Friends,

I chose to purchase a 2003 rubicon new because unlike many of you, I do not know all of the ins and outs of jeep building and thought it best to save myself the headache up front.  I have since had a "fts 4" short arm "ultimate" lift installed and moved up to 33x11 mts tires.  So here I go wondering about 35" tires.  Can anyone tell me if this kit will accomodate the 35's or is it pushing things?  I have heard that the 35's are much more taxing on a vehicle than the 33's but don't know why exactly.  My current tires are mounted on my stock wheels and didn't know if a switch to aftermarket 15" wheels with different backspacing to go with 35's might be an option if I wanted to go larger.  I am not sure whether 15,16 or 17" wheels work best but there seems to be a lot of takes on it.  FTS advertises this kit to accomodate 35's but I have been told that 33's will work best.  I have to say that it seems to me that I have plenty of room left.  More room than stock (with no lift kit) looked to me with the stock 31" tires.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  Thanks! 

I myself would stick with 33 or 34 inch tires. Save yourself the headache and dont move up to the 35s. 35s are best on the trail and better if u have upgraded axles. O and do us a favor and post a pick of the rubicon  

I had a 4.5 Rubicon lift on my 2000 TJ with 33 inch MTR's.  I thought about putting 35 inch tires on the Jeep, but opted not to because everyone said that I would need at least a 1 inch body lift to provide enough clearance.  I thought they were crazy, but went with the 33's just to be safe.  It's a good thing because when I went off road the first time I stuffed the front tires into the tops of the fenders two to three times sufficiently enough to bend the area where the fender flair joins the fender pretty good.  I just swapped out the Rubicon lift for a 6 inch Skyjacker Rock Ready with 35 inch MTR's.  The first weekend out wheeling I stuffed the front tires and bent the fenders again.  So I would stick with the 33's to be safe especially if you don't want to bend up the Rubi.     

Are you going to offroad the jeep or just want to look cool?  

Thanks for the info.  

Thank you for the insight  

Both.  Full Traction claims this short arm kit accomodates 35's but I have been told not to chance it.  It is a short arm kit as well if that matters.  

I'd go with the 33's then you need some room for your tires to flex up into your wheelwells a bit when offroading.