37 or 38

[Alwaysthinking]

I've gained so much info reading here but I cannot find a specific answer (I know there is no one right one) so I wanted to post.

Doing a rocke krawler 3" lift (clayton rear coil) in a few weeks and I'm confused if I should go nitto 37 or 38.

Rim wise I really like the ICON rebound pro size 17x8.5 (assuming these are not just marketing gimmick so feed back here would be appreciated)

I know I'll be regearing over winter but any feed back on tire size would be appreciated

This is just a weekend fun toy (23 gladiator rubicon) so I don't drive daily and haven't advance beyond medium trails but want to get more into rock crawling and possible 2-3 day trips

Txs all

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[HVYMETL]

Kinda in the same boat. Mine is a Diesel, currently 35's
I'm looking at trails in the 6-8 range. I have regeared with 4.88, RCV front axles and real bumpers and sliders. These things are long. I definitely feel 38's due to airing down... a half inch more is a half inch more. But I don't want to buy a new front axle so I feel a 37 is probably the FAD's limit. I'm 99% going with 37's BFG KM3 MT tires.
Personally no lift yet but looking at Metal Cloak 3.5"

 

[Alwaysthinking]

Didn't even think about the axles needing swapped to run 38" thought that only came into play if I was going to 40"

 

[bleda2002]

Truss the axle for either, and if you plan on hooning it fast get hydro bumps. I've yet to see a trussed gladiator 44 snap at the fad, and the hydro bumps would add that last bit of protection. Realistically anything that will snap it with a 38 will snap it with a 37.

For tire size, I'd just pick what you want the most, nitto 37 or nitto 38 isn't going to make a difference in terms of wear, stress, or even mpg considering that they probably are within 5 pounds. If you were looking more like 15+ pounds a corner I'd say you'll notice it but nittos are already heavy as hell so go with either.

 

[TheRealGinjaNinja]

What tires are you considering? I wanted 38s but I couldn’t find the tires I wanted in a 38, with a normal width in a 17” wheel. If you are considering bfg and concerned about axles then don’t fret with a 38since they run so small and light.

 

[Alwaysthinking]

What tires are you considering? I wanted 38s but I couldn’t find the tires I wanted in a 38, with a normal width in a 17” wheel. If you are considering bfg and concerned about axles then don’t fret with a 38since they run so small and light.

Nitto ridge grapplers
Either
35x12.50R17LT E 121Q
Or
38x12.50R17LT C 118Q

 

[Edub]

I'll tell you what the deciding factor was for me, the 37 can still fit in the spare tire carry under the bed. The 38 wont. Done deal lol.

 

[Reddog]

I went with 37's and an AEV 2.5" lift but I don't plan to rock crawl at all. I overland and drive the highways. Down the road, once RPM Extreme has a conversion kit, I am installing an LT1 in it. Had one of their LS conversion kits when I put LS3 in my JK and it is still running down the road with zero problems. Bullet proof if you take your time and do it right. That is a year or so away I suspect. Anyway, if you are going into the rocks, don't stop at tire size, get the gears, axles, etc to go with them or you will be doing a lot of repairs.

 

[ducatijosh]

2.5” Clayton Overland Plus Lift
5.13 regear with RCV front and chromoly rear axle shafts
ARB Front and Rear diff covers
38x12.50r17 Nitto Ridge Grappler Load Cs
Fuel Covert 17x9 +1 offset wheels (only 27lbs or I wouldn't have considered Fuel wheels)

It’s perfect and I love it. AAL Fender chop kit and liners front and rear coming next month.

 

[Alwaysthinking]

Great looking ride!!

 

[Chief_jeep]

Kinda in the same boat. Mine is a Diesel, currently 35's
I'm looking at trails in the 6-8 range. I have regeared with 4.88, RCV front axles and real bumpers and sliders. These things are long. I definitely feel 38's due to airing down... a half inch more is a half inch more. But I don't want to buy a new front axle so I feel a 37 is probably the FAD's limit. I'm 99% going with 37's BFG KM3 MT tires.
Personally no lift yet but looking at Metal Cloak 3.5"

4.88 is crazy on 35s! You could run a 38 if you wanted to beef up your axle. Axle shafts, ball joints, knuckles, truss, etc. The Km3 is very small for a 37. A 38 trail grappler is noticeably bigger.

 

[Volt0]

37 or 38? … yes. ;-)

 

[ducatijosh]

37 or 38? … yes. ;-)

38s

 

[Discount Tire]

@ducatijosh that's a fantastic looking rig! Thank you for sharing pics and info. Many forum members should find it helpful when purchasing wheels/tires.

 

[Discount Tire]

@Alwaysthinking for convenience and availability, the 37's are typically in stock at most of our locations with the option to order 38's. Just a thought.

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