33's vs 35's is the performance really that much better?

[SHOP WERX]

How big of a difference is going up a tire size? Will there be a significant seat of the pants feel when going over chatter, ruts, and holes? Or is that a notion people have over inflated (pun intended) because they want to justify their spending? Meanwhile they really care more about the "big tire" look. But I digress

I currently run 33's with 4.88 gears on a stock width '95 bronco, C/O's, bumps, bypasses, and a 4 link, you know, the basics... I really like this combo at the moment, but I'll need tires in the near future. I find myself ringing it out at the top of second for long periods of time. So a few more mph in 2nd gear with 35's would be appreciated. If i go 35's it will require some massaging up front to get everything to clear at full bump. Im not concerned about the work, but its one more thing on an already long to do list. Also, i really like the sleeper look i have going with 33's and stock fenders. Anyone gone from 35 to 33 or vice versa and never looked back from a performance stand point? Thanks!

 

[theycallmeWALLY]

Lets get @Giant Geoff on the topic....

Smaller tire = Bigger Hole. Big Tire = Smaller hole.

But... That doesn't make up for suspension.

But my vote is to put a larger tire on if you're able to keep the vehicle reliable.

 

[philofab]

The jump from 33s to 35s on Broncos really only helps if you run race course that's rutted all the time and are dragging your rear diff.

If I ever had a Bronco again it would be stock width on 33s, coilover, deavers, stock fenders.

 

[SHOP WERX]

The jump from 33s to 35s on Broncos really only helps if you run race course that's rutted all the time and are dragging your rear diff.

If I ever had a Bronco again it would be stock width on 33s, coilover, deavers, stock fenders.

I'm definitely not running race courses. But, here in montana I find rocks hidden in the grass at high speed. It doesnt happen super frequently, but something to consider. But in your opinion, it doesn't make a huge difference in ride quality, aside from pumpkin smashing less often?

 

[bullnerd]

Pics of your Bronc OP?

 

[SHOP WERX]

Pics of your Bronc OP?

 

[Brett_408]

Off topic here but did you build those trailing arms or are they a kit?

 

[SHOP WERX]

Off topic here but did you build those trailing arms or are they a kit?

Designed, cut, and welded them myself

 

[bullnerd]

Hell yeah dude! that's badass!

Rear housing looks beefy!

Super sleeper-e-ish.

 

[SaltyMethods]

I run 33s with 17" wheels. I wish I would have stuck with a 16" (or even smaller 15" wheels) with 33s. I would like to move up to 35" but I'm not ready to deal with all the clearancing and gear changes (front and back) so I'll stick with the 33s. Having that inch or two of extra rubber between the ground and wheel makes a big difference IMO.

 

[Brett_408]

Designed, cut, and welded them myself

Nice work! They look good

 

[HiDesertMotorsports]

The jump from 33s to 35s on Broncos really only helps if you run race course that's rutted all the time and are dragging your rear diff.

If I ever had a Bronco again it would be stock width on 33s, coilover, deavers, stock fenders.

I thought going to 37's would help my truck with the diff dragging issue. NOPE! xD. hoping the eventual jump to 40's will alleviate the diff hits lol

 

[Potter147]

I've never heard any man say they wouldn't want an extra 2" if they had the choice

 

[the bodj]

Biggggg fans of 35s over 33s. Huge difference in comfort for small holes, chatter, small rain ruts…

 

[philofab]

Biggggg fans of 35s over 33s. Huge difference in comfort for small holes, chatter, small rain ruts…

I'd say tire pressure, load range, shock valving, and springs play a huge part in that. Giant Geoff had a Bronco on 33s with his link killer that felt nicer to ride in than most trucks with 37s.

 

[the bodj]

35s let you run lower pressure without hitting rim.

 

[SHOP WERX]

I'd say tire pressure, load range, shock valving, and springs play a huge part in that. Giant Geoff had a Bronco on 33s with his link killer that felt nicer to ride in than most trucks with 37s.

I got to ride in geoff's bronco at KOH, the thing is damn plush! That's part of the reason I'm asking. I know he is big believer in 33's. Ive also read multiple old race dezert threads that people couldn't believe the difference it made switching to 35's. I wanted to see what others thought. When I was at Koh I felt like Geoff and I were the only people on 33's. But I was also amazed at how many people prioritized "the look" over everything else.

 

[SHOP WERX]

35s let you run lower pressure without hitting rim.

True...

 

[RW81]

I’m also going from 33s to 35s right now. Good lil upgrade without getting too wild I feel

 

[Potter147]

Okay, genuine reply, I've never had 35's BUT... I've switched from 33 12.5's to 33 10.5's and it made an INSANE amount of difference. The truck was a stick as well so I REALLY felt the difference. Going to a more narrow tire really perked up the response of the truck. It felt lighter and more nimble. Easier to accelerate and get through the gears and just felt overall more awake. It also got up to speed significantly easier and liked staying there more too. I REALLY liked going down to a bit more of a narrow tire and will forever keep that in mind.

All that being said, I've been considering 35's on my k1500 lately... for the looks, yeah. Ultimately, though, I'm on 3.73's and can't help but think how much 35's would make the truck feel weighed down and less perky.

Final opinion for what it's worth - I'd say go 35's if you have some engine or gears on your side and it's more of a dedicated toy then it is a dd, or go with something more narrow or smaller in diameter if you want it to be more dd friendly and still do well in the desert with some minor sacrifices. But with that, everything's worth a change if you're feeling open to trying something different because you'll never TRULY know until you try. Gotta pay to play sometimes but the knowledge from experience is forever.