From 33lbs to 51lbs tires on stock Willys . What could I expect different?

[Ed Dell]

So, continuing with the upgrade questions.....I'm looking to "up" a little the stock tires (245/75/17) to a more "beefy" 285/70/17 , BF Goodrich All Terrain KO/2 RWL.

I'm not looking to go hard off roading, and I'm more attracted to the oem look of the Mojave/Rubicon in terms of stance. So with that tire, It most likely will fill the fender better and give a more complete look to the truck. I most likely will lift front with 1.5 Terraflex kit and I could be looking into spacers to complete the look IM looking for.

So my main question is, with the added 18lbs in each tire and OEM wheels, I know it will have some impact on performance and MPG's, but what else could I expect in terms of gears, motor, power, etc .

The truck is a weekend road trip, family vehicle and will not be seeing rock climbing, mud, etc.

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[PuddleJumper]

As long as you update the computer to the new tire size, Your not gonna notice much

 

[Ed Dell]

As long as you update the computer to the new tire size, Your not gonna notice much

OK, great news then.........!

About the tire size update, youre talking bout the Tazer Mini, right? I've seen a couple of threads about it and it seems like a great product but.... Is there another alternative that does not have to be connected to the Jeep at all times? Is there something you could plug in, update tire size and disconnect? Not a fan of having to disconnect everytime the Jeep is serviced at the Dealer and then resetting everything. Just looking for options.

 

[PuddleJumper]

OK, great news then.........!

About the tire size update, youre talking bout the Tazer Mini, right? I've seen a couple of threads about it and it seems like a great product but.... Is there another alternative that does not have to be connected to the Jeep at all times? Is there something you could plug in, update tire size and disconnect? Not a fan of having to disconnect everytime the Jeep is serviced at the Dealer and then resetting everything. Just looking for options.

Jscan, with security bypass cable is one option many opt for that aren't a fan of using a tazer. Another great option is a ProCal Snap from AEV, there plenty of used ones for sale, so definitely a cheap option.

 

[KevinC]

Unless you actually weighed the stock tires at 33#, I highly doubt they are 33#. Maybe I'm wrong. But you will not have any negative results by what you plan to do.

JScan is my preferred programmer. I also have a JLU and it only cost $25 more to buy the license to use the same equipment on both vehicles. The Tazer can have the gremlins on occasion.

 

[PaulW]

With bigger tires if you do not change the programmed tire size the truck computer will give you the wrong MPG and distance traveled as well. If you have an automatic the shift points will be affected. In addition the gearing in the differentials will be non optimum and exaggerate vehicle performance negatively.
If you increase the tire pressure by as much as 18psi above recommended in theory the ride will be rougher and traction will be negatively affected. You may not detect these changes. Higher pressure always increases the load a tire can support which may be a good thing for carrying extra loads.

 

[SamJ3]

I recently posted a response to a related tread on regearing, where I describe replacing the factory 245/75R17 Bridgestone Dueler A/T (33 lbs.) tires with 255/85R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T (63 lbs.).

Short answer is: recalibrate the tire size in the computer, drive as usual, minimal difference under normal driving. Go have fun!

 

[HorsesRear]

I would have thought that all Willys would have the same tire size. I am also thinking of going to the 285's but I currently have 255's. They are also mud tires and noisy as hell.

 

[RHRT]

Put on 4 BFG KO3 285-75-R17 tires on my stock rims for my Willys two weeks ago and much less road buzz from the 255-75-R17 Goodyear Duratrack tires. Actually, no road buzz noise! The KO3s are 21 pounds heavier each than the Duratracks and tire height at 33.25” at 34 psi. Have some very light rubbing on full left and right turn to lock on my Swaylock sway bar just on the inside front edge of each tire. I had already installed the Teraflex 1.5“ Leveling kit, so front clearance is okay with the exception of swaybar. Stock lift in the rear. Will be going off-road soon to truly test these KO3s. I also have a set of Lynx LCAs which have a slight inward curve to allow for larger tires to be utilized with out rubbing the on the LCAs.

 

[Ed Dell]

Put on 4 BFG KO3 285-75-R17 tires on my stock rims for my Willys two weeks ago and much less road buzz from the 255-75-R17 Goodyear Duratrack tires. Actually, no road buzz noise! The KO3s are 21 pounds heavier each than the Duratracks and tire height at 33.25” at 34 psi. Have some very light rubbing on full left and right turn to lock on my Swaylock sway bar just on the inside front edge of each tire. I had already installed the Teraflex 1.5“ Leveling kit, so front clearance is okay with the exception of swaybar. Stock lift in the rear. Will be going off-road soon to truly test these KO3s. I also have a set of Lynx LCAs which have a slight inward curve to allow for larger tires to be utilized with out rubbing the on the LCAs.

Great Info, are those RWL? Any Pics? I am looking into having those same tires wit the white letters, but are hard to find here in PR. About the rubbing you stated, I imagine if I go 70 instead of 75, it could improve...., thoughts?

 

[RHRT]

Apologies for the late reply. RWL seems to be the only offering for most of the new tire sizes from BFG. You can web search for a tire size calculator which will provide you with tire specs. I ordered my KO3s through Tires.com(Discount Tires) and got $80 off a set 4. That runs till 8/27/2024 according to their web site. They also offer a military discount. I’ll post pictures tomorrow.

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