Tire Width Opinions

Just about got the suspension wrapped up on my '74 CJ-6, and am ready for tires. I wanted to go with a 33x12.50, but most on the market measure in at only around 32.4ish inches tall. I wanted a "full" 33 without going metric (285/75r16) since I am going to end up with a little more lift than originally planned, and I found that the Toyo Open Country M/T comes in at 33.1". I am really interested in the Toyo's as I've heard great things about them, but I do have a concern (besides every dealer having them on backorder). The Open Country M/T only comes in a 13.50 width. While I like the look of a wide tire, I am concerned about any adverse handling this may cause. Will it be that much worse than a 12.50? What about the any negative effects on the axles? Any other thoughts or things I may need to consider? If not the Toyo's, I will likely go with the old standby BFG MT (price is pretty close to the same, but only 32.5").

Also, I am planning on going with 15x10 wheels. I had always assumed that I would go with the American Racing Outlaw II's, as I find their simple design to be timeless, but any advice on wheels would also be welcome.

 

I doubt a 1/2" in diameter is going to make that much of a difference for looks or function. And I doubt that you'd notice much of a difference with an 1" in width. If it was me I'd go narrower than wider and stick with the 12.5s, but I doubt you'd notice much difference going with a 13.5.

Narrower tires will be lighter and easier on the steering.

Kevo

 

You will get tire rub with either size.
Look at Interco also. Most of the Super Swampers are true or close to true size.

 

The Interco tires are about as close to true size as they come. However, 1/2" difference will not be very noticable when you look at how tall the tire is and it is basically only 1/4" smaller all the way around. From my experience though, the 1" width difference is very noticable, especially if you already have any rubbing. My dad's 73 had 10.5 wide tires on it and had no major issues, but I stole those tires and gave him a set to go on it temporarily that were 11.5 and he now has to do some more body work on the front fenders. Both were 31's with no lift on his Jeep, but the 31 x 10.5 fit fine. This is a different situation since we are talking about bigger tires, but width wise the difference will be noticable.

 

My 35" BFG MT's measure the same as my 37" TSL's half worn, installed on rims. Once the BF's are installed on rims they may measure less than 35 inches.

Paul

 

I'd go with a 34x9.50, but that's just me...

 

This vehicle will be used as a hunting rig, so it will be subjected to all types of terrain. Rocks, snow, mud, etc. I live in New Mexico, so I won't encounter that deep dark mud you see in other parts of the country. Our mud comes in a few variety's; 1) basic wet loam/dirt, 2) Clay (this stuff sucks, only vehicles I've ever seen succeed on this stuff are the ones with chains), 3) and Wet sand (this stuff is more tractable when wet). Other than the occasional mud encounter (ongoing drought in the southwest these days), we encounter a lot of sand, and even more rocks. Mainly sandstone in all types (ledges, broken up chunks, occasional slickrock sections), but we also encounter the large round river type rock. The only flats we've encountered while hunting have been due to punctured sidewalls whether by rock or stick/root. Durability (not necessarily tread life) is very important to me, with traction being a close second, so a tough sidewall is paramount.

I figure the width of the Toyo's will help in the sand and maybe even the rocks, but will it be a hindrance in the snow and mud? I am on the fence, as I've been a BFG guy for years. For some reason, these Toyo's have me intrigued. Normally I would not have considered them because they are outrageously priced. But, the 33x13.50r15 is only about $10 more per tire than the BFG. The non-15" variety are much more costly.

Thanks for all the advice so far! Gotta love advice from folks who use the products!

 

I have three sets of tires that I share between my jeeps. 35X12.50 and 33X12.50 pro comp mud terrains and a set of 33X12.50 TSL super swampers. My 74 sits tall and looks a lot better with the 35s on it. The pro comp mud terrains are about the same hight as the swampers. Maybe a tad taller. In the winter the swampers get tossed in a corner. They are down right terrible on the snow. I use the 33 pro comps on my plow jeep. I am very gentle with it but the mud terrain still gets enough traction that it broke a front axle. The pro comps tread pattern is very similar to the BFG MT. The swampers are terrible on the highway! They feel big and give a lot of feedback to the steering. My brother in law ran the toyos on his tow rig. IIRC he got 40k miles from them and was very satisfied. That was a street rig tho. I am sure you will be happy with whatever your choice is between the two. I think they are both great tires.

 

Is this everyone's opinion on TSL Super Swampers? I was looking forward to putting these on my rig, but I live in Michigan and 99% of time my Jeep will be in snow or sand. Are the Toyo's or BFGs better in snow?

 

ask 5 people you will get five different opinions. The swampers on my jeep in 2 wheel wouldn't pull out of my wifes car parking spot. The mud terrian tires with good siping seem to be a good comprimise.

 

I agree- I love my Scrambler's 34x9.50 TSLs in the snow, and my Q78s are on my DD '02 Wrangler year round.