Tire Size/Suspension

I've got a 59 CJ5 that I've been building up. I've got a 3" blackdiamond lift on it now and am trying to decide what size and style to run on it. I'm not planning on doing anything too crazy for wheelin- mainly light trails, probably a lot of snow/ice (ice fishing and it came with a plow) and probably some mud too. Right now it's got 32x12.50x15's on it just because I found some cheap American Racing Outlaw II wheel's that came with those on them. I've still got the stock manual Ross steering, and am not planning on upgrading that anytime in the near future (budget constraints and right now tires are shot and more of a necessity). I just dumped a bunch of money into putting disc brakes on the front and a dual reservoir master cylinder, so stopping shouldn't be too much of an issue. Stock Dana 25/44 axle's with 5.38's.

Right now I'm leaning towards BFGoodrich All-Terrains in 33x10.50x15. I like the idea of 33's (I don't think I can fit anything taller than that, if anyone has, let me know) and the narrower tire should be easier to turn without power steering and also dig through deep snow better. It's also the classic Jeep look with tall skinny tires. Are there any other good options for tall skinny tires? Especially ones that have decent ice/snow traction. I was thinking about adding greasable shackles, so could possibly clear a slightly taller tire if I get extended shackles, but I'm not going to do that unless I have a specific taller skinnier tire goal.

Any thoughts/experiences here would be appreciated.

 

Sounds like the 3" lift with 33s would be about right. I am running 31s with a 2.5 inch and have room for larger, but not really the gears (I have 3.73s).

The suggestion I have is to make sure that your wheels are not to wide. Some put 12.5 tires on 10 inch wide wheels, so you would not want to run 10.5s or narrower in my opinion. If they are 8 inch wheels, then you could go to the 10.5 or even a 9.5 (Super swamper makes a 32*9.5 FYI).

 

I have a 2 1/2" lift with 33x12.5x15 with out power steering. Sterring is not an issue for me. I figure if my 7 year old can turn the wheels on grass I don't have a issue.

 

Tires from this outfit should do ya.:
http://treadwright.com/default.aspx

They were tested and reviewed by JPMagazine on the CJ6 Hatari.