Any Jeep CJ guys around?

[CJ]

I don't know if this is a taboo question for jeeps or anything but,


Does anybody run an automatic?

I've had both. An auto makes wheeling a lot easier.

[Gasser64]

So 4.0L, automatic. Just gotta figger out tire size now. Maybe wheel size too...


What do yall think about wheel size for the trails? My guess would be something like 15" is best. Less wheel to get all bent up. But how well do 16's or 17's do?

[kingjason]

15's are cheaper and more rubber between the rock and your rim. 33's and 35's are about the limit before you have to spend some money on axles ect.

[TX_Snake]

15s or 17s would be the options I would consider. Both have the broadest range of off road tire selection available.

[snacksnack]

Pulled my 5 speed to install a aw4 out of a Cherokee in my rubi. Both autos and manuals have their benefits but it all comes down to your preference in the end.

[CJ]

15's are cheaper and more rubber between the rock and your rim. 33's and 35's are about the limit before you have to spend some money on axles ect.

That's a great idea. 15" wheels have the cheapest tire selection by far. The biggest they go, however, is 35". A 16" wheel 35" costs substantially more, even though there's practically no difference. If you want to go bigger than 35" you need a bigger wheel, it will cost more, and you will likely want a bigger diff.

Diff size will also determine what size you go with. If you have a Dana 35 rear, I wouldn't go bigger than 33". If you have a Dana 44 rear, you can run 35's, but you'll need to beef up your front Dana 30. If you have built 44's front and rear you can go up to 37's.

It is also important to consider gears. You're gonna need gears pretty much regardless of tire size. You can survive with 33"s if you have 3.73 gears and a 4.0L, but anything over that is going to drive awful.

Generally, I would recommend (with a D44 rear, built D30 front) 15" 35's, 4.88 gears.

[Gasser64]

Thanks again for all the help everyone.


I certainly don't want it to drive awful. I know it won't ever be "good" or "great", but I do want to drive it to the trails without wishing I'd just trailered it there. I would like to be able to drive it around town every once in awhile.

[CJ]

33's are a safe bet.