The Jeep Wrangler second-generation is a TJ. This classic sport utility vehicle and off-road beast was first introduced in 1996 as the following year’s model. It reintroduced circular headlights to pay homage to the original automaker’s design.
In 2004, Jeep released an unlimited model with a longer wheelbase.
The TJ remained in production from January 1996 to July 2006. It was primarily made in Toledo, OH, although the TJL model was assembled in Cairo, Egypt, for the overseas model.
Most models used the PowerTech I4 Engine, although a 4L PowerTech I6 was also available.
If you still drive your TJ today, you might think about making a few modifications to it. One of the most popular choices is to run 35-inch tires.
Can You Run 35” Tires on Your TJ?
If you have stock TJ Rubicon Axles on your Jeep Wrangler, you can upgrade your ride to work with 35-inch tires. You’ll need a four-inch suspension lift, a one-inch body lift, and a stock Dana 44 rear axle for the best experience. It helps to upgrade to a high-quality chromoly shaft for extra strength.
Lots of drivers want to run 35s with their TJs for trail riding and street driving. Although this option is possible, the first step is to review your axle setup.
If you have a stock Dana 35c equipped to your TJ, it won’t last long after fitting 35s to it. You’ll need a super kit with a Dana 44 or an 8.8 replacement to prevent issues. Another choice is to roll with Rubicon 44s, although the cost difference might be more than some drivers are willing to pay.
It’s always a good idea to upgrade to chromoly when you want to run 35s.
The other issue is the hybrid 44/30 axle in the front. Since it has 30 spline inner shafts, the outer, unit bearings, and u-joints are all D30. You’ll need to review your specific setup, stock or aftermarket, to determine if upgrades here are necessary.
As a final step with the axles, you’ll need to have the 4.10 gears disappear. They’ll work where it is flat, but you’ll have zero help trying to climb.
Additional Considerations for Running 35s on a TJ
Once you’ve taken care of the axle-related decisions, you have a few more choices to review to ensure that you can safely run 35-inch tires on your TJ.
| Vehicle Lift: | • The preferred method for the TJ is to have between five to six inches of lift added to the vehicle to accommodate the 35s. • The most common way to accomplish this outcome is to have a one-inch BL and a four-inch SL. • You can also use a two-inch budget boost with a three-inch BL. |
| Arm Length: | • You can opt for short or long arms when running 35-inch tires on your TJ. • It’s more of a personal choice. • Since stock arms aren’t an option above three inches, you’ll need to have something there that offers adjustment for recentering the axle. |
| Up Travel Decrease: | • It helps to decrease the up travel when rolling with 35s to keep the tires out of the fenders. • You can accomplish that step by lowering the bump stops or raising them from the bottom with picks. • Closing the gap from the top and bottom is the more effective way to approach this need. |
| Gears: | • When upgrading to 35s for your TJ, you’ll need to go with a 4.56 if you have a three-speed automatic transmission. • Manuals require a 4.88 for the four- and six-cylinder models, and that option also works for the four-speed automatics. • Some owners have gone with 5.13 with their Rubicon. |
| Steering: | • The stock steering components are typically too weak to manage 35-inch tires on your TJ. • You’ll need a heavy-duty drag link and a tie rod improvement at a minimum. • Some drivers might find their front tires rubbing on the sway bar or lower control arms, which means spacers are needed to fix the issue. • It also helps to add a power system steering cooler. |
| Brakes: | • If you have an automatic, it helps to upgrade your brakes to Vanco when you’re using 35s. • When you have a manual transmission, you can usually roll with your current equipment. • It is often necessary to change the rotors. |
What About the Legality of Running 35s on a TJ?
Tire coverage might be an issue when upgrading to 35s on your TJ. It depends on where you live. Some jurisdictions require you to have mud flaps or bigger flares when you make the tires taller.
After finishing this work, you’ll need to think about spare storage because a 35 is too large for the stock carrier, even if you have an extension. It’ll damage the tailgate if you try to force the situation.
That means a bumper-mounted or frame-based carrier is a better solution for carrying a spare. If you don’t have a way to make that work, you’ll need to find another method to use or settle for calls to roadside assistance should something happen to your vehicle.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Jeep Wrangler
Whether you grab the latest model or you’re thinking about picking up an affordable TJ as a project car, you’ll find that some specific advantages and disadvantages come with this investment.
Here are the key points you’ll want to review before putting your money down on this vehicle.
| List of the Pros of Owning a Jeep Wrangler | List of the Cons of Owning a Jeep Wrangler |
| • Design is what usually drives buyers into showrooms. • The Wrangler has long been one of the most attractive vehicles on the road, and you can go off it with ease with this design. It has iconic lines you can’t ignore. • The interior for the Jeep Wrangler lineup across all generations blends the old styling cues with modern comforts. • In the latest model, that means an infotainment system, automatic A/C, and more work with exposed rollbars and the upright dash. • It is competent in off-road environments. When you put 35s on the TJ, you can tackle almost anything if the gear ratio is appropriate. • You’ll have a comfortable ride in almost any situation when getting behind the wheel of your TJ. • It delivers an open-air experience that lets you enjoy the thrill of being off-road without as many restrictions. • The only modern vehicle that compares is the 2021 Ford Bronco, and the waitlist for it is massive. • The TJ has a surprisingly good resale value despite its age. • The 2006 model still top $11,000 in most markets, even if there are more than 125,000 miles on the engine. | • The fuel economy of the Jeep Wrangler TJ can be somewhat unpredictable. • It varies on the outside conditions faced, especially since it doesn’t have an aerodynamic shape. • Some people only get 14 mpg. • The on-center steering feel is a bit burdensome. The TJ likes to wander a bit naturally in its lane, making it much harder to handle a long trip in the vehicle. • You’re always working to keep the tracking straight. Accessing the cargo area isn’t always great, especially if you’re running 35s. • As far back as the CJ-7, you must pull the lower door and swing it toward the passenger side. That’s when you lift the rear glass of the hard top. • If you have a soft top, the entire fabric panel needs to get popped off to access the rear area. • The cost of a Jeep Wrangler TJ is tough to manage. • You can purchase a brand-new passenger car for the same amount you’d pay for a 15-year-old or greater Jeep with tons of miles on it. • Wranglers are a bit uncomfortable when they are on the road. • The ride is a bit bumpy if you’re used to being in an SUV with a longer wheelbase. |
One additional consideration to think about when riding in a TJ is the road noise. You don’t mind the thundering sounds of plowing through mud or small ponds when you’re off-roading, but it can be not very enjoyable to hear the highway on a long trip.
You’ll notice that the wind noise is considerably louder than it is in other vehicles because of the boxy design. There’s also less insulation in the TJ than in other cars.
It is possible to lessen this final issue if you install headliners, door insulation, and window supports.
Is It Better to Buy a TJ or a JK Jeep Wrangler?
Only you can decide if a Jeep Wrangler TJ is the right vehicle for your needs. It helps to speak with other owners, do your research, and take an active test drive to set your mind at ease. It might even be helpful to rent this vehicle for a few days before making a total commitment to it.
The TJ had its final model year come out in 2006. In 2007, the third-gen Jeep Wranglers reached dealerships with the JK designation.
If you can get one of the special edition models from the 2006 TJ production line, you’ve got something special to enjoy. There was a Golden Eagle and a 65th Anniversary Edition that paid tribute to the automaker’s heritage.
Jeep dropped the five-speed manual transmission in 2005, and the I4 gas engine was replaced by the six-cylinder for all Wrangler TJ models.
I’d love to run 35-inch wheels on my TJ if I had more time for driving. The idea of rolling out on an open trail, surrounded by nature, with a few supplies for a weekend away from everything seems incredibly appealing.
If you don’t have a TJ, I’d recommend getting one from the 2003 model year update or later if the special editions aren’t available. The mid-cycle restyling brought new wheel designs, exterior decals, and engine improvements.
Don’t forget that half the fun of owning a Jeep is to add your personal touches to it! Here are some options to consider.
- Lonwin Rear Trail Arm and Driver Passenger Center Skid Plate
- Hooke Road Grille Mesh Inserts for Jeep Wrangler TJ
- Bestop 51509-01 Front Floor Mat Pair
- Hooke Road Wrangler TJ Matte Black Headlight Bezels
That’s also when the WJ steering wheel got added to the design. If you get lucky, you’ll find a model with the premium audio system and its seven speakers of goodness.
You can run 35” tires on your TJ. It takes a little work, but I think you’ll be pleased with the results!
