Smaller tires

[jeepers 1940]

I began my Jeep travails 17 years, 4 days ago with the purchase of an '83 CJ-7 from its original owner. It had oversize tires on it as it was used, among other things, for hunting in muddy Louisiana swamps. I stayed with oversize tires on it out of inertia as much as anything else, putting up with the hard ride on pavement all these years.
Yesterday I completed the transition to stock size tires, with a pair of Goodyear RT/S radials on the rear completing a set of four. In my opinion, the change was well worth the cost of the tires (less than $ 100 each). The ride and handling was improved and I can now enjoy driving the Jeep much more than before. It's nice to be able to take off in first gear without the well-tuned engine still wanting to 'bog down' as I start off.
I realize that stock size tires aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I have no reservations about making the change. It's interesting to finally get a good idea of how my nearly stock Renegade drove and handled when it was new, some 27 years or so ago.

_________________
'81 CJ-8 SL
'83 CJ-7 Renegade
'98 XJ Classic

 

[Robert Slone]

On my last purchase of tires I dropped from 33's to 31's. Prior to that I dropped the lift from about 6" to 2 1/2". It's made a world of difference with the handling. My off roading is not at all extreme so I really didn't need all that. It's nice to be able to stay in your own lane

 

[jeepers 1940]

I know what you mean, Robert, about being able to stay in your own lane. I too feel that I have much better control of my Jeep. My off-roading is now almost nonexistent, but I still very much enjoy driving my two CJ's around town.
Bill

 

[Kane]

This is good to read. I have been ponering this idea for awhile now. My CJ5 will never off road again and the lift with 33's after 20 years is getting very old. I was planning on getting rid of the lift and buying some new replacement springs as well as drop to 31x10.50's on 8 inch rims. I am also going to get some gas charged shocks to help. Thanks fro your review on this subject. All the other sites I have asked this question to the people seem to ignore it.

 

[bigwalton]

I'm all for doing whatever you want to your Jeep, I've seen a lot of Scramblers for sale that were lifted that I would have brought down and put smaller tires on if I bought them.

Do whatever makes you happy! Smaller tires certainly decrease the potential for problems IMHO (not that larger tires can't be done well/right).

So can we see some before/after pictures?

 

[spankrjs]

Shameless plug of my Sherwood Green '83

It has 30 x 9.50 x 15 Bridgestone Dueller HT's. This Scrambler rides and handles like a car. I plan on keeping this one as close as stock to possible. I love my lifted, big tired Jeeps, but it is very relaxing driving this one. No tire noise, bump steer, good gas mileage, etc

 

[OGRES]

That is a fantastic looking Scrambler. Thanks for the pic!

 

[spankrjs]

That is a fantastic looking Scrambler. Thanks for the pic!

No problem, appreciate it

 

[Orionn]

Shameless plug of my Sherwood Green '83

It has 30 x 9.50 x 15 Bridgestone Dueller HT's. This Scrambler rides and handles like a car. I plan on keeping this one as close as stock to possible. I love my lifted, big tired Jeeps, but it is very relaxing driving this one. No tire noise, bump steer, good gas mileage, etc

All I can say is DANG!!
thats one clean 8

 

[spankrjs]

All I can say is DANG!!
thats one clean 8

Appreciate it

I am trying to keep this one as original as possible, thats why I bought my current "project" Scrambler

 

[Kane]

Its pictures like your that make me want to restore my CJ8 to stock appearing condition. I say appearing becuase being a hot rodder at heart my built small block is slated for the rebuild. But damn how nice would it be to have a CJ8 that looks like yours but can smoke just about any car off the line and still rock a five speed to good highway cruising.