4 Wheel Drive Zone

When it comes to Jeeps one of the most common questions asked is, “What size tires can I fit on my Jeep?” If you have asked that question or if you intend on putting larger tires on your Jeep you should give this article a read. It will help you make your decision on what tire to buy for your stock Jeep.

There are three models of Jeep Wranglers, the YJ, TJ and JK. The YJ which were made between 1987 and 1995 are best identified by the square headlights and leaf spring suspension. If you have a YJ your best bet without a lift is a 30 x 9.5 inch tire. Next there is the TJ which was made from 1997 to 2006. TJs are identified by the return to round headlights and is the first model to use a coil spring suspension. They have a little more clearance so you can therefore go with a 31 x 10.5 inch tire with no problems. You might have to adjust the steering stops if you keep the stock wheels biut that is an easy procedure. (Do a search for “jeep steering stop adjustment”). Finally you have the newest JK version which were built between 2007 and the present. JKs have an even larger wheel opening as well as an increased wheel base and slightly wider stance. JK’s can easily run a 32″ tire and even a 33″ tire with the right wheels.

So there it is. Those are the basic tire sizes you can fit on stock Wranglers. Of course you should use this as a general guideline only. Consult a tire professional before investing the money in wheels and tires if you are unsure about what tire will fit.

The Jeep Comanche was built from 1986 through 1992. It was introduced by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1986, but then AMC and it’s Jeep Division were bought out by the Chrysler Corporation who began distributing the mid-sized truck officially in 1987.

The fact that Dodge pickup trucks are also Chrysler products made it difficult for the Jeep newcomer to compete with the established Dodge line especially the Dodge Dakota which was also available in 4 wheel drive.

Also, Jeep sales had been declining with the slow death of American Motors Corp. and now it was up to Chrysler to decide what to do with their new division…but especially the Jeep Comanche.

The Comanche pickup was built on the successful Jeep Cherokee platform sharing most major drive train and even some body/interior parts.

I have always felt that the Comanche truck was a handsome looking pickup, as well as being a good size between the compact and full-sized pickups throughout the spectrum of American and Foreign entries.

I currently own an original 1987 Jeep Comanche 4×4 long bed with a 5 spd. standard and the first of the 4.0 Liter engines. I thoroughly enjoy my truck…and have loved most Jeeps for quite some time now. This truck has plenty of power and will go anywhere it is pointed…especially in rough driving conditions.

My truck is smooth on the highway and handles dirt, rocks, mud, snow and ice as well. There are no power windows, seats or locks anywhere on this workhorse.

Chrysler/Jeep has been talking for several years now about building a production pickup to fill the long gap since the Jeep Comanche. In 2005 they came out with the Jeep Gladiator Concept prototype which will knock your socks off. This is one nice looking pickup built on the Wrangler Unlimited platform.

In the meantime, while awaiting new Jeep Pickup blood from Chrysler…there are some nice Comanches still on the road and some are even available to good homes. They can only become rarer with time.

So…grab one up…take care of it…and enjoy the Jeep Experience!