Just go 35s or better go 37s and be done....
I just save you time and money for doing everything 3x....
I just save you time and money for doing everything 3x....
33's vs. 35's for my 80 Series (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter UOnlyLiveOnce
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I'm in the same type of terrain and the low range gearing w/ 35's is not ideal, unless you regear.
More gear disadvantage on the freeway grades too.
I would rather have more control on steep climbs and descents, rather than added clearance of 35's.
The common challenges are steep, not huge rocks in the desert and sierras.
33's and good driving get you through most everything, for what you describe.
Now if 35's are just a step in the process of other suspension mods, then go for the 35's.
If you just love the look, throw logic out and enjoy it.
I agree with this. 315's got removed from the truck when I got home from the tire shop that just mounted them.
I have 33's with lockers and a mild lift. There is nothing remote this truck can't get to easily and comfortably, and I do LOTS of rock crawling with it.
Where I live, I regularly see Subarus and basic SUVs like Highlanders going up fire roads/ trails. I even saw a Honda Civic making his way along slowly one day. To boot, I drag my low slung Casita trailer up half these roads behind the 80. The FJ80 on 33's is overkill for these roads and is the rock crawling machine for dedicated rock trails in Moab and Junction.
Thus, I really don't know what 35s are for, other than looks, even worse gas mileage, and forcing me down to 10mph pulling my trailer up mountain passes instead of the usual 30 mph.
Oh, and BTW, 37's look ridiculously big on the FJ80 IMHO.
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I don’t completely disagree. I’ve wheeled mine hard with 33/35/37’s. In many ways it was more fun with the 33’s as there was a challenge to things. But there comes a point where you do need a bigger tire. The flip side of the coin is if your comfortable taking a full bodied truck into that same situation.
The 80 is a super capable platform on 33’s. Lots of drawbacks to going larger. I still like my 37’s
I already think it's too easy with the 33's. I did Fins and Things in Moab on stock suspension with 33s and it was a challenge, almost wet my pants. However since upgrading to the Dobinson VT springs all around and the Long Version of the BP-51s, FIns and Things and other rock step trails around here have been easy. I barely even have to pick a line anymore, never mind use lockers, it'll just go over where ever.
I only think 35s would be better on the Very Difficult rated trails in Moab. I didn't get a chance at Hell's Revenge yet.
Plus I do agree 35s look better than 33s on a Lifted 80. My 33's look small with the lift.
I only think 35s would be better on the Very Difficult rated trails in Moab. I didn't get a chance at Hell's Revenge yet.
Plus I do agree 35s look better than 33s on a Lifted 80. My 33's look small with the lift.
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But Fins and Hells are not hard. I ran Hells with my center diff open other than to get out of an optional hot tub after nearly doing that open.
I suffered the fate of getting 35s and now really wanting 37s 
There is a heavily traveled (Dug TF out) very rocky access trail to a trail system where I live that I used to hit rockers and had to drive hard to get up on 33 Ko2 with no lockers. Now with a rear locker and 35s I can walk up it forward backwards or sideways.
How much of that is bc of locker, MT tires or lower gears idk
But the extra diff clearance is definitely noticeable, and I want more of it.
There is a heavily traveled (Dug TF out) very rocky access trail to a trail system where I live that I used to hit rockers and had to drive hard to get up on 33 Ko2 with no lockers. Now with a rear locker and 35s I can walk up it forward backwards or sideways.
How much of that is bc of locker, MT tires or lower gears idk
But the extra diff clearance is definitely noticeable, and I want more of it.
I went with the skinny and tall 33" tire: 255/85/16 and love it. I have the Slee/OME stock height kit and it is perfect. Also, the 255 Cooper ST Maxx tires are still quite beefy (IMHO). Ride quality is quite good and road noise/tire hum is minimal. If you're staying at or near stock ride height, 33s look perfect.
“I can go anywhere on 33’s.” These are the famous last words of a novas who seriously believes that he has seen it all or doesn’t mind spending hours and hours stacking rocks, using those silly Max trax things, digging, winching and sweating. There is a reason why bigger tires exist and are so popular an that’s so we can get there before the weekend is over. #Groundclearancematters.
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Well when I get to needing 35's I guess I'll be cool, but for me I'm happy exploring with 33s. Hmm.. what did we do this year:
Engineer Pass, Black Bear:
Boring things like Imogene Pass:
I just feel as though I need an LS swap to run 35's. When going up passes here, I'm already dropping to 30 mph with the pedal flat to the floor. I can't imaging towing anything with the weight of 35s. And I'm not giving up this setup. The Casita is 2200 lbs dry and comfortable in any weather:
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Beautiful pictures....
jkeithw
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do you recall the part number of your springs?
@crx7 Beautiful shots. I agree with you in part. In Colorado, the vast majority of trails can easily be completed with 33s. However, if you try the hard obstacles on Chinaman Gulch, go past french creek in Holy Cross, or climb Blanca Peak, you'll probably need something bigger. The big difference is the type of wheeling you're into. Blackbear pass is a great "adventure route" trail. It has awesome views and some fun obstacles. (with small kids, this is the kind of trail I seem to be drawn too these days) The other trails I mentioned transition towards rock crawling. (I used to be into that... and might go back that direction when the kids get a little older) Beyond that, you'll have trails like the Independence trail system that are all rock crawling. For trails like that, I can't see an 80 on 35s making it through... even 37s would required a lot of skill.
My opinion.
My opinion.
I know tons of ppl do it for looks...even put 37s on a city rig. I don't get it, but to each of their own...lol
look at all the Fords, Chevys running 37's and larger. lol.
37's are the new 35's.
37" Trxus MT is about the tallest skinniest tires you can get.
So I'll agree with you. For what are listed at Very Difficult or Extreme 4x4 trails in Colorado and Moab, you'd be better going with 35s.... but, these are the trails you want to do with small kids? First pic of Chinaman Gulch comes up with:
Thus it depends on what you want. Thus, I'll agree 35s are required for Very Difficult 4wd trails and 33's cannot do everything that 35's can do. I guess that I, personally am happy enough with Difficult 4wd trails, considering I have my wife, and 18 mo old, and a 4 yo in the car.
Thus, it's a matter of what you're gonna do with the rig. 35's for Very difficult or extreme rock crawling, but then you can't tow anything, worse MPG, less power... the list goes on.
Obvious newb move there. Yes, get the rug rats started as rock crawling copilots early on. You can do any trail in a stock 80 if you want to get right down to it but why would you? The vehicle damage and work involved would be no fun.So I'll agree with you. For what are listed at Very Difficult or Extreme 4x4 trails in Colorado and Moab, you'd be better going with 35s.... but, these are the trails you want to do with small kids? First pic of Chinaman Gulch comes up with:
Thus it depends on what you want. Thus, I'll agree 35s are required for Very Difficult 4wd trails and 33's cannot do everything that 35's can do. I guess that I, personally am happy enough with Difficult 4wd trails, considering I have my wife, and 18 mo old, and a 4 yo in the car.
Thus, it's a matter of what you're gonna do with the rig. 35's for Very difficult or extreme rock crawling, but then you can't tow anything, worse MPG, less power... the list goes on.
Side note,
It’s pretty cool how much 80s absolutely swallow up tires. It’s more work to fit 33s on an XJ than to fit 37s on an 80 series.
It’s pretty cool how much 80s absolutely swallow up tires. It’s more work to fit 33s on an XJ than to fit 37s on an 80 series.
Yes sir... he dodged when he should've weaved.
