To begin Phase-1 of my Project-JK build up, I set out to get my Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited lifted tall enough to clear 35″ tires and to be able to do it on a really tight budget. And, while I was able to accomplish the lift I needed with a TeraFlex 2.5″ Budget Boost, I found it hard to compromise on what kind of wheels and tires I should run. After all, a good set of tires play a huge part in how well your Jeep will perform on the trail and for me personally, I have always been of the mindset that it makes more sense to buy a set of good tires I know I can trust than to buy a set that might be more affordable but will end up leaving me sitting high and dry when I really need them the most. And, to complicate things even more, it would seem that finding a decent set of wheels and tires that will actually fit the JK’s odd 5×5 bolt pattern hasn’t exactly been the easiest thing to do especially since they are in such high demand right now and supplies are so limited.
Anyway, with just a couple of weeks left before the 2007 Moab Easter Jeep Safari, I needed to get some new tires and I needed to get them fast. So, I decided to make a few calls to my sponsoring vendors to see if anyone could help me out and as luck would have it, 4 Wheel Drive Hardware was able to come to my rescue. The only catch was, the only tires they had available in the size I wanted was the brand new Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains. And, being such a new tire that hasn’t had much if any real testing on the trail or otherwise, I have to admit that I was a bit reluctant to go with these at first. But after examining its tread design and doing a bit of reading on all its features, I decided someones got to give them a real test sooner or later and it might as well be me. Need I say, with just a few days to spare, 4 Wheel Drive Hardware shipped over a complete set of five 315/70R17 Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrain Tires mounted and balanced on a set of great looking 17×9 Pro Comp Series 8179 Black Powder Coat Wheels that have 4.75″ of back spacing.
So, how have the Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains been performing? Well, I can tell you that since I got them about a month ago, I have racked up about 3,000 miles on the odometer with a good 1,500 miles of that being put on driving out to Moab, Utah and wheeling the hell of the them there. And, I’d have to say that I’m pleasantly surprised as to how much I really like these tires! Although they do tend to sing a bit louder at highway speeds than did the factory BFGoodrich Mud Terrains I was running before, it really isn’t by much and I suppose some of it could just be from the tires being larger in size. But, unlike the BFGoodrich M/T’s, the Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains have a tread design that includes sipping on its lugs and I have found them to offer much better traction on wet/slippery roads. On the trail, I found that the sticky rubber compound used in the construction of this tire provided superior grip on the slick rocks of Moab and helped make my JK to conquer just about every obstical that I could throw at it.
As far as tire wear goes, I am currently running my 315/70R17 Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains at about 26 PSI which I have found to provide a good footprint that allows them to wear nice and evenly. In fact, in the 3,000 miles that I have put on them, I have actually seen very little signs of wear unlike I have seen in the same amount of time on other tires I have run in the past. At this rate, I would hope to see at least 40,000 miles of usable life out of them and most likely even more than that. And at about $250 a piece, every mile you can get out of a tire makes it that much more of a value.
Now, in all fairness, I will have to say that I did loose one tire while I was in Moab and that was only because I needed to back my JK off the trail a bit to let some other Jeeps pass and in doing so, I ended up lancing one of my sidewalls on a short hard and dry 1/2″ thick tree branch sticking out of the ground (yes, I am kicking myself for not opting to get the optional Road Hazzard warranty). And, to be quite honest, I’m not sure if any tire short of a super thick bias ply tire would have been able to resist being puntured as well. Fortunately for me, Jeff from Superior Axle & Gear and Tim from Motive Gear both jumped in to help me to get the tire changed quickly and David from Northridge4×4 was able to succesfully patch it up with a Safety Seal Tire Repair Kit allowing me to still use it as a viable trail spare until I could get it replaced (NOTE: A sidewall plug is by no means safe and should not be used for on-road/highway use).
Without a doubt, I will have to revisit this review once I’ve put on a substantially greater amount of miles on these tires to know for sure what the long term effect really is. But for now, if you were to ask me if I would recommend these tires to you, I would have to give them a resounding YES!
Click here to see more Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrian and Series 8179 Wheel Pics
Eddie
Special Thanks: Again, I would like to thank 4 Wheel Drive Hardware for all their help and support. If you’re looking for a set of wheels and tires for your Jeep JK Wrangler, these guys have one of the biggest selections to choose from.
One question regarding the lift on a JK rubicon. I was wondering if doing a lift on the JK had any effect on the auto sway bar disconnects. I’m considering buying a JK and would definately lift it. Although, I wouldn’t want to lose the cool auto disconnects.
Hi C.James,
No, a lift will not effect the functionality of your e-discos and so long as you install new longer sway bar links, it will not effect the performance either.
Eddie
Nice wheels, I am planning on completing the same lift on my JK Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited that I purchased last weekend. Did you need spacers to prevent rubbing?
Nope - just make sure to get your wheels with 4.75″ of back spacing and you’ll be fine.
Eddie
I love the way your rig stands. Noticed you had the Warn/LoD bumper combo. With that Teraflex BB and that size wheel combo, would you foresee any rubbing issues on the stock bumpers w/o any further mods. Actually, I am looking to fit that lift with some 35×12.5-18 Pro Comp Xtreme A/T’s w/ 18×9 Pro Comp 1069’s (not sure if they are 4.5 bs or 4.75 bs or whether that will matter). Thanks!
Hi HatchetMan,
With the stock bumpers, you would see some rubbing at a full turn up front on the air dam and possibly in the rear at a full stuff.
Eddie
How are the tires holding up. I just ordered a set and wanted to know if you are still thinking they are a good choice.
thanks Rob
hello, with the 2″ body lift space kit. what is the best tire deal?
mexica
Hi bucjeep, I have been punishing these tires over the past couple of months and can tell you this. Traction wise, these things rock on and off the trail - super grippy tires. Road noise level has not increased over time but then, I do rotate every 3,000 miles. I have however seen a little bit of chunking of the lugs but again, I have been punishing these tires and would have been surprised if I didn’t. Last but not least, if you get these tires, make sure to have the white walls mounted in. Mine showed up white out by mistake but just kept it that way and now, the sidewalls kinda look like crap.
javier, I would not recommend installing a 2″ Body Lift on your Jeep. A 2″ Coil Spacer Lift is fine and with that, you can easily fit 33″ tires.
Eddie
Eddie
what did u mean by
” I would not recommend installing a 2″ Body Lift on your Jeep. A 2″ Coil Spacer Lift is fine and with that, you can easily fit 33″ tires.”"
I didn’t get my JK till now? but i’m planing to lift it and get some tires.
But i don’t want to have so much of lift like u do(with35″tires+2.5″BB).
because i will be using my future JK on road for like 70% of driving time and rest safari(desert).
so what u thing of 1-1.5″ lift + 32 or 33″ tires?
(i have to do it, because stock bumber is too big and it will be damaged after 1st safari without any lift)
Hi Sats, a body lift will only raise your body up off the frame and not do much else. And, anything more than 1″ will not only look ugly, it will also require you to do a lot of routing and relocating of things like AC lines, fuel lines, shifters, etc. For your purposes, I would recommend getting a Full Traction 2″ Budget Boost as it is specifically designed to work perfectly with 32″-33″ tires and will give you better performance on the trail.
Eddie
I’m glad i found your site. i just ordered the pro comp 8179’s last week and was wondering how they’d look on my jeep. i am relieved to see them on yours. i’m new to jeeps so i don’t have a lift yet. what i got with the wheels were some 265/70 16 bfgoodrich a/t ko. should be here in about two weeks. thanks for posting this out here.
First off I have read your comments on this forum and you have already saved me money and time. I am off to get a set of ProComp wheels and tires. I noticed on your write up about the Wheels and Tires you state 17×9 wheels and 4.75 backspace. In the pics is reads 17×8 wheels and 4.5 backs space…Just wanting to make the right decesion on this purchase. Thanks in advance for any imput.
Hi Ducatijr, I apologize for the typos but the wheels are actually 17×8 with 4.75″ of BS.
Eddie
I just bought a 4 door jk and 2.5 lift by skyjacker/w nitro shocks and some 18×9 with 4.75 of BS pro comp rims 6089 series with 33×12.50 super swampers TRXUS MT’s and my question is should I have went with 35’s let me know
Not necessarily - 33’s are by far a much better fit and with them, you shouldn’t have any rubbing issues when wheeling.
Eddie
Thanks for the input Eddie I will post some photos when I get it all put together.
Hi Eddie,
I was wondering with the 35’s did you have to take it back to the dealer to recalibrate anything. Just bought mine and concerned with all the electronics and trying to figure out how to maneuver around lifetime warranty.
Just found your site I want to do 2inch lift do you recomend one over another? will I be able to fit a 295 70 17 on thr stock rims with no rubbing. looking at nitto teragraplers any recomrndation is helpfull this is my first jeep. thanks
Hey Eddie,
I was just wondering if I have no lift on my 07′ Unlimited X and I put 1,5″ spacers on it what are the biggest tires I can put on it?
I’ve been told 32×10.5 what do you think?
sorry 32×9.5 is the size and also will those fit on the factory rims?
Hi Rubi Russ, the dealership cannot calibrate your speedo if you have tires larger than 32″. I am looking into other means to deal with this now and will post my results as soon as I can.
Hey Charles, I personally have run the TeraFlex 2.5″ BB and thought it was by far the most complete kit available on the market today. As far as your tires go, yes you should be able to fit 295’s on stock rims with little to no rubbing.
Hey Luke, the factory Rubicon tires measure to about 32×10.50 and so you should have no problems with them. As far as spacers go, are you talking about wheel spacers or coil spacers? If you are refering to wheel spacers, you can easily fit a 12.50 wide tire without any problems.
Eddie
Greetings,
I am somewhat new to the jeep world as I recently bought a Jeep JK.
I am considering getting the 2.5 inch Tera Flex BB and 35 inch tires. My jeep is mostly stock at the moment which leads me to my question. Are there any upgrades that I should get in preparation for 35 inch tires? Would a stock JK be able to handle them? To give an idea of what my current stock setup is, I have a dana 44 rear axle, 6- speed manual with 4.10 gears. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
-John.
Hi John, in order to run 35’s, I would recommend no less than a 2.5″ BB to a 3″ suspension lift. Without one of them, you will have rubbing issues. Also, you need to consider the width of your tires as most 35″ tires measure 12.50″ wide or more. And, this will be a problem if you try to run them on stock wheels which have 6.25″ of back spacing. For this width, you really need to run wheel spacers or new wheels with 5″ of BS or less.
Eddie
Wayoflife (Eddie),
Thank you for this valuable information on the ProComp Xtreme MT. I just bought mine here in Nashville, taking advantage of the buy 3 get one free sale.
Thanks for the info, I also took advantage of the 3 for one deal on the Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains, put them on my stock 2004 Ford F250 and love them. I only had them on the street so far, 285X75X16 or 33’s, and they handle much better than the stock load rated tires. The tires are not too loud but humm nicely on the road, had them at 80MPH with no vibrating. The truck seems to float on the road more than with the hard stock tires (General Ameritrac) that hit every bump hard. I also noticed alot of stares at the lights I was sitting at, I gusee because of the side tread. I can’t wait to try them off road this weekend.
Hey, great website!!! I just received (FINALLY) my 2008 Rubicon 2dr. It is in color stone white like your project JK as well. I have a question, what is the overall height of your JK with the 2.5inch Teraflex lift plus the procomp wheels and tires? I am thinking of adding the same mod as you have except I am afraid it wont fit in my garage.
Thanks for the reply. I have told all my local Jeep owner friends about your site. Kudos to you for a job well done!!!
I have a question that probably has been asked a thousand times already, but I can’t find a good answer. I have the 2007 JK Sahara unlimited with a skyjacker 4″ lift kit and I am going to be installing BFGoodrich Allterrain KO wheels 315/70/17. I need some advice on the rims with width, back spacing recommendations and where I could look to find good price for those wheels. The concern with the back spacing I have is Skyjacker suggesting a 4.5″ back spacing and I am having a terrible time finding affordable rims of that size. Can I use a rim with a 4.75 or even 5″ back spacing? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
You might be able to get away with 4.75″ but you will most likely see some rubbing at a full turn. At least, I do on mine now. In all honesty, you should try to find a wheel closer to 4″ of BS than 5″.
Eddie
IS IT POSSABLE TO RUN 35′ AT STOCK JK HEIGHT NO LIFT? WANT TO GET PRO COMPS LIKE YOURS WANT A BB LIFT BUT IT’S ONE OR THE OTHER RIGHT NOW CAUSE OF MONEY AND THE RIMS MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERANCE TO THE LOOK OF THE JK
I suppose it’s possible but you will most likely have rubbing issues when turning and will definitely have them if you go off roading. Plus, they will most likely be too wide for your factory wheels which have 6.25″ of back spacing. If you do this, you really will need at least a set of 1.5″ wheel spacers.
Eddie
Hello Eddie,
I first just wanted to say thank you for all the time you take out of your day to help everyone out!
This is what I plan to do to my 4dr rubi.. TF 2.5BB 305/70/R17 goodyear MT/R’s. I know if I stay with the stock rubi wheels I will need wheel spacers. What size would I need? Would 1.5″ be enough or should I get 2″? If I go with aftermarket wheels and these tires would 4.75 backspacing be ok as well. Sorry for all the questions!! =)
I was wondering about a 4″ superlift and a 1″ spacer kit…. is there a problem combining the two? I’d like to install 37″s. What do you think?
Hi Jake,
Actually, 1.5″ would be perfect and I would recommend that. As far as aftermarket wheels go, yes, you should be just fine with 4.75″ of backspacing.
Eddie
One more question I forgot to ask you.. I’m debating on the 2.5BB vs the 3″BB from teraflex. With the size tires i’m going to run (305/70/R17) should I just go with the 3″ and if so can you comment on the ride difference? About the same, better, worse? Also will I need to factor in anything else with a .5″ higher lift?
Thanks again Eddie!!!
Honestly, for the tires you are going to be running, I would just go with the 2.5″ BB. Because it is using your factory coils and shocks, your ride should stay pretty much the same as what you have now. If you do go the extra .5″, I would recommend picking up a set of adjustable front and rear track bars as without them,your axle shift will start to be more noticable.
Eddie
Will I need to make any adjustments with the 2.5″ BB as far as the axle’s shifting? I just want to make sure that the suspension is sitting square under the body. =)
Without the addition of adjustable track bars, your axles will shift a bit but it really is no big deal and it should not effect the way your Jeep drives, handles or even causes your tires to wear. Need I say, you will be just fine without it. New coils tend to measure taller than advertised and that’s why I recommended addressing your trackbars with a 3″ coil lift.
Eddie
I just installed my BB 2.5 lift + R track relocating bracket. Looks great minor rubbing on my right rear rim (wheel weight) from the link bolt head. I order my 1.5 spacer- this should solve my issue with the rubbing. My rims are factory 18×7.5 and stock tire,255/70r18. With my new wheel spacers and stock rims, I should be able to fit 33 inch tires on my stock rims. What would you recommend for tire size for my 18 rims. I have no issues with the lift: pulling, ESP, just the minor rubbing in the Right rear on a right turn and that is with 3 people sitting in the back seat.
So long as you get the wheel spacers, I would think you could easily fit a 305×70R-18 and I know that the Xtreme M/T’s are available in this size.
Eddie
If I run 35″ tires do you think a rubicon with 4.10 will need to be regeared?
Need? No - may want? Yes. If you have a 6-speed, you will be fine for sure and with an auto, pick up an Accu Pro to recalibrate your speedo and your shift points will feel a lot better.
Eddie
Thanks Eddie. This sight rocks.
WOULD I HAVE TO GET SOMETHING TO MODIFY THE REAR GATE FOR THE SPARE TIRE OR WILL A 35″ TIRE FIT ON THE FACTORY EQUIPMENT?
It’ll be tight but it will fit just barely. It’ll also be a LOT of weight for the tailgate and I personally would recommend that you get a bumper tire carrier.
Eddie
Hey Eddie, I’m deployed in Al Anbar, Iraq right now and limited on what I can reseach. I was set on running the new BFG KM2 but looking more to the Pro Comp, they seem to have a better rep. My question is, from what you’ve read, what seems like a better deal for street life and off-road. Like sats, I’ll be doing a lot of on road driving, so I need something that’s not going to tear up like some cepeks on the hardball. Over all the seem pretty similar, but BFG seems to boast a better side wall.
Also, any problems with the Lod bumpers? I’ve been hearing a lot of good things and was leaning towards them.
Hi Matt,
To be honest, I had always been a big BFG fan as their tires had such a long tread life but started using other brands like TrXus as the BFG I ran always seemed to have WEAK sidewalls. With the exception of the one hole I got in Moab a couple years back, I have not had any other sidewall issues or otherwise and I’ve been so happy with these tires that I picked up a set of 37’s for my TJ. Grip is outstanding on the trail and onroad performance is in my opinion better than the BFG’s as they are siped and have a similar pattern to the Toyo’s which are proven to be good in slick conditions. The only drawback to these tires is that they are soft and seem to wear faster than BFG’s. But, the soft rubber compound definitely make them better on the rocks.
Eddie
eddie i have just purchased a 08 jk. i want to put some 37 on it. I was wondering if a 4 inch superlift kit would allow 37 they clam on there website it can with small mods.wha my questions are what size of wheel u recomend? what tire? i plan to off road it this is my first jeep!! any help is appreciated
Hi Tony, 4″ of lift should get you clearing 37’s for the most part but as mentioned, you would need to trim the corners off the pinch seams so that they don’t cut into your rear tires. If you have a Rubicon, you will have to trim the rocker guards as well. Also, it has been my experience that you may still need to add a 1″ body lift to clear your fenders at a full stuff. Other things to take into consideration is that at this height, you really want to start thinking about aftermarket drivelines and adjustable control arms so that you can set your rear pinion angle for them as well dial in your caster to compensate for your tires/lift. Otherwise, I would recommend these tires in a 37 if you know what you are getting yourself into.
Eddie
Hello… I just ordered a 2008 Sahara and am looking to replace the tires and wheels as soon as it gets here…i wanna go as big as possible with little or no tire hanging out of my wheel well and without any lift or making any modifications…I was looking at getting Outlaw 2’s (15×8) and putting bf goodrich all terrains on them, however someone told me the 15″ wheel would not work on the JK due to the brakes??? what are my options as far as size is concerned for my wheels and also my tires???
Thank-u for your help
what you heard is correct - most 15″ wheels will be too small and will cause your brake calipers to make contact with them. in fact, i have seen one or two 16″ wheels having this problem as well. however, 16″ is probably the smallest i would recommend and without any modifications, the biggest tire i would recommend would be a set of 285’s.
Ok Cool…Thank-you
Thanks for the previous advice.It helped me realize i am not ready for 37’s yet so i’ve decided to go with 35’s. My jeep is a Wrangler X 2 door so im going to do 16″ wheels.I was wondering what is the biggest size of tire i can go w/o doing any mods for right now? i like the wheels you have but i can only find 4.5 bs so should i go with 17’s w/a 4.75 bs since i want to eventually go to a 37?
The biggest tire I would recommend you run without any lift is a 285 (about a 33″ tire). If you can get a set of 17″ wheels, I would recommend them but WITH the 4.5″ of BS if you can. 4.75″ works but I think 4.5″ is better.
Eddie
Eddie I was thinking about getting the stock 17″ rubicon wheels and possibly putting the 285’s that you recommended above on them…I have a JK Sahara, is it the same height as the Rubicon, or would there be some modifications I would need to prevent rubbing??? Thanks For Your Help
it’s the same height and you should be fine.
Sounds Good. Appreciate It