Considering buying a 2012 Sahara

[canthonyparkinson]

I am thinking about buying a 2012 JK Unlimited Sahara (not meant to do heavy offroading but???).  I do however intent to change the tires ASAP, (I am  willing to see if I can make a deal with the dealership to swap them before delivery even).  My question, is what will fit well on the standard Sahara wheels (18 x 7.5 if I am correct) without a lift kit?

Thanks

Anthony

P.S.  I am still going to have the TJ as well.

[w squared]

I guess it depends on your intended use. If you're going to change the tires and that's it (and you like the luxury items on the Sahara) then it makes sense. If there's a little voice in the back of your head telling you that you might be doing more mods than just the tires, it'd probably be less expensive in the long run to bite the bullet and buy a Rubicon. It already has most (all?) of the things that you will want for off-road use. Maybe ask yourself "What does my ideal Jeep have on it?". If the answer includes lockers and a lift, you will probably be better served with a Rubicon. If it's a DD that happens to see use on fire roads and go to McLean Ridge once a year, then you'll be more than happy with a Sahara that has good AT's and tow points.

[hps4evr]

Yeah, what he said. 
As for actual tire size find out exactly what size you currently have and you're safe to go up from there one size. I would choose the 17" rims because they have become the most popular size. I would say a 285/70r17 should fit fine. Search on google. I'm sure you'll find a few people that did the same thing.

[w squared]

One other thing...if you decide that you're going to go with the Sahara, it may be worth your while to look around for a set of JK Rubicon take-off wheels and tires. the Rubi's come with 32X10.5R17 BF Goodrich MT's. They're not a stellar mud tire, but they last a ridiculously long time. If you sipe them, they even work fairly well in the winter. They should fit a Sahara with no issues at all.

[canthonyparkinson]

Thanks for the replies, I was actually considering just changing the rubber on the stock Sahara rims (cheaper) but for some reason Jeep fits the Sahara with 18" rims (not as many choices for those).  Any suggestions?

Thanks again

Anthony

[NUXJR]

On a stock JK you're okay to go with a tire that measures 33" diameter(no lift).  On a stock wheel if ya go any wider than 10.5" you'll need to use spacers.  The choices for 17" tires is way better than 18s so if you can get a set of stock 17" wheels(if ya don't want custom wheels).  An LT285/70R17 measures 33x11.5 in most tires....that's what a friend of mine is going with on JKU.

FYI - I'm a manager at a Jeep dealer if ya want some help. 403-870-5718

[cLAY]

Whats that signify?

[jeepgrl]

I made the mistake of buying a Sahara and now I've spent a crapload of money on mods to give me just what the Rubicon would have right off the lot.  If you think - even in the slightest - that you're going to want to wheel later on, spend the money now and get the Rubicon.  It's gonna cost me $4-5k to do my lockers and gears this summer.  Get the Rubicon, and you'll get your Rubicon tires too.   

[NUXJR]

I made the mistake of buying a Sahara and now I've spent a crapload of money on mods to give me just what the Rubicon would have right off the lot.  If you think - even in the slightest - that you're going to want to wheel later on, spend the money now and get the Rubicon.  It's gonna cost me $4-5k to do my lockers and gears this summer.  Get the Rubicon, and you'll get your Rubicon tires too.   

Words of wisdom for sure!!!  I've shared this advice with many clients over the years....especially the ones I know will be off the beaten path.

[Bnine]

Definately agree with trying to go with 17's. 18" tires cost almost double what 17's cost and selection is limited in comparison.

[Bone206]

I also have a Sahara, and as much as I love it, a rubi would have been nicer (the lockers, gears, and front D44 are worth a LOT!)

[cLAY]

What's the additional cost of a Rubi over a Sahra?  I thought you could regear and lock a Sahra for cheaper than the price difference for a Rubi?  You would still be out the 4:1 t tcase though.

[w squared]

What's the additional cost of a Rubi over a Sahra?  I thought you could regear and lock a Sahara for cheaper than the price difference for a Rubi?  You would still be out the 4:1 t tcase though.

I don't think so Clay. The difference between the "starting" price of a Rubicon and a Sahara only seems to be about $4K.

Someone with the right skills could certainly re-gear and put selectable e-lockers into a Sahara for 4K....but most new Jeep owners couldn't for that price.  That would still leave you with street tires on 18" wheels, the standard transfer case, plastic running boards instead of sliders, and a Dana 30 instead of the Dana 44 up front. Not the end of the world, but if you will eventually build your rig to the point where you have two selectable lockers, then buying the Rubicon off the start makes sense....unless you're going to end up needing axles bigger than a Dana 44.