What gearing is ideal for 33's (255/85/16 or 33x10.5)

Contemplating going to 255/85/16's or 33x10.5x15's.

2001, auto, 4.10's is the current setup.

This gets driven several days a week and all good trailheads are 3-5 hours away via interstate (Windrock, DBB, KAT).

Goal is to offset gearing power loss going from a 235/85/16 to a 33".

4.56?
4.88?

I've run 33x10.5's on a Jeep LJ before and loved the size, notably the C load range, just seems very hard to actually pin down what brand/model of 15" wheels work with the 1st gen caliper / disc size. I hate spacers.

Thanks in advance!

 

4.88 all the way. If you run a lot of weight, I'd even do 5.29. Should be fine since you're auto, your highway RPM's will be lower than a manual with 4.88.

 

I'm on 33's and 4.10's too, manual trans and 3.4l though. If I were to regear it would be 4.56's. If mostly an offroad toy I might consider lower gearing.

 

Im on 255/85R16 I went to 4:56 and its perfect (auto trans) it corrected my speedo made it spot on correct, at highway speeds 75-80 mph tach is around 2500 rpm, you go to 4:88 and your highway rpm will climb up to 2800+ at highway speeds, 4:88 would be really good off road thpugh.

 

Don't regear for 33s

 

Bad advice.

 

I'll reiterate.

From a financial standpoint, it makes more sense to regear for a larger tire (than 33's) and just go full ham to add lockers as well.

A regear in itself is something anyone can benefit from, but for that level of work, may as well go all the way rather than open up the diffs again to get it locked later...or regear again for larger tires once those 33s are up.

 

Been running 4.88’s with 255/85/16 for 12 years. 2003 DC Auto, lots of gear, bumpers, Flippac. Truck weighs 5200 lbs when not completely loaded. Great for highway/Colorado camping etc…would do it again.

 

Just curious whats your rpms at 75mph on freeway ?

 

Weight is more of a factor than "bigger tires". I hated how my truck drove when I installed load E tires and steel wheels. Also when I filled the truck up with parts, camping stuff, etc. Once I regeared it was like a whole new vehicle.

I agree though, it would be a huge waste of time and money if you didn't do lockers while regearing.

 

Rear is already locked and I'm not a fan of locked IFS.

(have had several ARB's installed over the years in various rigs)

You are right though, good buddy owns the local shop and he also said, save the coin and pay for the worse MPG.

A 33x10.5 might be the ticket, skip the gears. Now to find a 15" wheel that works

 

My set up as well, also 33s. I like 4.56 for the daily driving around