Looking at switching from 265/75/16 just under 32 inch to 33’s. Is the loss of power worth the trade off in traction, looks and clearance? Those that tried, would you do it again? I’ve got the room so that’s not an issue

 

I would, without a doubt. Loved the 33s.

 

I would say if your driving style was to adapt vs favoring the skinny pedal - then yes it’s pretty enjoyable. I prefer the stance personally.
I’m just about to try a little larger then 33 this next round & looking fwd to it.

 

At elevation there is a huge difference of power between my two D2s, one on 285s and one on 265s. I do prefer the visual of a 285 mud tire vs the 265 KO2s but man the 285s just kill the truck trying to climb up the highway into the mountains. That said once I wear out the 285s I will be going to 315s and will regear at that time (will help some but lack of power is truly the root issue and the weight difference is huge) but that d2 is only a wheeling/snow/hunting rig or around town for fun at this point.

 

Also depending on wheels used and suspension set up you may have to do some trimming to clear the 285s.

 

Thanks, this is my concern. Not just mountains but the wind here on the plains. I even considered 245’s. Just trying to find the sweet spot

 

could run skinnys, 235/85/16 or if you can find them I think 255/85/16 but I like having a wider tire for a little more stability and bigger contact patch offroad.

 

I run 275/70-18’s (33”) BFG AT’s and much prefer them to the 32” AT’s I had been running. I didn’t experience any noticeable loss. Fills the wheel wells much better to, looks awesome. These are about as skinny as you can get with these 33”s in a BFG, measure 10.8”.

 

I can see the older 4.0 being an issue in the hills. Any feedback on the 33s with the 4.6?
My 2004 definitely runs better than my previous 2000. The 4.0 was anemic at altitude even with 32s.
instead of regearing the diffs why not swap to the 1.4 tcase?

 

I figure, if I'm going to add a front locker I might as well regear if for no other reason than to try and strengthen what's in there. The diffs are the known weak link in our driveline (aside from stock front driveshafts) so more of a two bird one stone kind of thing for me. With the locker in the rear I've had no issues on the stock carrier group or shafts but I don't go overboard with the skinny pedal (or try not to lol).

The 4.6 should be better but still going to be flirting with not enough power for the weight of the trucks and the rover tune is terrible and elevation only exacerbates the problem. I think again wheel choice and even tire choice come into play, adding so much unsprung weight hurts just about everything. The 285s I have are on steelies and I routinely think about having them mounted back on my alloys sitting in the garage to try and save some weight. MT tires also generally weigh more than AT