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33x10.5's Vs 33x12.50's Help Me Choose

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Norcal69, Sep 2, 2019.

  1. Sep 2, 2019
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
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    Post rubicon......I am preparing for future trips. The rubicon rashed my wheels up pretty good and chunked out some tread spots. I love my current aluminum slot wheels and 31x10.5 duratrac tires but want to put together a wheel and tire package that I can throw on for rubicon/ heavy wheeling camping trips. This would preserve my pretty wheels and tires for what my jeep does 75% of the time (daily driving, freeway, ranch dirt roads). The 31" duratrac is only 29" tall @ 18psi and 27" tall when aired down, so the 33" will give welcome diff clearance even when aired down. Changing wheels/tires is only a 10 min job with my tools on hand.

    I'm looking at several sets of 33" BFG KM'2s. Tires are used but are all 50% tread and very inexpensive..... whole set will only be $300
    I need to make the decision between 10.5 and 12.5 wide. I have a set of 7" wide and a set of 8" wide steel wheels that I wont mind rashing and bashing. My Yj springs give plenty of height to handle the 33" tire.
    What width would you guys choose?
     
  2. Sep 2, 2019
    Iandavidh

    Iandavidh Member

    California
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    I would go with the 12.50s if you are only doing the hard wheeling with them
     
  3. Sep 2, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    I'm planning on going to 33x10. 5 for my next set, I think the wider tires are unnecessary and add extra weight and stress.
     
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  4. Sep 2, 2019
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    I agree. My current 33's are 12.5", but my next set will be 10.5".
     
  5. Sep 2, 2019
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    10.5 on 7" rims would be my choice.
     
  6. Sep 2, 2019
    3b a runnin

    3b a runnin Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    virginia
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    33x12.5 General Grabber AT's on my tan cj5. throws a lot of mud and water without flares. I'll have 10.5 next time
     
  7. Sep 2, 2019
    Thean

    Thean Member

    HSB Idaho
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    10.5
    I’d “hammer to fit, file to clear” a 35, if 12.50 width was a requirement. Especially if it’s going to be aired down a majority of the time using them.
     
  8. Sep 2, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    The traction increase between a 10.50 and 12.50 is a lot more than it feels like it should be. Their ability to envelop obstacles rather than just ride on top of them is all the difference in the world.

    10.50 for street, 12.50 for trail, no contest.
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2019
    Iandavidh likes this.
  9. Sep 3, 2019
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    I ran 32 x 11.5 before my current 33 x 10.5 and like these better. I have never tried a set of 12.5 but mine rub a bit now and I think the 12.5's would just be worse.
    Interested to see what you decide.
     
  10. Sep 3, 2019
    Rozcoking23

    Rozcoking23 RUN & GET BIT! 2024 Sponsor

    Stockton, CA
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    I'm running 33x12.5......they tore up my rear fenders
     
  11. Sep 3, 2019
    Jrobz23

    Jrobz23 Member

    Northern, WI
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    I prefer the 10.5 but then again, I like to keep the one set going. Given the two sets you can go ultra aggressive on the trail set.
     
  12. Sep 3, 2019
    neohic

    neohic Gentleman Jeepist

    Woodland Park, CO
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    Agreed 100%. 33x10.5s look SO good though.
     
  13. Sep 3, 2019
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
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    33 x 12.5 on mine. They rearranged some sheet metal at the back of the rear fenders before i had custom springs made. I've given up some turning radius adjusting the stops to keep the tread from rubbing the springs.

    On the other hand they are great in the desert washes and deep sand. Aired way down it rides like a pillow barge on hard pack, rocky trails.
     
  14. Sep 3, 2019
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Thank you for the replies guys. All of your individual preferences is the exact reason why I'm so torn. There are pros and cons to both.
    When I got my jeep it had 33x13.50's stuffed on 8" rims...... I didn't care for that combo but I'm sure that aired down in the sand it was awesome.
     
  15. Sep 3, 2019
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    The 12.5" tore up your fenders because they didn't tuck in?
     
  16. Sep 3, 2019
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    33x10.5 KM2s - I like the better contact pressure you get with the 10.5s on the wheeling I do. The 12.5s 'float' better, but I prefer and need the 'dig' I get with the 10.5s.
     
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  17. Sep 3, 2019
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    There's a definite disconnect between Eastern and Western wheeling. Everything is a compromise, what will you do the most of? I'm an Eastern wheeler, I tend to need a somewhat narrower tire and more lift.
     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2019
  18. Sep 3, 2019
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    These are going to be rubicon wheeling and similar type tires. Just like in the videos posted in the rubicon thread.
     
  19. Sep 3, 2019
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    That is why I like the 10.5's. Mine tuck in completely. There may be a little contact at the front of the rear fender at full compression. I am running a very old (24 years) 2.5" Rancho lift though.
     
  20. Sep 3, 2019
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
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    My 33X12.5X15 on 8" wide wheels still took a few bits out of the rims. (I expected that.)
     
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