Considering downsizing from 35s to 33s (1 Viewer)

[Brandon Ryder]

Love the look and capability of my LC with 385/75/R18s. But without a regear, it has been a struggle at times, especially towing. It's time for new tires and they don't make the cooper at3 xlt in my size anymore. A regear is going to cost like 5 grand now a days, and I'm considering just downsizing to gain some power back. We only do like 1 trip a year where the 35s are really needed. I think if I went to 33s, i wouldn't need the regear. I'd probably just turn down the torsion bars in the front to be about. 5" lift and maybe swap out the rear coils to handle the extra weight but not provide lift.

What are your thoughts?
How she looks with 35s

 

[GTV]

Another option is to regear the transfer case as it is a lot more cost effective.

It’s your rig your money, your choice.

 

[Trapper50cal]

295/70R18 = 34.3" x 11.6"
A 34" for 18's to split the difference.

 

[TahoeZ]

285/75r18 is about the biggest you can go with 4.3 without a major feel of power loss. It's a nice size; just under 34".

I would do a 10% underddrive: Sumo Gear Land Cruiser Transfer Case 10% Underdrive Gear Set - Fits 01/1998-07/2007 100/LX470 Series Applications (TCG100470UDHR) - https://cruiserteq.com/sumo-gear-land-cruiser-transfer-case-10-underdrive-gear-set-fits-01-1998-07-2007-100-lx470-series-applications-tcg100470udhr/

Or re-gear and add lockers. 5k sounds really steep for a re-gear only.

 

[Brandon Ryder]

I agree. 5k is way too much for a regear. But that's the quote I got from the local expert. I'll do it myself first honestly. Just would source a doner set of diffs and take my time.
As far as underdrive, I'm more interested in lower low range gears. Can you do the 10% underdrive and still get a lower low range?

I could get another set of the 285/75R18s and figure this out later. But by stepping down, it potentially saves a LOT of money. 275/70R18s are almost half the price of the 285/75R18s in a similar tire, plus saving the regear costs. This is 100% of the time a family hauler. Even the off road trips are family trips. I don't do anything crazy. Red Cone is the hardest trail I've done in this vehicle to date.

I guess I'm just looking for people who are on 33s with similar use case. Are you happy? Or has anyone else stepped down before and what was your opinion?

I guess I'm also avoiding the research of a new tire in the 285/75R18 size. The AT3 XLT were fantastic. But not available in that size any longer

 

[Exiled]

You can get both the 10% underdrive and the lower low gear together, yes, which would give you the best of both worlds.