Here we go again - 3.73 with 35s - how bad is it really?

[Simps018]

I have 3.73's with 35's (80th anniversary edition) and to be honest, it's not that bad. Acceleration is ok and I have no trouble passing when I need to. I have also towed almost 5k and it did alright. It does have trouble seeing 7th or 8th gear, but you can help it by switching to manual and shifting up (flat ground or downhill). lower gears would be better, but I'm not planning on gearing anytime soon. I live in the rocky mountains (7k feet) also.

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[NortonJTSS]

It's getting to that time where I'm interested in doing another Jeep mod no my 22 Sport S.

I currently run Falken Wildpeak At3w's 285/70/17 with a Teraflex 1.5 level - but am looking to beef up the tires to a 35.

I do have the Sport S - so I have the 'dreaded' 3.73 gear ratio.

I don't go off road. I live in Wisconsin and see rolling hills from time to time....

I use my JT as my DD - primarily driving to work and back (15mins).

I don't do any heavy hauling/towing - just the typical weekend camping / hunting trips,

I'm currently averaging about 18mpg with primarily city driving...

I'd like to know for those who have had 35s and 3.73 - how bad of an idea it would be to pursue a setup like this? I have the ability to recalibrate tire size into the JT computer. But how bad will it be in the city? How bad will it be on the freeway? I am not a speed demon nor do I have a heavy foot....

I'm not sure what 35in tire to go for at the moment, but it will NOT be the AT4w due to the weight. I would like to find something that is rated well, but not overly heavy....

I have read everything form the JT will be a "dog" to "fine" when searching through the forum. I'm sure it is an individualized judgement, but I'd like a little more clarity before dropping big moolah on tires....

Thanks!

I'd suggest checking out the Toyo Open Country AT3s in 35x11.5r17. They're skinnier than what most use (12.5" wide) and are within the specs for the factory rims. They come in at 63 lbs, only a couple pounds more than your Wildpeaks. With factory rims and those, you won't be thinking about the need to regear.

 

[Sigz]

Bump -

Getting the itch to go with Toyo At3 35x12.5x17 which are 64#s, about 10# more than my SL Falcon At3ws.

Still quite lightweight for a 35inch tire…

 

[Bjeepz]

Bump -

Getting the itch to go with Toyo At3 35x12.5x17 which are 64#s, about 10# more than my SL Falcon At3ws.

Still quite lightweight for a 35inch tire…

You're gonna be just fine, you'll notice it for a bit then it just starts to feel normal! I run 37's on 4.10's, I still leave those annoying Tacoma kids behind from a dig.

 

[ArmyMP]

I'm on 40s with 3.73's

 

[Mad Jasper]

2024 Gladiator Sport S with 3.73s. I’m running 295/70/17 Nitto Recon Grapplers. Actual tire height is right at 33.4 inches. I was parked next to another Gladiator with Mickey Thompson 35s and there was no descernible difference in tire height.

Best of all, I just complete a 470 mile drive, half Interstate and half back roads. With JScan updated tire settings, I had no issues seeing 7th and 8th gears and averaged 19.4 MPG.

I don’t think there’s much to gain from my existing setup to 35s.

 

[Sigz]

2024 Gladiator Sport S with 3.73s. I’m running 295/70/17 Nitto Recon Grapplers. Actual tire height is right at 33.4 inches. I was parked next to another Gladiator with Mickey Thompson 35s and there was no descernible difference in tire height.

Best of all, I just complete a 470 mile drive, half Interstate and half back roads. With JScan updated tire settings, I had no issues seeing 7th and 8th gears and averaged 19.4 MPG.

I don’t think there’s much to gain from my existing setup to 35s.

What do those grapplers weigh by chance?

 

[wachuko]

Bump -

Getting the itch to go with Toyo At3 35x12.5x17 which are 64#s, about 10# more than my SL Falcon At3ws.

Still quite lightweight for a 35inch tire…

Did you consider the pizza cutters? The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T in 255/85R17 ?

Or you also want the wider look??

Thread on this:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...utters-35x10r17-skinny-tires-installed.63942/

 

[Bear Hunter]

I also live in WI and have 3.73 Willies and I run 285-70-17s. I too think every now and then that I may want to go to 35's but, the price to regear, the slightly more sluggish response without regearing and mileage loss hinder me. I plan to keep my 33s and will be getting Cooper rugged trek's that are not E rated and I should save some pounds and still have plenty of tire. The 35's are not worth the look and the extra clearance is just 1 in. at best... Do what you want...

 

[Mad Jasper]

What do those grapplers weigh by chance?

The Recons are 63lbs. The Icon Rebound Pros are 32lbs each.

 

[Sigz]

Did you consider the pizza cutters? The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T in 255/85R17 ?

Or you also want the wider look??

Thread on this:

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...utters-35x10r17-skinny-tires-installed.63942/

Not a huge fan of the pizza cutters. Thanks for the link - pretty interesting...

 

[Jerhemi]

Just do it.
3.73
35x12.5x17 Kumho MT71 @77.7 lbs each
17x9 DL DT1 @40~ lbs each

mixed driving
Winter 15.6 mpg
Summer 19.6 mpg

still have eight gear, just not as often.

 

[ourjeeps]

OG tires : Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws 285/70r17s C range 6ply LT tire at 62~65lbs (they weren't very consistent

Current tires : Goodyear Wrangler Territory M/T (its actually an AT) 315/70r17 C range at 54~55lbs

Note on the goodyear that it had a lower max psi rating, 35 psi, but then also states plus 10psi on top of the max is acceptable. So you can run it at 45psi, I run the rears at 39 when towing my camper.

The Goodyear Wrangler Territory M/T looks to have both siping and deep tread channels for water shedding for superior hydroplaning resistance.

After looking into the Goodyear Wrangler Territory M/T following and (fully respecting) PuddleJumper's posting here, following info from tirerack is shared in case anyone is also researching/ considering the Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires --- found this higher mileage in a review:

"April 17, 2025 2.9 out of 5
These tires were factory from GM. The first 15k miles were fine. Then the noise increased. Not cupped, or uneven wear but between 50and 60 mph, the noise was unbearable. I checked the decibels with the radio off, windows up at 54 mph. It hit 91 decibels in the cab of the truck. To put that in perspective, a company has to start a hearing conservation program at 85 decibels. I went back to the dealer and Goodyear prorated the tires to 50%. I had to get more goodyear tires but I went with a different tread pattern. Would have preferred the BFG KO2."

On a related note, we have nearly-new Goodyear Workhorse AT tires on a dually which is a , more standard, AT tread pattern than the more aggressive Territory M/T tires. We have not experienced any undue highway road noise at low mileage.

The tire market place has established a hybrid tread pattern design between the traditional AT (All Terrain) and MT (Mud Terrain) tread patterns often referred to as RT (Rugged Terrain). The Wrangler Territory looks to be closer to an RT tire, hence possibly the tirerack review.

 

[Sigz]

I've narrowed my choices down to:

Toyo Open County At3 35x12.5x17 (59#'s)

BFG KO2 37x12.5x17 (64#).

The BFG are smaller for a 37 and not much more weight wise - and it seems those with the 3.73 don't have that much of a difference compared to driving with 35s.

I do live in WI - so I'd prefer the tire that is better in the winter. I do zero off-roading other than farm tracts / accessing huntingl and.

 

[Jerhemi]

Dude, just buy some tires.

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