Tires for 23'Sport S w/Stock Wheels

[ARCJT]

I spent a lot of time reading varying set ups and I'm trying to determine the right size of tire to consider 33" or 34".
I have a 23 Sport S no Max Tow, 3.73, running K02 265/70/17 (considering a 2" lift with larger tires), I want to upsize tires using stock rims, avoid rubbing, even when aired down, mixed driving use highway, beach and want to venture into trails (including Moab - bucket list). Recognizing weight issues and gearing tried narrowing down sizes
K02
285/70/17(c rated, 58#) 32.8"
285/75/17(e rated, 63#) 33.9"
34x10.5/17(d rated, 56#) 33.5"
Toyo ATIII
285/70/17(c rated,53#) 32.7"
285/75/17(c rated,59#) 33.9"
34x10.5/17(d rated,55#) 33.5"
255/80/17 (e rated,50#) 33.1"

I appreciate the feedback.

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[Gman 2025]

You might want to look at the Falken Wildpeak AT4 in 285 x 70/17.

 

[Cadguy]

I personally think you are picking through grains of sand on the beach. You would need very precise instrumentation to tell the difference. Now, if you compare 33" street tires to 37" mud tires, NOW you can tell a difference in feel and performance...
Just my 2 cents worth

 

[Free2roam]

Gasser or diesel?
Also I've heard a lot of good things about Mickey Thompson baja boss at

 

[GuzziMoto]

If you have the gas engine and stock gears, I would probably not go bigger than 33" tires if you aren't going to regear.
Although, the 34" KO2 is really a 33" tire, regardless of what the printed specs say. I do like how narrow it is and consider it as a good choice.
I do like the KO2, but I would look at the KO3 (doesn't come in the 34x10.5 size, though). The KO2 is a great tire, but it is an old design and newer designs can do better. The Wildpeak AT4 is a candidate on that note, as is the MT Baja Boss, both mentioned earlier.
There are so many great tires on the market, it is hard to make a bad choice.
I would want a C rated tire, D at the most. I would not get an E rated tire unless that was my only choice. I would also look at tire weights, if you want to over think this even more.... As you list it the 34" KO2 is pretty light, possibly in part because it tends to run small. The 34" Toyo is also light.

 

[ARCJT]

Gas, might be overthinking with size variations
Not looking to regear as this time. . I look into the at4 and MT
Thanks for feedback

 

[WambliSka]

I ran 34" Wildpeaks on an Overland with just a leveling kit and I can tell you that while there was no rubbing or any issues running desert trails and mild rock crawling (and I had a lot of off-road fun with that setup) you'll never see 8th gear again unless you are going downhill with a tailwind. Not much of an issue around town but it kind'a sucky if a lot of HWY driving is on the menu for you. If I had to do it again I'd stick to a good 33" tire with a mileage friendly thread made of a tough cut resistant compound. I'm a BIG fan of Wildpeaks because they seem to be the toughest tire I've run with minimum compromise on all other aspects and good performance on everything from rocks to snow. And quite frankly from the "looks" department there is not much difference between a 33" and a 34" and reality wise there is a whopping .5" clearance gain on the larger tire.

 

[ARCJT]

The AT4’s are available in 285/70/17 (SL ) 53 lbs and 255/80/17 (E) 58 lbs , both around 33”height
Either a bad choice ?

 

[WambliSka]

The AT4’s are available in 285/70/17 (SL ) 53 lbs and 255/80/17 (E) 58 lbs , both around 33”height
Either a bad choice ?

Nope, both excellent tires.

 

[TopperGT]

For what it’s worth, I just posted a write up on my own similar situation (below).

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/first-lift-tires-high-altitude.108565/#post-1742742

Long story short, my JT High Altitude is getting work done today which includes a 1.5 inch Ride Right kit from Clayton and 295/65R20 KO3s. I also have the 3.73s and have read through a million comments from people here and on Reddit. I chose to accept whatever the sacrifice is but plan to share my thoughts once I get it back. I’m up in Jersey City but do drive it to work about 25 miles away sometimes, so about a 50/50 mix of highway / city.

Also, not sure how much of a difference It will make but I also plan to recalibrate the tire size with the Tazer mini. Everything I found indicated that makes a noticeable difference.

Hope you get what you want and that it works out!

 

[ARCJT]

Thanks , look forward to seeing your comments after the modifications and tires.

 

[WambliSka]

And for what it's worth, the rule of thumb is that the wider the tire the more rolling resistance you'll get from it and that decreases mileage. Of course there are a lot of factors that affect MPG but all things being equal a heavier wider tire is a MPG robber.

 

[Josh00333]

I ran the Toyo ATIII 285/75/17 great tires, be my recomendation.

 

[TopperGT]

Hi again, just wanted to post an update after having gotten my truck back last weekend. I discuss more in the thread I linked above, but overall the ride has been great - very close to stock.

The tires are about 35in and the lift netted me +2.5in. From a gearing perspective, it is a ‘little’ slower acceleration and braking, but completely manageable. My wife drove it and said she couldn’t even notice the difference. Gas mileage is down 2 for highway and 3 for city (so far).

Hope this helps out and if you have any questions, just let me know and I’ll try to help however I can.

 

[Caveman]

Data point: I have the 285/75/17 KO2s on my Sport S stock rims and they measure exactly 33.5." I have zero issues with rubbing but I have the slightly wider axles that come on the Max Tow. No lift front or rear, suspension is bone stock at this point.

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