I have a 99 SE 4cyl. / 5 speed / 205/7.5R15. The tires are pretty
> thin. I drive around town a bit but tend to use a better MPG car for
> this. I use it for hwy trips to camping spots. I tend to be on rocky
> fireroads when offroad and want to find more campsites offroad. I am
> concerned with protecting the Jeep and driving pretty cautiously but
> still finding solitude and peace and getting back without damage.
> I realize bigger tires give better clearance but I don't want to
> stress out other parts of the drivetrain for a bit more clearance. Any
> suggestions regarding type and size of tires that will fit on my stock
> wheels and won't give me any unexpected negatives? I do not really
> mind staying with the same size ( despite the dorky look ) if that is
> what is best for the vehicle.
> Any skid plates / underside protection that seem near essential for
> safer returns ( I tend to solo )? I've torn off exhaust system on an
> old Suzuki and now drive pretty slow and more cautiously?
>
> Ron
You're in the same boat we're in with my wifes 98 TJ SE. A few years ago we went with 30x9.5 BFG AT tires. They're great tires, take alot of abuse, wear well, aren't overly loud on the highway but do have a huge effect on performance. You'll notice right away that the stock 4.10 gearing sucks with the 30 inch tires. It is acceptable around town, but passing and going up inclines is a real problem IMHO. Having said that, We don't regret going with the bigger tires. BEsides that they make the jeep look a hell of a lot better. You can see some pics with the tires (2 weeks old) here:
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As far as skid plates go......as long as you're not too rough with them the stock ones should do fine. The only one I added was one for the steering box. Glad I did because it's got some wicked gouges in it. Would hate to think what those gouges would have done to the steering box.
HTH
Mike
98 TJ SE