Will 33s fit a 2007 JK with no lift? Yes... But...

4/27/2018

Lets ask a different question, will it rub? You know that sound? It is the sound of the lugs on your tires ripping your fenders off. How about the sound of your tires hitting the tub? Back in January we took a ride to Hard Rock off Road Park in Ocala on a cold wet muddy day. We had The Bridgestone tires that came with a Sahara on 18” rims. Not much of a mud tire but good for light trails and daily driving. Enter the muddy hills found at the off road park. Steep, slick and rutted up, in other words a lot of fun. We spent some time looking into switching rims and tires until I found the Radar Renegades. 33x12.5x18 inch mud tires with big lugs. When I first put them on I asked the question, can you fit 33” tires on the jeep with no lift? Yes, yes you can, BUT… there was some issues that were identified by the off camber trails at Jeepin with Judd this year. The cow pen almost took off my rear fender; the Grasslands almost took off the front fender. No lift and the sway bar connected will have its limits. If you just ride light trails you will be fine. The Jeep right off the showroom floor is a very capable vehicle and I have seen some stock Jeeps do some amazing things. But when you are following Rich Hardaway thought Ocala or Citrus you need to be ready for an adventure. “Hold on, I’m gonna take the bypass” said no one ever. Better to try and fail then never have tried at all.
So what’s next for the 2007 JK? Ready for this?... Rough Country 3.5" Series II Suspension Lift Kit with Premium N2.0 Series Shocks. From Morris 4x4 center. We only have 33’s but what if I want to go to 35’s when they wear out? It will be ready. I will be putting this on myself in the driveway so expect a video soon. I have done some leaf spring changes and changed a few struts in my time, but from what I can tell, it’s not too hard. This kit is a bit more beefy and has new control arms. The YJ got a 2.5 inch lift to fit the tire and they still rub on bumps and when flexing. It will be 1 inch higher then planed but I think in the long run I will prepare me for the next set of tires. A little bigger, a little taller, and now maybe, just maybe when I do a water crossing we stay somewhat dry. So who’s up for some trails rides and where do we need to go next? 2018 has some good events planned and we hope to see you there.