30x9.5x15 vs 33x10.5x15 and 33x12.5x15

md21722 · Feb 28, 2015

Is there a huge difference between 33x10.5x15 and 33x12.5x15 tires for city/highway and off roading? I am inclined to choose the 33x10.5x15 tires because its a daily driver and needs to perform well in the snow, could use stock wheels, and would probably look really clean.

How much more capable are the 33's over 30x9.5's for off roading?

With 30's you can do a 2.5-3" lift and it looks and drives fine using stock wheels and tires. With the 33's I am looking at a 4.5-5.5" long arm lift and 4.56 gears.

I am not looking for an off road monster; otherwise I would be going to 35's or more.

Johnnie Walker · Feb 28, 2015

You will have more ground clearance with the 33's, of course. Since you are planning on regearing when you upgrade tires I would do that. Your tire options decrease when you choose the 33x10.50, unless you go to a metric tire size. Most likely going to 16's or 17's for that. I prefer the slightly skinnier tires myself. I do mostly sand and trails though, not much rock crawling. But the difference is negligible. I will probably be going to a 265/70R17 since I have a set of JK Moab's. I know several who have gone the 17" wheel route running 275/70R17 which is about a 33x11ish.

88trailcrawler · Feb 28, 2015

Don't forget to check weight for the various sizes you are considering. Less weight = less wear on other components.

My XJ has 33x10.5's. On stock rims. Total lift is probably 4.5".

It's made several long road trips and does well off road. 4:56 gears.

Marcelo73 · Feb 28, 2015

I wanted 33x10 but couldn't find. Thinked about 33x12 but needed to trim. I finally replaced my olds 31x10.5 (Kumho, 30" real size) with 32x11.5 (BF KM2). Is not a common size but works fine for me.
I have a RE 5.5 and don't touch anywhere neither have to trim fenders. The extra inch in width helped to better ride. I still have the original 3.07. Is not the ideal but can drive at 65MPH in fifth (AX15) on road and go offroad in mud and sand.

alta-xj · Mar 1, 2015

md21722 said:
Is there a huge difference between 33x10.5x15 and 33x12.5x15 tires for city/highway and off roading? I am inclined to choose the 33x10.5x15 tires because its a daily driver and needs to perform well in the snow, could use stock wheels, and would probably look really clean.

How much more capable are the 33's over 30x9.5's for off roading?

With 30's you can do a 2.5-3" lift and it looks and drives fine using stock wheels and tires. With the 33's I am looking at a 4.5-5.5" long arm lift and 4.56 gears.

I am not looking for an off road monster; otherwise I would be going to 35's or more.

With 33" tires you don't need a 5.5 lift, or long arms. I did some fender trimming and am running adjustable upper, lower arms. I also have 4.10's which are more than fine. Do a little more research before spending your money. My xj has been over the Rubicon trail, and on moab trails, the 33" tires do give you more footprint when aired down. Your tire choice is dependent on what you plan on doing in regards to wheeling. PS my XJ is also my daily driver.

rustyjeep21 · Mar 1, 2015

I've been running 33x10.5 KM2 for 5 years. 3.5 lift, really saggy, 4.56 gears. Ive been really happy with the set up, the 10.5 are lighter and don't rub as much as the 12.5 kms i had on before. The 10.5s do well in all the conditions I've had them in.

30x9.5x15 vs 33x10.5x15 and 33x12.5x15

md21722

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Johnnie Walker

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88trailcrawler

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Marcelo73

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alta-xj

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rustyjeep21

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