2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JLUR X 37s Lift and Re-gear Questions

Summary

You can run 37s on a 2024 JLUR X, but not “just bolt-on.” With 4.56s you don’t have to re-gear, but you’ll feel it. Wheel offset and bump stops/lift are what keep the 37s from eating your fenders at full flex.

Best upgrade path

1. 37x12.50R17s on proper-offset wheels — Clears control arms and inner fenders without relying on big spacers.
2. 2.5–3” total lift with bump stop tuning — Your X is already ~1.5” up; you want about another 1–1.5” plus bump stops to keep full articulation.
3. Run 4.56s for now, plan gears later — 4.56 is livable on 37s; re-gear to 4.88/5.13 only if you hate the highway manners or tow.
4. Steering/axle support — 37s add stress; address weak links before you bend something on a Colorado trail.

The parts to do it right

• 37x12.50R17 A/T or M/T tires — Main upgrade; A/T if you do lots of highway, M/T if you’re mostly dirt/rocks.
• 17x8.5 wheels, 0 to -12 mm offset (4.5–4.75” backspacing) — Clears front LCAs and sway bar at full lock; usually no spacers needed.
• Front & rear bump stop extensions — Set up-travel so 37s don’t crush fenders or pinch seams when stuffed.
• Additional 1–1.5” lift (springs or spacer on top of X) — Gets you to ~2.5–3” total; sweet spot for 37s with real flex.
• Adjustable front lower control arms — Put caster back in spec after lift so it tracks straight on I‑70.
• Rear tire carrier reinforcement or hinge carrier — Stock carrier/tailgate will hate a 37” spare long-term.
• Heavy-duty steering (tie rod at minimum) — Stock aluminum tie rod is a pretzel waiting to happen with 37s.
• Programmer/speedo calibrator — Fixes speedometer, shift points, and TPMS for 37s.

Things to consider

• 4.56 + 37s: expect more downshifts on grades and slower 8th-gear cruising; still usable with the 8‑speed.
• If you keep stock wheels, you’ll likely need 1.5” spacers to clear arms at full lock.
• Full factory fenders: 37s + ~2.5–3” lift + correct bump stops = workable; high-line or trimmed fenders give more margin.
• Colorado rock + 37s + stock shafts/ball joints = keep your right foot in check.
• Alignment after lift is non‑negotiable.

Realist expectations & tradeoffs

• You gain clearance and traction, but you lose some acceleration and braking performance.
• Ride will be a bit firmer and more “truck-like,” especially with heavier tires.
• Fuel economy will drop; don’t be shocked by a 2–3 mpg hit.
• Re-gear (4.88/5.13) becomes more attractive if you tow, add armor, or hate constant downshifts.
• 37s will expose weak links; budget for maintenance on ball joints, unit bearings, and steering.

Questions

1. Are you staying on the factory Rubicon wheels or open to aftermarket?
2. Do you tow or carry a lot of armor/camping weight regularly?

Most JL guys on 37s end up in the same brand pool. Here’s what’s common and proven, not boutique stuff.

Tires (37x12.50R17)

• Nitto Ridge Grappler – Super popular hybrid; good highway manners, solid off‑road.
• BFGoodrich KO2 – Long life, good in snow; not as tough as KM3 off‑road.
• BFGoodrich KM3 – More off‑road biased, softer on‑road.
• Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T – Aggressive A/T, good in rocks.
• Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Great value, strong winter performance.

Wheels (17x8.5, 0 to -12 mm offset)

• Method Race Wheels – Tons of JL‑friendly specs, very common.
• AEV – More OEM‑plus look, strong, proper backspacing.
• KMC – Lots of styles, good strength.
• Fuel – Popular, more “flashy” designs.

Lift / Springs / Bump Stops (to get you to ~2.5–3” total)

• MetalCloak – Great articulation, very popular with trail guys.
• Rock Krawler – Flexy, more hardcore trail focus.
• Teraflex – Good middle‑ground, lots of JL‑specific kits.
• Mopar lift – OEM‑friendly, rides nice, but you already have some of that “X” height.

Control Arms / Links

• MetalCloak or Rock Krawler – For serious flex and adjustability.
• Teraflex – Solid adjustable arms for a more mild build.

Steering (tie rod/drag link)

• Steer Smarts (Yeti) – Probably the most common JL steering upgrade.
• Synergy – Very popular, trail‑proven.

Rear Tire Carrier Reinforcement

• Teraflex Alpha HD – Hinge/carry system, very common.
• LOD, JCR, Motobilt – If you want a full bumper‑integrated carrier.
• Mopar hinge reinforcement – OEM‑style solution.

Programmer / Calibration

• Tazer JL (Z Automotive) – Most popular for tire size, TPMS, and feature tweaks.
• JScan app + OBD dongle – Cheaper, more DIY‑nerdy.

If you tell me:

• keeping stock wheels or not, and
• A/T vs M/T preference,

I can narrow this to a specific combo that’ll work cleanly on your JLUR X.