Just for fun

[claythomas]

I inherited (long story) a '97 wrangler 4 cly. (new jasper install) that is stock everything except a 4 in. suspension lift, 6 inch flared fenders and 31X10.5X 15. Problem is that it lookes undertired in my opinion in both width and height.

I not that much of a gear head and was wondering how to make the most out of this rig without a new drive train etc. I'd like to tire-up and out a size or two, but am unsure of the other modifications (exhaust, gearing) that would be necessary to not lose any power (like it has any) or braking. I not interested in any real heavy off road stuff, just taking my kids for some light 4x4in' and in the looks of the rig.

It leaves me scrathing my head when I see some of the 4 cyl. rigs on e-bay with 35's on them. What's the poop?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Gone&DoneIt]

Welcome.

You should be able to go up to at least 33's without any issues. 35's would work but you would need to re-gear. Probably step up to 4.56's and that is going to affect your fuel economy. More important than engine displacement is the gearing of the front and rear. That is what converts the work the engine does into the torque required to move bigger tires (don't blast me guys, I know there is a lot more to it than that, but for this fellas purposes...) Re-gearing isn't that expensive at all and will give you the feel of an entirely new vehicle as to torque, power, pull etc. If you inherited the Jeep, then slap a new set of gears in it (I think the going rate is around $300 per pumpkin now) and go with 35's. The following has a gearing and engine performance calculator it is pretty handy:

 

[Gone&DoneIt]

Here's a chart that is a little easier to follow:

http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartable.htm

 

[LVRockCrawler]

i'm running 33x12.5 and pretty happy w/the desert "jeep" trails i play on - 35's w/a 4" lift may net you some rub on the rear wheel openings if you flex well (i have some w/the 33's) - also the rims you use will impact the tire size you can run - wouldn't want to go much more than 11.5 wide w/stock rims - you'll figure it out - sounds like you have a great foundation to build on - the hardest part is done - now experiment, research, build, have fun, break it, fix it, break it, fix it, and repeat.... oh yea... welcom to JEEPZ! you'll like it here!

 

[Utah_jeepster]

Well I hate to add on some...but
The problem with going to 4:56 gears is you will have to change the carriers as well. your current gear set-up is 3:07 to 3:56. you can only go to 3:93 without changing your carriers. Thats the part where the ring gear bolts to and your axles slide into. You can get a cheap carrier for around 200-300$ per axle (a limited slip) or jump up to a Detroit or ARB for around 500-750$.
Either way it can get a bit pricey since most shops will charge 250$ to 500 per axle to install new gears and carriers.

Your best bet is to go with 33's and wait and see where your jeep takes you.