Oversized tires are a popular addition to your favorite Jeep Wrangler, and depending on the size tire you choose, and the model of your Wrangler, you might be able to avoid adding a lift kit. However, you definitely need to inform yourself about tire size, lift options, and how they work with your model Wrangler.
An oversized tire is an especially nice addition to a Wrangler to allow for ground clearance since they are popular for offroading and rough road driving. But you also want to make sure you have a practical approach depending on your vehicle use.
Oversized Tire Considerations
As mentioned, adding a larger tire to your Wrangler creates a greater clearance to protect the body, frame, and differentials when riding over rough ground or offroading. It also is pretty cool looking and adds to the overall appearance.
It doesn’t come without a cost, however, and I’m not talking about the price of the tires and possible parts you may need. A larger tire will negatively affect gas mileage, and also add wear and tear to your vehicle parts. If you plan on driving your vehicle on a day to day basis, but also are looking for something a bit bigger than what comes standard with the vehicle, a 33 inch tire is a popular choice as it is a great mid-range option to provide the best of both worlds.
Can You Put 33 Inch Tires on a Jeep Wrangler Without a Lift?
In short, the answer is yes, you can put a 33 inch tire on a Jeep Wrangler. But, there is a catch. You have to have a JK/JKU model Wrangler to make this work. The JK model was released in 2006, and the JKU in 2007 to offer a longer wheelbase. The JK is a choice many make for more serious off road driving, while the JKU is a larger size for a family- but both handle great in rough terrain.
A 33 inch tire works well with a 15 or 16 inch stock rim without looking too large, or being overwhelmed by the rim width. But other model Wranglers don’t work as well without the addition of a kit and will result in rubbing and uneven wear on your tires.
What Else to Consider
The 33 inch tire without any modification is perfect for anyone who regularly drives their Jeep, but also likes to hit a trail and some minor offroading on the weekends. You may want to consider a 1.5 inch spacer on the Jeep Hub just to ensure you won’t have any rubbing going on if you get a little rough with it.
If you want to hit the trails a bit more often, or like to get more aggressive off-roading from time to time, you definitely want to consider a low profile lift kit. A simple 2.5 inch body lift option will do the trick nicely without taking away from your street-ability and tanking your gas mileage.
Conclusion
If you are looking to add a 33 inch tire to your Jeep Wrangler, with no lift addition- you most certainly can as long as you have a JK/JKU model, and aren’t looking to tear it up offroad. This is a great size tire to add without having to alter your vehicle height, although a slight spacer is often preferred for a bit of extra clearance if you do like to trail ride. If more aggressive off roading is planned, you might want to consider a body lift to ensure you won’t have any major issue with rub.
Let us know if you have any more questions, and, as always, please share.