Colorado - Tires and Gearing

[EstoJTR]

Hi Folks,

Just got a new Gladiator, and looking at new wheels and tires, I have a question specific to Colorado owners. Going up to 35's I was not planning to re-gear, with the understanding that with 37's I'd most likely want to go to 4.88s based on what I've read.

What I'm wondering for those on 35's (or relevant experience on 37's), how sluggish does the ride get, especially climbing the mountains let's say on I-70?

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[BruteForce]

I'm in Utah, but just drove into Denver, Breckenridge and Blackhawk for a great few days! I'm running 37's, re-geared to 4.88 and I had zero issues driving there and back!

 

[whiteglad]

Came across I70 this month with 4.10 and 33's, great response. Expect some impact with the weight and inertia of 35s, plus their diameter affecting gearing. My 33s only weigh 52 lb, which is 10 lb less than the Rubi 33s which I assume you have now. The little 3.6 liter needs some rpm in the thin air of the Rockies, and any naturally aspirated engine loses about 3% power per 1000 feet elevation. You are right to consider your situation as somewhat different from the JT's at sea level with 35s.

 

[EstoJTR]

Thanks for the input so far, the wheel+tire(35s) combo I'm looking at so far would add ~14lbs per corner to the stock Rubicon M/T setup. Since the mod bug has already bitten I'll probably end up finding the answer to my own question on the road sooner than later

 

[DocMike]

I have 33 and a 3.73 rear. Not ideal for sure. I can mostly tell at high altitude.

 

[303Gladiator]

I recently upgraded to Nitto Ridge Grapplers in 315/70r17 (70 lbs) and Quadratec 41s (28 lns) so I added about 12 lbs per corner. I got the Tazer lite to recalbirate the Speedometer and after driving up Floyd Hill on I70 this weekend I was happy with 4.10s. There was enough power to accelerate around slow moving vehicles and hung between 5th and 6th gear.

 

[FR33DOM]

I'm on 37's and 5:13 gears. I would definitely NOT do 4.88s. I honestly think 5:38s would be fine on 37s if you don't plan on driving 80mph all the time (even then you'd be fine).

If limited to 35" tires, then probably 4.88s but honestly 5:13 would be OK too if you plan on towing. If you think 37's are in your future then 5:13 in my opinion. I've NEVER heard anyone complain they went too deep in their gearing.

FWIW, I didn't like 4.10 gears on the stock 33"s. 37" made 7th and 8th gear worthless and it was constantly shifting. Very happy with my 5:13s driving without load in CO. I'll report more when I start pulling a 4k trailer next summer.

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