Jeep Wrangler owners often have the thought of upgrading to larger-sized tires, and one of those is the 33 inch tire. But the question is: “Can I fit 33 inch tires on my Jeep Wrangler with no lift?
There have been many doubts around this installation. Therefore, this article will cover everything you need to know about fitting 33 inch tires on a Jeep Wrangler without a lift. Besides, you will be provided with the best 33 inch tires for your Jeep.
Without more talk, let’s begin!
Can I Put 33 Inch Tires On My Jeep TJ Without A Lift?
No, you cannot fit a 33 inch tire on a Jeep Wrangler TJ without a lift. It simply won’t work properly. The reason is that with a 33 inch tire, your tires will rub.
Recommendations:
In order to fit a 33 inch tire on your Jeep Wrangler TJ, you need a 4-inch lift. You can choose to use a 3-inch suspension lift + 1-inch body lift or a standard 4-inch suspension lift.
While the 3-inch suspension lift + 1-inch body is more economical, a standard 4-inch lift will give you more clearance. In conclusion, it is up to your choice because you can put a 33 inch tire on a Jeep Wrangler TJ with either of these two lifts.
Will 33 Inch Tires Fit On A Stock Jeep Wrangler JL With No Lift?
The answer depends on the terrain that you drive on.
If you drive off-road, they won’t fit well because the tires will rub due to its large size and low ground clearance. Therefore, to go off-road, your Jeep Wrangler JL will need a 3-inch suspension lift kit. That way, your tires will flex without scrubbing the stock suspension, and your vehicle will have better clearance.
However, it’ll be alright to fit 33 inch tires on a stock Jeep Wrangler JL with no lift if you drive on-road. It is because the design and wheel fenders of the stock Jeep Wrangler JL provide a reasonable amount of clearance upfront. Therefore, you will be able to maneuver easily and turn lock to lock without any significant rub. In case it does cause some rub, don’t worry because you will get to know the reason and follow the instructions to prevent the tire rub below.
How to Prevent Tire Rub On Jeep Wrangler JL 33 Inch Tires No Lift
Having tires that rub is indeed a pain in the neck. Over time, a tire that scrubs will do some damage to your vehicle. Most Wranglers fitted with a 33 inch tire mainly rub on the front passenger side. The reason for this type of rub is that your Jeep Wrangler’s steering stops aren’t aligned evenly. Thankfully, you can prevent this type of tire rub on a Jeep Wrangler JL with 33 inch tires with no lift.
The process is straightforward. You need to extend the driver’s side steering stop so that the passenger tire doesn’t turn too much. It is recommended to remove the steering stop bolt, then proceed to add a washer and put the bolt back. You should do a test after this. If it still rubs, continue to add washers until you eliminate the rubbing.
Do I really Need A Lift On Jeep JK For 33 Inch Tires?
The answer is quite the same as for the Jeep JL mentioned above. Whether or not you need a lift on a Wrangler with 33 inch tires depends on what you use it for (off-road/on-road).
If you drive off-road, it would help to get a lift for your Wrangler JK. It is because your Wrangler’s front tires will scrub on the front air dam beneath the front bumper when turning lock to lock. But a lift may not be necessary if you use your Wrangler JK to drive on-road. Overall, to enjoy all the benefits that come with fitting a 33 inch tire on a Jeep Wrangler JK, getting a lift is not a bad idea.
How Big Of Tires Can You Put On A Jeep Wrangler Without A Lift?
In general, a 33 inch tire is as big as you can go on a Jeep Wrangler without a lift. However, this also depends on the year and model of your Jeep. As we mentioned above, a 33 inch tire may not function well when you take it off-road with no lift.
Below are the largest tire sizes you can fit on your Wrangler with no lift:
- Jeep Wrangler JL: 33 inches
- Jeep Wrangler JK: 33 inches
- Jeep Wrangler TJ: 31 inches
Best 33 Inch Tires For Jeep Wrangler
Having established several facts about the 33 inch tire on a Jeep Wrangler (TJ, JL, JK), we will provide you with the best 33 inch tires for your Jeep Wrangler:
BFGoodrich KO2 – 33×12.50R15
The BFGoodrich KO2 is as efficient as it is good-looking. With its uniquely formulated rubber tread, you are guaranteed safety and comfort both off-road and on-road. This tire offers you extra gas mileage, greater sheerness, and compatibility with most brands and models.
It has an R speed rating, a section width of 12.5 inches, a rim width of 11 inches, and a 15-inch rim size. With its unique ability to reduce tear and chip problems, the BFGoodrich KO2 – 33×12.50R15 is our top pick.
Cooper Discoverer STT Pro – 33×12.50R15LT
The Cooper Discoverer STT Pro features earth diggers, mudslingers, and technical rigidity that put a smile on the face of off-roaders. Being an all-season tire, the Cooper Discoverer thrives in both worlds (off-road/on-road) with only little compromises.
Moreover, it boasts Armor Tek3 construction technology, ensuring better durability and safer rides. Although the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro easily gets dirty due to a lack of self-cleaning, it will serve your Jeep Wrangler well. This tire has a Q speed rating, a section width of 12.5 inches, and a 15-inch rim size.
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac – 33×12.50R15
Overall, it looks good and sounds quiet. This tire also is perfect for snow and mud, seeing as it owns a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac has a rim width of 15 inches, a Q speed rating, and a section width of 12.5 inches.
Conclusion
Thanks to this article, you now know whether or not you can fit a 33 inch tire on your Jeep Wrangler (TJ, JL, JK) without a lift. However, we still recommend you consult a mechanic to make sure this tire size fits your Jeep Wrangler perfectly.
Besides, we have also provided you with the best 33 inch tires for your Wrangler. Keep in mind that any of these 33 inch tires will be a great fit for your Jeep. That said, to pick one out of the three, BFGoodrich KO2 will be our option.
Read more: Can I Fit 33 Inch Tires On 20 Inch Rims?
Read more: Will 33 Inch Tires Fit A 2.5 Inch Lift On Jeep Wrangler?
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