflex makes adaptor that you can use on your stock carrier and run a 33 inch tire
As for the gearing question you must if misread or misunderstood the gearing option. You match the front and rear gear so it will come that way from factory if you do the optional 3.73 package.

 

I'm running 285's (33's) on 17" heavy ass black rock steel wheels right now on the stock carrier with no problem YET.. i have heard both ways.. to error on the side of caution.. i'd say use the terra flex hinge if you do lot of rough off road stuff.. as far as the gears.. previous poster is 100% correct.. you HAVE TO MATCH the gear ratio EXACTLY.. no within tolerance stuff here.. as well as tire size front and rear..

 

You will be fine with the stock carrier and the 33. Not even an issue.

 

if the front and rear gears are different, when you put it in 4WD it would rip the drive train apart.

 

Personally I think with a 33 inch tire you should be ok for the stock rack. A stock rubicon is almost 33 inches.

gears have to match

 

Thanks for the insight on the Rubicon. I did a comparison at tire rack and only a slight difference in weight (2 lbs) between stock Rubi and what I'm looking at. Thanks again.

 

When you put it in 4WD the front and rear drive shafts are locked at the same speed. If the front and rear differentials are not geared the same you will put tremendous stresses on the axles, differentials, drive shafts and transfer case unless you are on something with traction approaching ice.

Edit: Yes, a 33 will survive on the stock carrier, I did it for almost 4 years before I went up in size.