2006 Wrangler X newbie tire question

Robocision · #1 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 01:31 PM

Hey all, I'm brand new to the forums and I've had my TJ for about 6 months.

I'm wanting to get into some light off-roading and I'm completely new to this. I' know I shouldn't really take my stock AT tires off road. So that leads to my question.

What size tires should I get? I suppose I should get some mud tires. I do not have the money or the urge at this time to spend the megabucks on major modifications like lift kits/lockers/everythig else I read about. So, using my stock 15s, what's the largest tire I can use without having to do a body/suspension lift, not have to trim anything, and not have the tire rub when I turn?

I'd appreciate any advice. Like I said, I'm a TOTAL newbie!

Thanks!

jfrabat · #2 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robocision

I'm wanting to get into some light off-roading and I'm completely new to this. I' know I shouldn't really take my stock AT tires off road. So that leads to my question.

What size tires should I get? I suppose I should get some mud tires. I do not have the money or the urge at this time to spend the megabucks on major modifications like lift kits/lockers/everythig else I read about. So, using my stock 15s, what's the largest tire I can use without having to do a body/suspension lift, not have to trim anything, and not have the tire rub when I turn?

Welcome to the Z! The mods you plan on doing will largely depend on what you intend to do with the Jeep. A stock Jeep will be able to handle some light offroad with no major issues.

But think first what you want to do, and work from there. Based on the kind of terrain you will tackle, and the kinds of obstacles you are likely to face, then you can make you choice of tires (size and thread), and based on that, you will make a choice for lift (if required).

But for some light mud (as in not too deep), and some minor obstacles (a rock here or there), the stock Jeep should be able to handle it.

The problem here is that once you get into the smaller stuff, the "bug" will bite you, and you'll only sink deeper and deeper into the wheeling world, and you will want to buy half the Quadratec catalogue in no time!

At least that was my case! LOL!

A couple of words of advice on modding the Jeep: (1) anything you mod will most likely affect something else (for example, lift the jeep, and the steering and driveline are affected), so make sure you study before you buy so you know what you are getting yourself into before you find that you spent most of your savings only to find out you need to spend more to put it on. Also (2) get what you REALLy want; don't go halfway. I have seen a lot of people get smaller lifts just to save some bucks only to change that lift for a higher one a year down the road because it was not what they really wanted.

In any case, I ran 31's with no lift for some time (with rubbing, mind you!) even though my suspension was 14 years old... I have since upgraded to 4" of lift to fit 33's.

Anyway, enjoy your rig, and happy trails!

Felipe

Robocision · #3 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 02:04 PM

Wow, thanks for the advice and taking the time to give it!

See, like I said, I'm a total newbie. And my Jeep is my daily driver so I'm a little hesitant to go too crazy with it right away. I've wanted one my whole life (I'm 26) but I kinda wish I didn't go with a new one, ya know? I don 't want to trash my daily driver.

All i really want to do is drive some easy(er) trails to get my feet/tires wet.

Anyway, thanks, I'm sure I'll be a regular poster.

jfrabat · #4 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robocision

Wow, thanks for the advice and taking the time to give it!

See, like I said, I'm a total newbie. And my Jeep is my daily driver so I'm a little hesitant to go too crazy with it right away. I've wanted one my whole life (I'm 26) but I kinda wish I didn't go with a new one, ya know? I don 't want to trash my daily driver.

All i really want to do is drive some easy(er) trails to get my feet/tires wet.

Anyway, thanks, I'm sure I'll be a regular poster.

My YJ is my daily driver, and it does fine even though it is only a 2.5L... Just dont expect all the comfort amenities of your current SUV's and you'll be very happy with your rig...

And once again, welcome!

Felipe

mud4feet · #5 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 04:20 PM

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the "Z"!!! You bought the most capable "straight off the showroom" off-road vehicle in the world!!!!

You should be able to run 31's with no issues whatsoever. What you might consider for your first mods (relatively inexpensive, too!) are recovery points (tow hooks) front and rear and a strap to carry with you (just in case!!). There's plenty of folks around to pull you out if you happen to "get in a little too deep" - it's happened to us all. However, without recovery points, you risk damaging your new baby! I think I'd even take care of that before going for the tires. My $.02.......................now, HAVE FUN!!!!

Robocision · #6 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 10:18 PM

Thanks for the info. I will definitely go with recovery points first. For a better idea of what happens out there I went to YouTube and I looked up some Jeep off-roading. It's really intimidating. I don't know anyone who wheels, it's just an interest of mine so I have no one to "break the ice" with.

I see these people on YouTube rolling their Jeeps or otherwise incapacitating them and I just see $$$$ going right down the drain and let's face it, it's gotta be humiliating when you hear all the spectators laugh.

Maybe I'm not cut out for it, but I think I am. We shall see.

jfrabat · #7 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robocision

Thanks for the info. I will definitely go with recovery points first. For a better idea of what happens out there I went to YouTube and I looked up some Jeep off-roading. It's really intimidating. I don't know anyone who wheels, it's just an interest of mine so I have no one to "break the ice" with.

I see these people on YouTube rolling their Jeeps or otherwise incapacitating them and I just see $$$$ going right down the drain and let's face it, it's gotta be humiliating when you hear all the spectators laugh.

Maybe I'm not cut out for it, but I think I am. We shall see.

Dont get too discouraged by what you see on youtube... Many of those roll overs are avoided simply with common sense. Just start with obstacles you feel confident with, and slowly work your way up. Try to find a club near you, as they will surely have many pointers for you!

Felipe

currupt4130 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007, 11:07 AM

X2 on what Felipe said. Find a local club that you like. The most important aspect is not what kind of rigs they have, but rather the people. A good group of guys will help you get started, take you out, and help you along. They're also there when you need a hand wrenching or just to kick a beer back with.

Utah_jeepster · #9 (**permalink**) 09-05-2007, 12:33 PM

That is the best advise any one could have given. Find a local club, heck find them all and visit each on there club night. You have to be comfortable with these people when your off-road and trusting them to get you out of a tight spot. These will also be the people who will help you make the choices of buying new things for your jeep. So get to know each local group before you make a decision to join one.