Why Upgrade to 40-Inch Tires on Your Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most capable and customizable off-road platforms ever built. Whether you’re crawling rock trails at Ocala National Forest or cruising down I-75, stepping up to 40-inch tires transforms both the capability and the presence of your rig. It’s the kind of upgrade that changes how your Jeep Wrangler handles terrain — and how people look at it in the parking lot.
At Godspeed Off-Road in Sarasota, Florida, we specialize in building Jeep Wrangler rigs with 40-inch tires that perform on the trail and turn heads on the street. Every build starts with a conversation about how you use your rig — and ends with a vehicle that exceeds your expectations.
Lift Kit Requirements for 40-Inch Tires on the Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler’s solid axle design simplifies the lift process compared to independent suspension setups. With solid axles, tire clearance is more predictable — what fits at full droop fits at full compression. That said, you still need quality components to ensure proper geometry and safe handling at highway speeds.
We typically recommend a 6 to 8-inch lift for running 40-inch tires on the Jeep Wrangler. Running 40-inch tires is a full-commitment build. This level of modification requires extensive upgrades beyond just the lift — axle strengthening, drivetrain reinforcement, and significant body work. The result is a rig that can conquer terrain most vehicles can’t even approach. This is the build for serious off-road enthusiasts who want maximum capability. A coilover conversion or high-end long-arm kit is the foundation of a 40-inch build. Full-width axles (Dana 60 or equivalent), chromoly axle shafts, and heavy-duty steering are all part of the equation. This is the pinnacle of Wrangler modification.
Regearing Your Jeep Wrangler for 40-Inch Tires
Running 40-inch tires without regearing is one of the most common mistakes we see at our shop. Your Jeep Wrangler likely came from the factory with 3.21 or 3.73 gears with Dana 30/44 axles. Those ratios were calibrated for the stock tire diameter — increase that diameter without compensating, and you lose acceleration, towing confidence, and fuel economy while putting unnecessary stress on your transmission.
For 40-inch tires, we recommend 5.38 gears. This ratio restores the mechanical advantage your drivetrain was designed around, keeping RPMs in the sweet spot for both highway cruising and low-speed crawling. Our regearing service includes new ring and pinion sets, fresh carrier bearings, and precision setup with gear marking compound — because a gear install done wrong costs more to fix than doing it right the first time. Learn more about regearing.
Top 40-Inch Tire Brands We Recommend for the Jeep Wrangler
Not all 40-inch tires are created equal. Based on thousands of miles of real-world feedback from our Sarasota builds, here are the brands we trust:
- BFGoodrich KO2 — The gold standard for all-terrain performance. Outstanding sidewall strength, excellent wet and dry traction, and a tread life that justifies the investment.
- Nitto Ridge Grappler — A hybrid all-terrain/mud-terrain that delivers aggressive looks with surprisingly quiet highway manners. One of our most-requested tires for the Jeep Wrangler.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III — Exceptional all-weather capability with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. A smart choice for daily-driven rigs that still see trail time on weekends.
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T — Race-inspired tread design with serious off-road capability. If you want a tire that looks as tough as it performs, this is it.
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W — Outstanding value without compromising performance. Heat-diffuser technology in the lower sidewall makes this tire remarkably durable in Florida’s heat.
Additional Modifications Worth Considering
A 40-inch tire build is a full platform transformation. Every supporting system needs to be upgraded to handle the additional size, weight, and stress:
This build requires high-steer or crossover steering, heavy-duty axle shafts, upgraded brakes (minimum 13″ rotors), beadlock-capable wheels (17×10 minimum), aftermarket fenders or aggressive trimming, extended brake lines, and a comprehensive skid plate package. The drivetrain needs attention too — upgraded driveshafts, reinforced transfer case, and potentially aftermarket axle housings. This is a build we plan carefully with each client, because every component needs to work together as a system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit 40-inch tires on a stock Jeep Wrangler?
Absolutely not. A 40-inch tire build on the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most extensive modifications we perform. It requires a 6-inch-plus lift, complete regear, axle upgrades, steering modifications, brake upgrades, body modifications, and reinforced drivetrain components. This is a build that demands professional installation and careful planning.
Do I need to regear my Jeep Wrangler after installing 40-inch tires?
Yes — regearing is essential when running 40-inch tires. Your Jeep Wrangler’s factory 3.21 or 3.73 gears were calibrated for stock tire diameter. Going to 40 inches without regearing to 5.38 causes sluggish acceleration, transmission hunting, increased drivetrain stress, and reduced fuel economy. The regear investment protects your transmission and makes the truck actually enjoyable to drive. Read our complete regearing guide.
What wheel size works best with 40-inch tires on a Jeep Wrangler?
We typically recommend 17×9-inch wheels with -24 to -44mm offset for 40-inch tires on the Jeep Wrangler. This combination provides proper backspacing for brake caliper clearance while giving you the right stance and preventing tire contact with suspension components. Beadlock-capable wheels are worth considering if you plan to air down significantly on the trail.
How do 40-inch tires affect my Jeep Wrangler’s fuel economy?
Expect a decrease of approximately 3 to 5 MPG compared to stock. The larger, heavier tires create more rolling resistance, and the increased rotational mass requires more energy to accelerate. Regearing to 5.38 helps minimize this impact by keeping your engine in its optimal RPM range. Proper tire inflation and a quality alignment also help maintain the best possible fuel economy with your new setup.
What is the total investment for a 40-inch tire and lift package on my Jeep Wrangler?
Every build is different depending on tire brand, lift kit quality, and what additional modifications your specific Jeep Wrangler needs. Rather than quoting a generic number, we prefer to discuss your goals and spec the right package for your rig. Call us at (941) 706-0071 for a personalized consultation — we’ll walk through the options and put together a build plan that matches your budget and your vision.
Ready to Run 40-Inch Tires on Your Jeep Wrangler?
At Godspeed Off-Road, we build Jeep Wrangler rigs that are dialed in — not just bolted on. Every tire and lift package we put together is tailored to your vehicle, your driving style, and how you actually use your rig. We handle everything from the initial consultation through the final alignment, so you drive away with total confidence.
Call us at (941) 706-0071 or stop by the shop at 2858 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34231. Let’s talk about your Jeep Wrangler build.