Tires?

[Chero77]

I am going to have to get a new set of tires within the next few months (Just Empty Every Pocket). The Chero currently has 31.5 x 10.5 tires on it. I am thinking of going to a larger size, but for my needs, I am not sure if its a good idea. One limitation is that the tire has to fit a stock Widetrack Cherokee. I am thinking of 32 x 11.5's or possibly 33 x 9.5's or Goodrich now has a 33 x 10.5.

1) My concerns are what fits?

2) How much of an effect would switching to an 11.5 have on steering effort?

3) How much of an effect would going from a 31 to a 32 or 33 have on accelleration.

Other than the Chero, I don't have any experience with big trucks. Know, I know how an increase in tire diameter effects gearing ratio, and how an increase in width makes the truck harder to steer. But what I don't know is what does this mean in REAL LIFE. Does the truck become a slug if you go to 33's without regearing (I have 3.54 gears). Does it become a bear to turn with an 11.5 section. This is the sort of stuff I need some feedback on. 80% of my driving is on twisty pavement, so good steering and off-the-line accelleration are important to me.

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

[trssho]

If you dont need a bigger tire, then I would stick with what you have. I would recomend Michelin LTX's.

[jeepguzzi]

I am currently running BFG all terrains in the 32" x 11.5" size. I have the original (saggy) springs on the 1979 Cherokee wide trac. I went to the dunes and cycled (bottomed) the suspension and detected no rubbing whatsoever. This vehicle came to me with 33" tires on it, and although it didn't rub during the short amount of street driving I did with them, the front fenders were dimpled like it had been landed hard and the tires hit. :eek:
Outside of the mods you see below, I have done nothing to the gearing; in fact, I run the 16% overdrive in the quadra trac and I still have very decent acceleration and am able to cruise on the highway at 70-75 mph with no problem. I am not sure what rear end gear is in the truck, however. I really gotta figure that out someday :D :D

[linskej]

I replaced my stock 235 tires with 31X10.50 tires on my first wagoneer, and I did notice a huge difference in my everyday driving regarding acceleration. I would think that you would need to regear for the 33" tires if you want to have good acceleration.
With my recently purchased 2nd wagoneer, I am going to go with a 4.10 ratio for 31X10.50 tires. If I decide to go for the 32" tires then I might even install a 4.56 ratio.

My steering was not effected that much by the bigger tires. However, I would go with a heavy duty steering shock with the 33" tires.

With the bigger tires slow down while driving on that twisty pavement or you will be more likely to roll over.

Hope this helps,
John

[<JB>]

Well I would certinly have to agree with Monkey , I currently run the 31's (Mitchelin)
and I went with the Mitchelin at the time because it was all that Sears sold and I only had a sears card.. This was around December of 94 and I am a hard driver and those Mitchelins have held up fantastic.. In all conditions especially sand Its a high flotation tire.. anyhow, I still have the same set on my rims and they still have a decent amount of tread life .. well worth the $500... I would not go with anything else.. I also have a CJ7 I run Mud King 35's and they suck.. They are bad off road and on road.. only good for mud.. Just my opinion

[Bandit]

The width of your wheel may limit what you can go with. A seven inch wheel is the least accetable for the 31X1050 but wouldn't be a good combo with the 11.50. The 33X9.50 would be a good choice if it didn't rub anywhere but may affect your accelleration a little. As for the steering, I don't think that you will notice much of a diffrence with any of those tires.
If you haven't had any trouble getting around, then stick with what you know works. If you drive alot of miles each year then the Michelin LTX's or Bridgestone A/T's will pay for themselves in the long run. But if you don't put a ton of miles on your rig, you could probably spend less and be just as satisfied.
Good Hunting!!!!!!!

[porchpiggy]

Just my .02 but I agree with a lot already said. The 11.5's should really go on an 8" rim, but you could get by on the 7", it will pull the sides a little and prob not wear even. I would not think you would notice the difference betwen the 31 and the 32, might notice a little on the 33's. When I went to 32 from 235's in (heavy) Suburban, with 3.31 ratio, I really did not notice much diff in anything except braking. It amplified existing problems. I like the 9.50 x 33 idea, finaly saw a set on a full size truck, they have the heighth but not being real wide I can only imagine they would "tuck in" the wheel wells when stuffed, and not be much of a rub problem. The big clearance prob on most FSJ's is the lip of the wheel well because the tire is wider. The "rule of thumb" I see time and time again is 33's use 3.73 ratio, and 35's use 4.10 ratio. I think 33's and 3.54 would not destroy your performance, you may notice some difference. What I do think you will notice more than anything is the difference between brands and types of tires. I have some off brand AT's that howl worse than super swampers. If I drive highway speed with the window down I get an earache after about 10 miles, absolutly the crappiest AT I,ve ever seen. If you find a tread pattern/type/style that works good, that could be more important sticking to than size. BTW I have found BFG AT's make me pretty happy overall, for my type of driving, but they are a little limited in the mud, not worthless, just a little short of a good mud tire. :cool:

[64Trvlr]

I'm running 33 x 9.50's on mine right now. They work just fine, I like the extra clearance I get and the narrow tread doesn't hit my fenders like the 12.50's would have. And another plus with them is they don't weigh a ton like the bigger tires do. I don't think the difference in performance is really going to matter much at all, if they will fit I'd say get them and enjoy.
:cool:

[J20 project]

I ran 32x11 on my 77 narrow trac w/ 4in lift and without the fender flares it did rub under extreme articulation situations. You will lose a little power but may gain a bit of mileage out of the deal.
J20