38's are the Goldilocks of tires (owner review)

[JT_explore]

This is really about use case. If you like playing in the rocks then I think the 11.5 is too narrow. I've run a 35x11.5, 37x12.5, and 38x13.5 and the more I go off road the more I appreciate the extra wide footprint. If you are daily driving and doing light trails then I think the 11.5 makes sense from a perspective of having the look and less worry about rubbing.

The wheel you are running plays into the equation as well.

Yeah, that makes sense.
You've tried the 3 different widths on the 8.5 wide beadlocks?

The 11.50 seems like it would be best suited for factory 7.5 wide wheels, maybe 8.0 wide XR wheels too.

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[RodRecket]

Yeah, that makes sense.
You've tried the 3 different widths on the 8.5 wide beadlocks?

The 11.50 seems like it would be best suited for factory 7.5 wide wheels, maybe 8.0 wide XR wheels too.

The 35x11.5 was on an AEV Salta wheel (non beadlock option 17x8.5) and the others on the AEV Borah. I've run the Borah as a non beadlock and now as a beadlock. As the tire size has gone up so has the trail rating

 

[caryt]

TTT, whats the latest on 38's that will be aggressive enough and have strong enough sidewalls for trails/airing down but also have great snow/rain street capability and quite! I'd go to 40's but still running 3.73's

 

[Jota De]

TTT, whats the latest on 38's that will be aggressive enough and have strong enough sidewalls for trails/airing down but also have great snow/rain street capability and quite! I'd go to 40's but still running 3.73's

I really appreciate this entire thread (took an hour to read it all…)

I jumped in here looking at the potential of going to 38s from 37 MTBBATs - which I love their performance, but wish they came in a 38.

My set up:
JTRD - re-geared to 4.56 (best upgrade so far), AEV 2.5 DualSport lift, AEV Salta wheels, Teraflex 1-ton steering system, Teraflex rear swaybar relocation kit (very highly recommend this kit), AEV spare tire carrier in bed.

I’ve done exhaustive research on 38s and all my research points to 38/11.5 r17… as these will likely not rub anymore than a 37/12.5.

I live in CO, trail run many of the common moderate to difficult trails out here (mountain passes - I would probably not do Blanca Peak), I like going to Moab (this coming March), but this is also my DD.

I am leaning toward Open Country R/T and Nitto’s as those are the only 38/11.5 R17 on the market that I know of.

Would like to know your thoughts?
JD

 

[Synctheship]

Read through https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/38x11-50r17-nitto-ridge-grappler.91154/ if you haven't already.

I have 38x11.50R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on stock rubicon rims JTRD, no rubbing, running a small spacer on the steering bump stop as the tires were kissing my front lower control arms at a dead lock. Rock Krawler 3.0" Overland X "No Limits" Mid-Arm.

Only complaint was how expensive they were, but they perform well for my usecase and should last quite a while.

 

[Jota De]

Read through https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/38x11-50r17-nitto-ridge-grappler.91154/ if you haven't already.

I have 38x11.50R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on stock rubicon rims JTRD, no rubbing, running a small spacer on the steering bump stop as the tires were kissing my front lower control arms at a dead lock. Rock Krawler 3.0" Overland X "No Limits" Mid-Arm.

Only complaint was how expensive they were, but they perform well for my usecase and should last quite a while.

 

[Jota De]

Cool - that’s reassuring! How do they perform off road wheeling and in sand?

 

[sinisterj]

Well it took me a couple days start to finish to get the cloak lift and steering done. But here’s your twin from the other side of the great river.38’s are perfect. 5.5 on caster. Probably up that to 6.5. Toe in is also a little light but it drives perfectly. Other than my 5:13’s are on the bench and not in the diffs. Still waiting for my back ordered bearing and shim kit.
I could do a full write up on the game changer install. It was ok but there were a couple things I made to make life a little better.

Are you running a Metalcloak 3.5?

 

[Orange01z28]

These are only like $40 more a tire than the Nitto Muds I was looking to replace and I really liked them on my 4Runner....

Decisions decisions

 

[sinisterj]

Is anyone running the 38x12.50 Toyo RT Trails That can give real world feedback?

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