tire size ? w/ OME lift - 33x10.5 or 33x12.5?

[FJHokie]

I'm installing an OME lift kit (probably from M-A-F) the first decent weekend in March; but I'm buying my tires now b/c Costco is offering $60 off 4 until Feb 28th. You can get BFG A/T 33x10.5s for 152 each or 12.5s for 167 each, plus $60 off... pretty good deal.

I think the 12.5s will look meaner and they are the clear winner aesthetic winner; and worth the extra $60.... but I want to avoid any additional costs (4.56s, spacers, etc).

Your Thoughts?

Also, I have 15x10inch MT rims; but I can easily sell them and get something more narrow if i get the 10.5s.

 

[Cruisified]

33x12.5's won't work on stock rims.

They'll fit with aftermarkets but research backspacing.

33x10.5's are actually meaner anyways.

 

[BG_TX]

One take on the argument...

 

[MANUCHAO]

I run the 33x10.5 on 15x8 rims..

 

[Elbert]

I have 33*12.5 on 15*8 aftermarket wheels. I would not run 12.5 on stock wheels. I think 15*8 wheels would serve you well with either tire. I don't know if you want to mount 10.5 tires on a 10 inch wide wheel?

My decision point back when I was doing this...was to get some 15*8 wheels and then go with a reasonable sized mud tire from there.... I would have bought the 10.5 if they had (had) them in stock at the time. They had 12.5 in stock and so that's what I have.

 

[IrollwithTojo]

I run 12.5's on some after market rim (not sure what brand) and I like the look of a wider tire on my truck. That expedition article is spot on though, wider tires are really only better in deeper things such as mud/sand/snow. Just a preference IMO

-Carl

 

[MR.FJ60]

I would go the 10.5 route.

 

[2mbb]

I run 33x12.5 on 8" rims and it works fine and looks great. However, I have rims with the proper backspace, so there is no issue with rubbing.

Gears are a function of tire diameter, not tire width. running 33's with stock gearing will be OK, but you're pretty much at the limit. With the stock 4-speed you will have a nice overdrive effect, but your first gear will suck. With an H55F, the fifth gear is basically unusable.

edit: changed my rim with to 8", which is really what I am running with my 33x12.5's.

 

[CruisinFJ60]

I loved my 12.50's when i had em, wide tires work well on a wagon and look good too. now my tires are 16" wide.

 

[ntsqd]

I have 33-10.50's on 15X7's on my Mini and 33-10.50's on 8's on the 60. For the kind of driving done in the SW I prefer the 7's. For a while I had 33-9.50's on 8's and boy did that look dumb.

 

[motoloco]

33x12.50's are for rednecks with chevy's and jeeps. Cruisers are 33x10.50 or 9.50 trucks for sure. Unless your building a mud bogger, stay as tall and skinny as possible. Less weight and less rolling resistance helps a 2f also.

 

[No. 3]

I can recommend 9.5's they have worked great on my truck and maybe even help the mileage a bit. My 33's turn well with 4.11 gearing, you may want to consider a change in yours. Great tires in the dry, dusty coastal and inland desert as well as on the winter-muddy Northern CA coast.
Jeff

 

[lehiguy]

A bigger footprint gives better traction. 33 X 12.5s would be my choice, but you will hate your gearing if you do. You would do better with 4.10s or perhaps even 4.56s with the 2F and that size tire. That is the combo I ran for yeras; 33 X 12.5s and 4.10 gears with a strong running 2F.

 

[hatman406080]

33/10.50, with 4:10 and2.50 lift

 

[Brock]

i am running 33x10.5x15 BFG KM2 on stock chrome wheels...with BDS 2.5inch lift. No issues. Pics in build thread. Running standard 3.73 gears but would need to go up to 4.11 to get close to stock performance....4.56 if I went any wider or taller.

 

[rdublt1]

I like the look of the 10.50's on stock wheels (I'd like to do that someday).

I am running 15X8 wheels, 3.5" back space, no spacers, & 12.50's. They work well & look great IMHO.

BTW- Check with Kurt @ Cruiser Outfitters before you order. Great Company!

Here are a few pics of mine.