Questions about tires & lift

[themarmot]

Hi All,
So I recently got a KJ and love it. While I was still pondering the purchase I was already dreaming up ways to modify it to do a bit more trail riding than I had been able to in the past.

So my my main question is: We have a _lot_ of snow up here. I'd say where I live about 6 months out of the year we're driving on ice/snow and pretty much live at the end of a ice skating rink. I've been driving a subaru which pretty much handles it own on snow assuming it's not 12"+ deep. I'm debating over what tires I should be looking at considering about 50% of my time is on snow/ice, 25% on dry/rainy road and about 25% on moderate rocky/dirt trails. I did checkout Tirerack but tbh I'm a bit weary about trusting reviews from sites as to what kind-of tire I need. Also would studded be the best route to go in winter and switch those out in the summer?

Second thing, I'm definitely putting at least a 2.5" lift, going by these forums seems OME is the way to go with that. Is that going to significantly change my tire options and if so would it be best to do the lift first?

 

[Luke]

yes ... Lift first then tires

and Welcome!

 

[themarmot]

that's pretty much what I figured. I'm a bit torn right now because the tires that are currently on are pieces of junk. I'm basically hobbling it around town right now trying not to slide too much. Probably just have to park it for a few weeks till I can do the lift.

 

[Josh]

Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac

 

[eyehatetofu]

If I had to deal with snow and ice for half the year I would have two sets of tires. Studded snow tires would be bad **** where your at, and then get a set of decent AT tires for the other six months. When I lived in snow country (Michigan), having snow tires made winter driving a breeze. If I lived anywhere with snow, I'd have a set of snow tires.

 

[Cherrie]

Questions about tires & lift

What,lift first?
If your tires are unsafe for road conditions you NEED tires.
I now have a set of winter only tires. Firestone Winter Force UV. My AT tires are at 1/2 thread,and didn't handle Michigan snow like they did new. Oh and I have a lift and stock size tires.

 

[themarmot]

What,lift first?
If your tires are unsafe for road conditions you NEED tires.
I now have a set of winter only tires. Firestone Winter Force UV. My AT tires are at 1/2 thread,and didn't handle Michigan snow like they did new. Oh and I have a lift and stock size tires.

Understood - but I don't have to drive it - although it ***** looking at it sit outside. It's only a few weeks before I can get the lift done. I'd rather just buy one set of tires(now) then two, at least until next winter when I can get some studded.