Upgrading to larger tyres on a TJ

[Steven.Boyd]

I am looking at getting some larger tyres to gain some more diff clearance

I am currently running 245/65/17 on my 97 TJ, Gives me a 31 inch tyre

I am looking at going to 285/70/17 that will give me a 32.7 inch Tyre or 33x12.5 tyres

What modes do i need to consider when doing this, i.e. speedo and gearing?

Do i also need to think about beefing up any of the driveline components?

Last question, where to get a good deal on tyres ?

Any help would be grateful

[reyzor]

driveline should be ok..... i assume you have an SYE?

regear, and change the speedo gear and you should be set..... depending on what wheels you are running atm you may need some with a different offset...... which will mean new flares.

[Paul-JK]

If you're thinking of new wheels anyway (to loose some of the bling!) or need to for clearance reasons why not drop to a 16" rim at the same time (I'm assuming they fit OK on the TJ's). The 16" tyres are a load cheaper than the 17's so you'll likely get new rims and 16" tyres for not much more than you'd pay for the 17" tyres alone.

[reyzor]

Drop down to 15's

[oldman]

Steve, I have two TJ's on 33's, a '96 manual running 33 10.5R X15 and a '03 auto running 265/75 X16. Both are re-geared to 4.56:1.
The manual could get away with 4.10's. I had a manual 4 door Jk on 287/70 X17 with 4.10's, ran good. Auto on 4.56's goes like a shot dog.
Both TJ's have had speedo recalibration. Easy, Wooders has cogs and it's an easy install.

Look up the "Go Jeep" website for the chart that cross references tyre size, diff ratio and speedo drive to work out what cog you need.

285/70X17's on a TJ? Nice! All mine are BFG muddies. I like 'em for both on road and off road grip, not for long life.

Hope this helps.

[Nekked]

Steve,

For a good deal on tyres id recomend tyre king, windsor rd baulkham hills (or the sister company in seven hills).

I got my coopers from them at really good price, fitted and balanced.

I agree with Paul, dropping to a 16 or 15inch tyre gives you more variety to chose from and also will save you some $$$.

Plus wooders has some steel rims with offset at a great price for members.

good luck.