New Willys

[jneto9508]

Hey guys just picked up a Willy’s. Don’t do much off-road maybe a few times. Wondering what should I do for suspension to fit 37s or maybe 40s ? Gears are 3.73 if this helps. Want to go with 17s most likely or I’m open to ideas ?

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[Rahkmalla]

opinions are like assholes, so here's mine:
don't do 40s on a purely street truck. I understand liking the big tire look, but please cap yourself at 37s unless you have the disposable income to do 40s properly, because just a suspension lift is the tip of the iceberg for 40 inch tires. You really should be at least considering all new axles at that size.

To fit 37s, you'll want a 3.5 inch lift minimum on a willys if you don't want the tires to look like they are stuffed in there. You can get away with 2 inches if you never intend to offroad, but also it will look like you don't offroad too, which may not be a desirable aesthetic. 3.5 is going to require new driveshafts.
To drive 37s around and not hate your truck, you're going to need to regear. 5.13s for most people, 4.88s for people who do prolific highway miles.

As for rim size, doesn't really matter, but from a function over form perspective most people around these parts prefer 17s and i happen to agree with them. But of all the opinions you'll get, those about rim size on 37 inch tires are probably the ones that matter the least, good or bad.

 

[redriderjf87]

Life is way simpler (and cheaper) if you stick with 33's or 35's in my opinion. Or just run the stock 32s for a while, and see if you even find a need to go bigger at all.

And congrats btw

 

[High Alextude]

Just another opinion of course:

Take if off-road as is and invest in some recovery gear. Don’t underestimate a stock Jeep. Tires and suspension equipment are still stupid expensive. Adventures and experiences are priceless. Learn how to drive a stock Jeep before you decide to mod it.

 

[jneto9508]

opinions are like assholes, so here's mine:
don't do 40s on a purely street truck. I understand liking the big tire look, but please cap yourself at 37s unless you have the disposable income to do 40s properly, because just a suspension lift is the tip of the iceberg for 40 inch tires. You really should be at least considering all new axles at that size.

To fit 37s, you'll want a 3.5 inch lift minimum on a willys if you don't want the tires to look like they are stuffed in there. You can get away with 2 inches if you never intend to offroad, but also it will look like you don't offroad too, which may not be a desirable aesthetic. 3.5 is going to require new driveshafts.
To drive 37s around and not hate your truck, you're going to need to regear. 5.13s for most people, 4.88s for people who do prolific highway miles.

As for rim size, doesn't really matter, but from a function over form perspective most people around these parts prefer 17s and i happen to agree with them. But of all the opinions you'll get, those about rim size on 37 inch tires are probably the ones that matter the least, good or bad.

Thanks for the detailed post. Love the 37 look. Didn’t know I would need driveshafts. Will definitely do 99% street driving and MAYBE off-road a time or 2. Just want more of a show truck vs actually going off road lol

 

[High Alextude]

Thanks for the detailed post. Love the 37 look. Didn’t know I would need driveshafts. Will definitely do 99% street driving and MAYBE off-road a time or 2. Just want more of a show truck vs actually going off road lol

Im not going to bash ya for wanting to make a ”show” Jeep as that is probably a good chunk of what people do. But, keep in mind, it will also come with an empty wallet, low mpg and back issues ?.

 

[jneto9508]

South Florida doesn’t really have any places close by to justify me going unless I go to the west coast of Florida or central

 

[Timoleon]

I wanted a Willys (kinda) so I put the 4 wheel drive sticker on the tailgate of my Rubicon. That's the Rubicon with stock 33's and no lift. That gives you an idea what it would look like.

 

[Hootbro]

South Florida, I can see the "keeping up with the Joneses" of wanting 37's or 40's. If an automatic and you ever want to see 8th gear on a regular basis, you are going need to stick to 33's or below unless you regear.

 

[jneto9508]

Just so I get the straight. It’s a must to do driveshaft? 3.5 lift

 

[High Alextude]

Just so I get the straight. It’s a must to do driveshaft? 3.5 lift

I would also add a top mount drag link. I would recommend Steer Smarts.

 

[JT1]

Just so I get the straight. It’s a must to do driveshaft? 3.5 lift

No, you don't. For street driving the stockers are 100% fine. I've wheeled mine in the rocks a bunch and have only managed to slightly deform the flange on the front.

 

[JT1]

I would also add a top mount drag link. I would recommend Steer Smarts.

3.5" isn't enough lift to really mess with it. I have 20k miles on mine with 3.5" and 37's.

If you go to 6" and 40s, you would be smart to start looking that way.

 

[High Alextude]

3.5" isn't enough lift to really mess with it. I have 20k miles on mine with 3.5" and 37's.

If you go to 6" and 40s, you would be smart to start looking that way.

I must be still in the JK state of mind. Good to know!

 

[JT1]

I must be still in the JK state of mind. Good to know!

If your front shocks are 29"+ extended, and you totally droop the drivers a bunch, it will fail.

A limit strap is your friend for ballin' on a budget.

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