33 x 12.5 with manual steering.

Hi all,
I am trying to decide what tires to go with for my CJ5. 33 x 12.5 are pretty common and can be picked up used for a decent price. How bad would it suck to run 33 x 12.5 for awhile til I can do a power steering conversion?

Mike

 

what condition is your steering?

 

depends on your plans, if mostly on road it isn't too bad. I had my 35x12.5's on with my manual steering and it was fine on the street, but could be a handful off road if you didn't plan ahead and make sure you could move while you turned.

 

I have 33x12.50's on my 74 with manual steering. I think its fine off road but horrible onroad. Dirt and leaves make it turn pretty easy, even when not moving. You do have to plan ahead but I just consider that part of driving a CJ. I can still pull a tight U turn off road. Onroad's different. Pulling out of your driveway, parking, U turns, 3 point turns...all a nightmare. Driving down the street though is fine. Go with the 12.50's with plans of upgrading. Thats whats next on my list.

 

Guess it all depends on how strong you are and how much slow speed turns you do.
Sitting still on pavement it can be a tad hard.

 

I've got 33x12.5s and I entertain my friends with faces like this one:

 

Nice face!!R)

I plan to upgrade to power steering eventually but I'd rather not buy tires twice. The steering seems to be pretty tight. As far as being strong enough I am sure I'll manage. Thanks for the feedback guys.

Mike

 

Yeap, definitly go with the 12.50's.

 

I finished the brakes today and was abl;e to drive the Jeep around my neighborhood. The steering was quite light with the 31's so I am sure I'll manage the 33's ok.

Mike

 

The only thing I don't enjoy with manual steering is 3-point turns in tight spaces. And I'm exhausted after a day on the trail. I'd like to do a power steering conversion someday, too. I'll be interested to see what you do. At the rate you've been working on that Jeep, I'm guessing that'll be a June project?

Again, if you need an extra pair of hands for anything, just shoot me a PM.

PS: It looks like you hired my buddy. I told him that mentioning seeing your project online is what put him over the top.

 

Bardp,
Thanks again for the offer. I may take you up on it someday. I was thinking we should arrange to go to Uwharrie for a shakedown run when I get the Jeep finished.

And yes Chad should be starting soon as far as I know.

Mike

 

Try wheelin a worn ross box with 33x14.50 tsl's on a 12" rim with like 1.5-2" backspacing........... that was fun, but not as fun as the death wobble above 30 mph. Put 32x11.50's on 10" steel wheels back on it and it is good to go.

 

I ran 35x12.5 with manual steering. Its not bad at all on normal trails or street but the rocks it was a pain. I was exhausted after a day of hard wheelin. Switched to power which is much better but I am about to go with hyro assist. Cause there are still times I get bound up and can not turn.

 

Smaller steering wheel makes it harder, too.

I have 33x12.50 with a good V6 Ross box and stock (big) steering wheel; only time I am annoyed is trying to turn while sitting still on pavement, like during a 3pt turn, for example. It's kind of a PITA.

 

How do you guys rate going from stock tire sizes up to 33 or 32, how much of change does it make in the feel of the car (obviously it's going to be a lot) but i was wondering how much it hinders the ability to drive the car

 

Hey Jeepdriver - how about some pics of the the jeep. I did 31 x 10.5 prior to the 2.5 lift and now finishing the power steering. Wish I had done 33 x 10 or 33x 12.5. Brace the box and box the front frame extensions. You'll be fine.