Are 35" tires the best for the Gladiator?

[Metalhead]

I find this interesting because I don't think the tire size is the issue, a 255/85R17 tire is a 34.7" tire according to my tire size calculator which should be in the sweet spot for 4:10. The weekend after I put on my 35s (which are more like 34.5") I put on over 1700 miles through Southern Utah, Colorado and ended up at over 10,000 in Montana. Most of this trip was either uphill or downhill and my Jeep didn't do any "gear hunting" on the steep highway climbs, just a steady roll at appropriate gears and there was no 4,000 rpms at 70 happening. What type of MT Baja do you run? Are they ATs or MTs.

They are A/T tires. It was weird. At first I thought something was wrong with the cruise control so I turned it off. Going up long hills in the Pa West Virginia border area it would shift down to 6th and 5th gear a lot and seeing 3000 to almost 4000 rpm. I know the tires are a little on the heavy side. I have added some weight to the Jeep as well but I'm at about 850lbs below the 6500lb gvwr.

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[Gizmo]

For me I had no choice but to go with at least a 37 or not buy a Gladiator. Its way to long and low without being lifted and it takes at least a 37 to start looking like a 4x4 to me. If ya have a rubicon type front fenders keep some rake or them front fenders dwarf the front tires. Sometimes we have to finish what Jeep started if it means regearing its just part of what it takes to get it right … is an engine . But thats just an old mans opinion

 

[WambliSka]

They are A/T tires. It was weird. At first I thought something was wrong with the cruise control so I turned it off. Going up long hills in the Pa West Virginia border area it would shift down to 6th and 5th gear a lot and seeing 3000 to almost 4000 rpm. I know the tires are a little on the heavy side. I have added some weight to the Jeep as well but I'm at about 850lbs below the 6500lb gvwr.

Thanks for humoring me. That’s interesting! I’m always wondering why so many of us end up with such different experiences with similar setups. The answer is the variables are infinite since we run Lego vehicles

 

[WambliSka]

I guess it bears noting that speaking in generic terms like “35” tires” is difficult because not all 35” tires are made the same. Thread (RT, AT, MT), rubber compound (hard vs. soft) weight, running PSIs make a HUGE difference in “rolling resistance”. I think from an esthetic perspective the 35” tires are a good “look” for a Gladiator and in most iterations just about any Gladiator can tuck a set under it sometimes with just a leveling kit and in the Rubi/Mojave class without any mods.

But when you start discussing gearing and use all bets are off.

 

[DubyaBee76]

• 35's and 4.10 gears, yes.

• 35's and 3.73 gears, no.

• 33's and 3.73 gears, 8th gear will phone in from time to time.

I have 37s and 5.38 gears and they work pretty well together.

 

[guntrust]

37 (KO2, actually 36) + 5.13 regear + stick, drives like a Porsche (well almost).

 

[Pat Witt]

I have 37" Gladiators on with 410 gears and love the ride and look along with the capabilities I get and I have no problems maintaining the higher gears on road trips

 

[GI Grandpa]

I am running 35x12.50x17 Falken AT3s with a 2" AEV Mojave spacer lift and 4.88 gears in the axles and that set up works great here in Colorado where the deeper gears help compensate for the altitude

 

[40x40]

well, OP, you did ask a question so i will reply and stir the pot. fetch the popcorn too. 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40", 40" and in case you are wondering 40"!

 

[Brucewillys]

Are 35s the sweet spot for for Gladiators? I took some of your advice and bout a set of like new Rubicon take offs, they are just under 33". But im thinking 35" will be better and a 2" lift. I have a Sport S. Opinions and advice on a 2" lift, brand etc.

You're going to hear a lot of different views. I run 37" Yokohama Geolander X-MT's on stock 3.73 gears. I HATE highways so I see no problem with my current setup. It has plenty of get up and go. I did need the flashcal superchips for my shift points and speedo. I run just an AEV 2" spacer kit and some KBD fender flares. I am happy with the trail manners too but I do stick to easy trails as it's my daily driver. I recommend you do you. The gladiator rolls way better with bigger than stock tires that's for sure.

 

[capncking]

I have a ‘23 JTR with a 2.5” Clayton Overlander Plus lift and Falcon 3.3 shocks.
I have re-geared to 4:88 and am running Falken AT4’s in 37”.
I am thinking of dropping back to 35”s to give greater fender clearance and am wondering what I can expect with the 35’s.

 

[Sigz]

I'm on 35s and 3.73 in my Sport S.

I was hesitant - but here in WI and driving county highway roads from 55-65mph, I'm averaging about 21mpg and see 8th gear often.

The rpm diff between 7th and 8th aren't that much - and 7th is still overdrive - I acutally get better MPG in 7th gear, and a lot of times I will lock it in for long cruising strethces.

 

[Capngeo]

35's on Sport S 3" lift with 3.73, and DIESEL which makes a world of difference on low end torque. I see 8th all the time. Actually contemplating 37's without a gear change on next set of tires.

 

[mgenbox]

I vote 37s and 3 - 3.5” lift
Fills out pretty good imo

 

[matthewmcw]

I vote 37s and 3 - 3.5” lift
Fills out pretty good imo

Sure does, looks nice!

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