I'm in the market for a new Jeep Wrangler, and they comes in different packages. Some of them have different tire sizes, and I can't quite understand the logic Jeep is using with the rear axle ratios.
The Wrangler Sport comes with 29.3" diameter tires and a 3.21 rear axle ratio (3.73 is optional).
The Sport S, Sahara, and the Mountain, all come with 32" tires and the 3.21 ratio (3.73 optional).
The Rubicon also has 32" tires, but has a 4.10 ratio.
These are all with the 6-speed manual.
It seems strange to me that if the Sport performs OK with 29.3" tires and 3.21, when they went to bigger 32" tires, why didn't they also make the 3.73 ratio standard? As I understand things, when you go to a bigger diameter tire, you should go to higher number axle ratio to keep the "performance curve" (or whatever they call it) in about the same place.
My question is, I plan on buying the Sport model, and then putting my own tires and wheels on it, probably something in the 32" range. Should I get the optional 3.73 ratio, or does the 3.21 ratio work OK with the bigger tires?
