Really confused...2.5L, 15x7 steel rims, tires???

OwnAccord · 07-19-2002, 12:00 PM

I have been posting like crazy and keep getting more confused.

I currently have a 98 SE 2.5 (4 cylinder) wrangler with stock 15x7 steel rims (an upgrade from the usual 15x6 rim). The tires are 215's....

I would like a more aggressive looking tire that fills some more space in the wheel well.

I understood I could get 30x9.5's but I just called Firestone and they will not even install this size. The guy I spoke with had a jeep and he said that with the 4 cylinder I probably do not want to deviate much from the OEM otherwise I will see a pretty noticeable lack of power.... he said if anything, go from the 215's to 235's.

What is the final word on this? Any other 4 cylinder owners with input? Thanks

RedheadJeepin'Girl · 07-19-2002, 12:13 PM

The tire guys are fulla BS. I have a 4 banger, and I run 32's quite comfortably. It was NEVER easy to go over 80 with stock tires, now I feel that lag at 70-75. Big deal, Jeeps aren't built for speed. But with my gearing, I'm still peppy around town and have enough power to please me.
As for your wheels, I'd say not to go higher than the 30's without going to a 15x8 wheel. Then you could go up tons more.

'drack · 07-19-2002, 12:28 PM

Install a couple washers on your steering stops to prevent rubbing, go to Sears and buy a set of 31" BFG's

. Or whatever tire you had in mind, but I'd recommend a set of BF AT's for your application

. There's plenty of room under a stock TJ for these and with the adjustment I mentioned, they'll fit fine. Add 15x8's when you wanna upgrade and then go nuts

.

Keith

TexasJeepin' · 07-19-2002, 12:50 PM

15X8 wheels 31x10.5 mudders on a 4 banger no sweat.

15x7 stock with 31X10.5 all terrs. no probs (it is a 4.0)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid26/p2c06b0d9a9b4d15b3f7d4269273879b9/fd83f09e.jpg

like drake said they are full of crap / does not know what he is talking about.

TexasJeepin' · 07-19-2002, 12:52 PM

My bad, like the red headed jeppin' girl said.

We just don't get this question enough.

'drack · 07-19-2002, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TexasJeepin'
We just don't get this question enough.

Are you toying with me now

????

Keith

TexasJeepin' · 07-19-2002, 01:15 PM

hmmmmmmmmmm, could be.

WrangledTJ · 07-19-2002, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 'drack
Install a couple washers on your steering stops to prevent rubbing, go to Sears and buy a set of 31" BFG's . Or whatever tire you had in mind, but I'd recommend a set of BF AT's for your application . There's plenty of room under a stock TJ for these and with the adjustment I mentioned, they'll fit fine. Add 15x8's when you wanna upgrade and then go nuts .

Keith

Yeah...what he said.

dooz · 07-19-2002, 04:17 PM

and dont worry bout lack of power... im running 33" (no re-gear)and still love my 4 banger!

oh yeah, also on 15x7"

WETYET · 07-19-2002, 04:31 PM

I have a 4 banger too. I am slowly upgrading my TJ972.5 and I can tell you for a fact that increasing the tire size will cause a loss of power. However, I am running size 30 tires and I have plent of power. My jeep is mostly stock and it does fine with this size. If you want larger than 31 prepare to spend between 2,000-3,000 for upgrades. The width depends on what you can get away with. If you want the tires to stick out by a hair I would get 9.5 or 10. 10.5 to 11 may work better in terms of style but 12 will catch the eye of a cop. I would contact the DMV and find out if you are limited to laws. Most states say the tire must be the width of the tire well. If you go beyond the well expect to pay 300-400 dollars to get new flairs. Hope that helps.

On a budget: 31x10x15 on stock rims
Not on budget: 31x11.x15 on 15x8 rims

WrangledTJ · 07-19-2002, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dooz
and dont worry bout lack of power... im running 33" (no re-gear)and still love my 4 banger!

oh yeah, also on 15x7"

Sounds just like my set up....except I've got 15x8 AR 767's and I turn bias ply TSL's...

dooz · 07-19-2002, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WrangledTJ
Sounds just like my set up....

hahahahahahah!!! nooooo, it dont sound like your set-up!!! maybe in a couple of years!!

that lil 2.5L is a beast on 4Lo

K9JEEP · 07-19-2002, 10:37 PM

People still use Firestone after all the crap that happened the last few years??

Get to sears and buy Mud/BFG's, tell them what you want. Usually the guys there get greedy when playing with Jeeps and want to play with the sizes.. makes everyone happy.

TJBrowder · 07-20-2002, 10:53 PM

OwnAccord,

Another 4 banger owner here....

My jeep has a 3" lift, and I am running 33" tires on steel wheels. I have not regeared the jeep, and I have no major issues with power. Sure, I won't be toasting any Mustangs or Porsche's, but that's not my jeep's mission.

On the highway, you will find me shifting between 4th and 5th to maintain 70 mph. Around town...no problems.

Off road, my jeep still finds ways to amaze me.

Good luck with whatever you decide....I hope my opinion is of some use to you.

Raider TJ · 07-21-2002, 03:51 PM

We did the following on our '97 2.5liter.

15x8 black steel rims
31X10.5X15 Goodyear MT/R's

There was a noticable difference on the freeway when going up any hill. We can't use 5th gear much, but it still rides real nice. I would recommend it, without reservation, unless you do a lot of freeway commuting in hilly country. The difference off road is unbelievable. Yesterday we installed our Old Man Emu suspension and WOW. Went wheelin' all day and this setup really kicks *** offroad.

07-19-2002, 12:13 PM	#2
RedheadJeepin'Girl Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Lousyana Posts: 118 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The tire guys are fulla BS. I have a 4 banger, and I run 32's quite comfortably. It was NEVER easy to go over 80 with stock tires, now I feel that lag at 70-75. Big deal, Jeeps aren't built for speed. But with my gearing, I'm still peppy around town and have enough power to please me. As for your wheels, I'd say not to go higher than the 30's without going to a 15x8 wheel. Then you could go up tons more. __________________ 2000 TJ with mods and stuff. My web page: [url]http://www.geocities.com/redheadedjeepingirl/index.html[/url]

07-19-2002, 12:28 PM	#3
'drack Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Eastern Pa... Posts: 1,718 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Install a couple washers on your steering stops to prevent rubbing, go to Sears and buy a set of 31" BFG's . Or whatever tire you had in mind, but I'd recommend a set of BF AT's for your application . There's plenty of room under a stock TJ for these and with the adjustment I mentioned, they'll fit fine. Add 15x8's when you wanna upgrade and then go nuts . Keith __________________ [b]'00 TJ with some stuff[/b]

07-19-2002, 12:50 PM	#4
TexasJeepin' Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 63 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	15X8 wheels 31x10.5 mudders on a 4 banger no sweat. 15x7 stock with 31X10.5 all terrs. no probs (it is a 4.0) http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid26/p2c06b0d9a9b4d15b3f7d4269273879b9/fd83f09e.jpg like drake said they are full of crap / does not know what he is talking about. __________________ -gene 97TJ 2.5L Pavement Sucks! 31X10.5 BFG MT/AR Atlas Polished/Sony CDX-M730,2 10in Subs custom box,800W Sony Amp.,Rockford Fosgate power supply,Cerwin-Vega and Sony dash and sound bar replacements. Olympic Front Bumper/Rancho Shocks and Steering Stab./Fire Ext./Slush Mats/Spare mount Saris Ski & Bike rack [url=http://www.imagestation.com/mypictures/index.html]My Ride[/url]

07-19-2002, 12:52 PM	#5
TexasJeepin' Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 63 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	My bad, like the red headed jeppin' girl said. We just don't get this question enough. __________________ -gene 97TJ 2.5L Pavement Sucks! 31X10.5 BFG MT/AR Atlas Polished/Sony CDX-M730,2 10in Subs custom box,800W Sony Amp.,Rockford Fosgate power supply,Cerwin-Vega and Sony dash and sound bar replacements. Olympic Front Bumper/Rancho Shocks and Steering Stab./Fire Ext./Slush Mats/Spare mount Saris Ski & Bike rack [url=http://www.imagestation.com/mypictures/index.html]My Ride[/url]

07-19-2002, 01:15 PM	#7
TexasJeepin' Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 63 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	hmmmmmmmmmm, could be. __________________ -gene 97TJ 2.5L Pavement Sucks! 31X10.5 BFG MT/AR Atlas Polished/Sony CDX-M730,2 10in Subs custom box,800W Sony Amp.,Rockford Fosgate power supply,Cerwin-Vega and Sony dash and sound bar replacements. Olympic Front Bumper/Rancho Shocks and Steering Stab./Fire Ext./Slush Mats/Spare mount Saris Ski & Bike rack [url=http://www.imagestation.com/mypictures/index.html]My Ride[/url]

07-19-2002, 04:31 PM	#10
WETYET Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 41 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I have a 4 banger too. I have a 4 banger too. I am slowly upgrading my TJ972.5 and I can tell you for a fact that increasing the tire size will cause a loss of power. However, I am running size 30 tires and I have plent of power. My jeep is mostly stock and it does fine with this size. If you want larger than 31 prepare to spend between 2,000-3,000 for upgrades. The width depends on what you can get away with. If you want the tires to stick out by a hair I would get 9.5 or 10. 10.5 to 11 may work better in terms of style but 12 will catch the eye of a cop. I would contact the DMV and find out if you are limited to laws. Most states say the tire must be the width of the tire well. If you go beyond the well expect to pay 300-400 dollars to get new flairs. Hope that helps. On a budget: 31x10x15 on stock rims Not on budget: 31x11.x15 on 15x8 rims Last edited by WETYET; 07-19-2002 at 04:35 PM..

07-19-2002, 10:37 PM	#13
K9JEEP Registered Abuser Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: WTF, VA Posts: 1,627 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	People still use Firestone after all the crap that happened the last few years?? Get to sears and buy Mud/BFG's, tell them what you want. Usually the guys there get greedy when playing with Jeeps and want to play with the sizes.. makes everyone happy. __________________ K9Jeep Http://www.dso4x4.com

07-20-2002, 10:53 PM	#14
TJBrowder Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: TEXAS Posts: 129 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	OwnAccord, Another 4 banger owner here.... My jeep has a 3" lift, and I am running 33" tires on steel wheels. I have not regeared the jeep, and I have no major issues with power. Sure, I won't be toasting any Mustangs or Porsche's, but that's not my jeep's mission. On the highway, you will find me shifting between 4th and 5th to maintain 70 mph. Around town...no problems. Off road, my jeep still finds ways to amaze me. Good luck with whatever you decide....I hope my opinion is of some use to you. __________________ '01 TJ, 3" BDS lift, OME LT Shocks, 32" Goodyear MT/R's, Eagle Alloy 1869's, Warn Rock-Slider rocker skids, JKS discos, KC's, Alpine deck, Infinity noise makers, Hi-Lift mounted on front bumper and fire extinquisher mounted on tranny tunnel...... [b]Green Jeep Club Member #6[/b]

07-21-2002, 03:51 PM	#15
Raider TJ Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 5 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	We did the following on our '97 2.5liter. 15x8 black steel rims 31X10.5X15 Goodyear MT/R's There was a noticable difference on the freeway when going up any hill. We can't use 5th gear much, but it still rides real nice. I would recommend it, without reservation, unless you do a lot of freeway commuting in hilly country. The difference off road is unbelievable. Yesterday we installed our Old Man Emu suspension and WOW. Went wheelin' all day and this setup really kicks *** offroad. __________________ 97 TJ, hard top, 4 banger, 31x10.50 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R, Rock Crawler black wheels, OME suspention, 3/4" Tereflex coil spacers, belly up terra flex skid plate, 2, 12 inch bolt subs, much, much more to come...