Opinions, lift/ tire combination for optimal performance.

[sts90]

I want to preface this question with history. I end up with my JTR by settlement with Jeep over a lemon Unlimited Willys JL XR. I ordered that model for bang for bucks performance and it turned into a 6 month learning experience I don’t want to repeat. Currently I have added the winch to the factory steel bumper and fishbone sliders with weather tech mud flaps and mopar tonneau bed cover on the way. I was planning on adding 2.5 AEV lift and keep my stock tires. I can say a stock gladiator rubicon is not as quick as 2.0 JLU XR on 315 70r 17 with 4.56 gears. I miss that ability to move without so much skinny petal daily. Lift difference between tires is .85 inches, is a bigger tire with lift needed because of the Gladiator break over for similar performance to my JLU XR?

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[sts90]

Also if I go for 35x vs 315, can I use factor rims for no rubbing or mush I replace? Crazy as it might sound, I need be budget focused.

 

[NERokToy]

is a bigger tire with lift needed because of the Gladiator break over

Generally Yes

lso if I go for 35x vs 315, can I use factor rims for no rubbing

Yes you can run 35's on stock gladiator rims

 

[chorky]

I think it all comes down to personal preference and where you live. Huge performance differences between the southern flat terrain and northern rocky mountains.
I am leaning toward the AEV with HD springs for weight. As for tires, the baja boss come in tall and skinny of 35x10. That will reduce excess drag compared to a 12.5” wide tire, reduce rubbing, weight, and perform better on highway snow/ice.

 

[BUZZHEAD]

I have a 2 inch mopar lift with 35 x12.5 tires.
No issues with articulation ,rubbing.
Now get a hitch skid ,I love hearing it scrapping as I am descending down.

 

[sts90]

I think it all comes down to personal preference and where you live. Huge performance differences between the southern flat terrain and northern rocky mountains.
I am leaning toward the AEV with HD springs for weight. As for tires, the baja boss come in tall and skinny of 35x10. That will reduce excess drag compared to a 12.5” wide tire, reduce rubbing, weight, and perform better on highway snow/ice.

I am interested in the narrow tires. It looks more old school Jeep. I would like to know the performance if anyone is running them vs stock.

 

[chorky]

I am interested in the narrow tires. It looks more old school Jeep. I would like to know the performance if anyone is running them vs stock.

There is a thread or two on the forum somewhere. I asked a few folks how they like the 35 and skinny Baja boss and everybody so far said they were just amazing, especially in the snow/ice. One person said he was amazied at how much of the wondering went away once switching to the Baja boss tires. That is my plan. Mild lift with skinny 35's. I despise the wide - not sure why they're so popular honestly. Last year I put 33x10's on my TJ (the gladiator rubicon I think is 33x11.5) and the TJ just looks so much better IMO.

My old OBS had 35x12.5, and it was clearly adding quite a lot of resistance. Plus it lowers your pressure place on the ground so in ice it actually reduces traction.

 

[sts90]

My gladiator needs to function daily and family trip transport. This has me leaning to AEV for a complete package that just works. It also does not hurt I have an AEV dealer 30 minutes from my house. Does anyone have experience with AEV's total setup that can help me get an idea of the ride, mpg, and off-road performance?

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