Why are 33s more popular than 32s

zband · 08-07-2005, 10:57 PM

I'm planning on doing a lift and have read a multitude of different posts concerning 33 vs 32s. Correct me if im wrong but there is a big jump in changes when one runs 33 s (loss of mpg, loss of accel). although figures tend to vary across the boards from what I estimate about a 30% drop in economy not to mention loss of acceleration (prior to regearing, which is another large cost)) and cost of new rims. People running 32's dont suffer these changes to such an extent - so this begs the question, why are most of the Jeep Forums members rigs are on 33's and from thier description it is their DD, why did you go 33 instead of 32s?

lack of available tire selection in 32's?
bigger is better?
Im totally off and the jeep is your second vehicle?
Im not trying to start a fire, but I would like to hear your reasoning...

Thanks
BTW 3.73's in the rear.

**Reelm n Rubi** · 08-07-2005, 11:00 PM

size matters!

capecodtjeep · 08-07-2005, 11:00 PM

I'm guessing bigger is better

I have 32's and they are more tire than most people would ever need.

**Rocky529** · 08-07-2005, 11:01 PM

3.73s will haul 33s. You will notice a lack of power, especially on the highway. A lot of people just get a BB and a 1" BL and stuff 33s under there. It is ok for everyday use but once you go offroad you're going to rub unless you bumpstop properly. It's all a matter of preference... 33s really work best under atleast 4.11 gearing and that's expensive to regear... only Rubicons come stock with that gearing and that's with 31s.

capecodtjeep · 08-07-2005, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky0529

3.73s will haul 33s. You will notice a lack of power, especially on the highway. A lot of people just get a BB and a 1" BL and stuff 33s under there. It is ok for everyday use but once you go offroad you're going to rub unless you bumpstop properly. It's all a matter of preference... 33s really work best under atleast 4.11 gearing and that's expensive to regear... only Rubicons come stock with that gearing and that's with 31s.

Oh, I must have a Rubicon

. I have a 97 4cyl w/ stock 4.11.

**Rocky529** · 08-07-2005, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capecodtjeep

Oh, I must have a Rubicon

. I have a 97 4cyl w/ stock 4.11.

Well I think you get the point

I always seem to leave you 4 cylinder people out of the mix

j/k j/k

But seriously, he'd still have to re-gear to atleast 4.88 if he got 33s with a 4 banger...

capecodtjeep · 08-07-2005, 11:11 PM

That's why they make 4LO. 33's on his 6cyl sahara would be fine.

**Rocky529** · 08-07-2005, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capecodtjeep

That's why they make 4LO. 33's on his 6cyl sahara would be fine.

Yea but DD dude... maintaining 65 mph on the highway. 33s would work with 3.73 no question..many people here use it. But like you say, 32s are a lot of meat that's plenty for me..atleast for now. We all go bigger eventually. A re-gear will help a lot with getting back that power though.

skenzer · 08-07-2005, 11:26 PM

I've run both 33's and 32's. In fact, the reason why I went to 32's is because there was THAT much of a difference in fuel economy and performance....with a stock setup mind you.
If I could have afforded to re-gear I would have most likely stuck with the 33's.
It's not the size of the tire...it's the man behind the wheel. :-)

gtex · 08-07-2005, 11:31 PM

I think most folks run 32s in the 11.5" width. That versus the 33s in the 12.5" width. i could be mistaken.

that extra width has the benefits of good looks, more off road traction. But a wider tire pushes more air and of course weighs even more, and I think this is where some of the mileage issues come from.

So, I think the 32 vs 33 debate is more than just diameter.

mcfoley · 08-07-2005, 11:43 PM

bottom line...more clearance that with 32's.
Yes, regearing is expensive...but if you do a lot of weelin'... ITS GREAT!!!

...also have you ever seen a built jeep... 6" lift with 32's

lathan888 · 08-08-2005, 08:25 AM

32 vs 33...not really that much more clearance...a touch. The main issue you see so many more people run 33s is very simple- tire options. There are only a few 32 inch tires out there in an 15 inch size...a few in 10:50 width and a few more in 11:50.

Move to a 33inch tire and you have hundreds of tire choices by all kinds of manufactures and in many different widths...9 inches up to 15 inches wide.

vballman · 08-08-2005, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcfoley

bottom line...more clearance that with 32's.
Yes, regearing is expensive...but if you do a lot of weelin'... ITS GREAT!!!

...also have you ever seen a built jeep... 6" lift with 32's

yeah my friend has a 6" lift with 32's because its also a daily driver. doesn't look that bad.

ctcjason · 08-08-2005, 10:47 AM

Right now I am looking at upgrading and have had the same questions. Why 33 or 32 and the hard part I am finding is most of the tires will come in a 31" or 33". BFG does carry the MT in 32" though....

DrD · 08-08-2005, 10:59 AM

Mine is sitting on 32" BFG MTs and they are perfectly fine.

08-07-2005, 11:31 PM	#10
gtex Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 245 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I think most folks run 32s in the 11.5" width. That versus the 33s in the 12.5" width. i could be mistaken. that extra width has the benefits of good looks, more off road traction. But a wider tire pushes more air and of course weighs even more, and I think this is where some of the mileage issues come from. So, I think the 32 vs 33 debate is more than just diameter. __________________ "Ted" 2005 Limited Unlimited Rubicon (Sahara edition 536/1000) Hard Top, Smittybilt SRC Bumpers, 8000lb Winch JKS 1.25" BL and 1" BMML, RE Budget Boost 285-75r16 Nitto Terra-Grapplers Gibson Stainless Cat-Back Exhaust JeepMedic high clearance skid [URL=http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/2005jeep.htm]Ted's Page[/URL]

08-08-2005, 10:47 AM	#14
ctcjason Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: MN Posts: 356 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Right now I am looking at upgrading and have had the same questions. Why 33 or 32 and the hard part I am finding is most of the tires will come in a 31" or 33". BFG does carry the MT in 32" though.... __________________ [url]http://www.mn-camping.com[/url] "Your Minnesota Camping Connection" [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][B]1998 TJ [/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Gun Metal Blue Jeep Club Member #4[/COLOR]

08-08-2005, 10:59 AM	#15
DrD Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: lat 35.183 , long -80.789 Posts: 327 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Mine is sitting on 32" BFG MTs and they are perfectly fine. __________________ RED JEEP CLUB MEMBER #344 2k2 TJ X it's not your average grocery-getter... 3.07 GEAR CLUB MEMBER #14 polish jeep owner club member # 15 Jeep pix

08-07-2005, 11:00 PM	#3
capecodtjeep Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: cape cod, ma Posts: 172 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I'm guessing bigger is better I have 32's and they are more tire than most people would ever need.

08-07-2005, 11:11 PM	#7
capecodtjeep Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: cape cod, ma Posts: 172 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	That's why they make 4LO. 33's on his 6cyl sahara would be fine.