Grand Cherokee WK2 Trailhawk on 33" Tires - My Fitment Experience with QuadraLift Suspension

Here it is - My experience trying to fit 33" all terrain tires without a lift on a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk WK2 without a lift, on Quadra Lift suspension. Details on what I did, where I cut, and where it rubs. If you're curious what stepping up tire sizes looks like on this platform, you're in the right place. This is just my experience - if you have a different experience, I'd love to hear in the comments below!
This is part 1 of a Walk-around Series for the Jeep that we use for camping, living out of, and our general travels.
Details on what I have used for wheels and tires:
Falken Wildpeak AT3W All Terrain tires in 275/70R18
www.falkentire.com/tires/ligh...
Black Rhino Trabuco 18 x 8" wheel +30 offset:
www.blackrhinowheels.com/off-...
Airlinks GC:
airlinksgc.com
Another Shoutout to Beau Basinger whom we met out on the trail. He was able to film some of the driving shots seen in the video. He's an all around awesome dude and photographer. If you're interested in more of his content, check him out here:
/ beaubasinger
Sledge Hammer Cameo by David Beas
IG: @OverlandSquirrel
----CONNECT----
Curious to see more? Check out our other social media streams:
Website: www.chasingstarsindirtycars.com/
Our other Website: www.mountainmutts.co/
Dave's Instagram: / venturethe395
Mila's Instagram: / milagetslost
----SUPPORTERS----
BruTrek Coffee Gear: planetarydesign.com/?ref=3805
Chief Products: www.chiefproducts.com.au/
On X Offroad Maps: webmap.onxmaps.com/account-pu...
Black Rhino Wheels: www.blackrhinowheels.com

[@abqcrutch]

Just subscribed. Enjoyed your video. Buying a '19 WK2 Laredo with the Quadra-Trac II system today. 6 years ago I helped my son with his Suzi Sidekick with parts from Rocky-Road Outfitters. We were impressed with their quality. I'm looking at their 2.75" lift with UCAs. Looking forward to more your your content. Thanks.

[@ProdigalOverland]

Good Info Dave! Thanks for putting this together

[@venturethe3955]

Glad you like it You looking to upsize tires?? 👀👀

[@ProdigalOverland]

@@venturethe3955 Not yet

[@trevorjoel2150]

a trick : you can watch movies at kaldrostream. Been using it for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@devincarl8120]

@Trevor Joel definitely, been using kaldroStream for years myself =)

[@albertovira9424]

Great Video, thanks for sharing these details, I'm thinking of getting a WK2 overland only because I want the HEMI engine but the limitations on aftermarket lifts due to the QL is a little discouraging, this is a good looking setup on 33s without a lift so maybe I'll go for it.

[@chaoticserenityart]

If I can ever fix my quadralift.. this is totally my goal! Thanks for the great video

[@shawnconrad9292]

It’s usually the elbows on the compressor lines that go. They’re pretty cheap and easy o fix.

[@UnrulyTenEight]

That thing is badass dude!

[@venturethe3955]

Thank you!

[@metal4x4]

I have a 2 inch old man emu lift on my 2011 grand cherokee no quadralift. I run 275/65R18 tires on 18 inch wheels with 0 offset. I had to trim the front bumper a fair amount and also did the pinch weld mod. I couldn't wait any longer for chief products to make their fender flares so I went with bushwacker. Had to trim those a little too. All seems to work well.

[@michaelhorn4540]

I just put 265 65 18 landspyder tires on my 2011 limited without air suspension. It's a little taller tire, but I've had no problems with rubbing and these tires are excellent

[@austinaubinoe2195]

Not a lot of videos fitting 33s. I just fit 275-60-R20s on my 2013 overland. It was air suspension, but was just worn out by 125k miles or so. I gutted the system and installed a 2.5” OME kit. It was time consuming, but not hard to do. To fit the 33” tires on stock wheels you absolutely need to fold the pinch weld, and run spidertrax wheel spacers. Works great and looks great! I think this is pretty much as maxed out as these jeeps can get. One day we will see someone solid axle swapping these WK2s!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Cool trick for the front end sensor to keep it 1" higher. Did you install that yourself? Would you do the level or lift size if you could do it again?

[@OffTheGridbadlands]

It just looks so good on 33's. You're a brave man. I'm not as brave, so I'm going 275/65/18 next 🙃

[@venturethe3955]

I’m surprised more people don’t just try it out for size 😂 you shouldn’t really have any issues with that size. Far less involvement

[@ntg1271]

@@venturethe3955 yes I'm due for new shoes. I have a spring car lifted 2.75 w Dobinsons suspension. Will 32.1" or 275 65 R18 fit with no issues on stock wheels?

[@busadude6114]

My 2016 - Eibach 2 inch spring lift, Rancho 2 inch block lift, Bilstien shocks, 1 inch centering spacers for back, 1 inch wheel spacers on all wheels, added 1000lb airbags for towing, kmc 18 inch rims (don't remember offset not much though) 32inch KO2s - good spacing and no rubbing at all. weld fix only. 15 inch clearance on bottom plate.

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

If you have Quadralift air suspension, be VERY careful about any rubbing of the front passenger tire against the wheel well liner ESPECIALLY at about 1:00 - 2:00 O'Clock when you're facing the front passenger tire. If your tire burns through the front passenger wheel well liner at that location, it could hit an air compressor line. On my 2015 WK2 Ecodiesel (with Quadra-Drive II and lots of Chief bash plates and Mopar Rock sliders), I managed to slide off the road/trail into some tree debris, and the passenger side front fender liner tore loose from the front passenger wheel well, which allowed my Wrangler Duratrac 265/60 R18 passenger front tire to burn through an air hose near the compressor. Dropped the entire suspension onto its lower bump stops within 2 miles, and I had to flat bed it to the nearest Jeep dealer in Cadillac Michigan for an emergency repair. I now have the replacement air line that is located in that position (again, which is slighly forward and above the front passenger side tire) now situated slightly higher up into the engine bay, along with an extra zip tie to prevent it from "flopping down" onto the interior side of the front passenger wheel well liner, and the replacement air line is positioned so that with the zip tie on it there is very little pressure/sideways torque on the fitting where that air line replacement connects to the compressor and it shouldn't flop down onto the inside of the wheel well liner again. A very bad design from the factory (IMHO), and a Hard Lesson Learned!

[@infinityronin]

I've always been curious what happens if the air suspension leaks. Was the Jeep riding straight on the tires at that point, or was there at least a little space so one could at least ride out to a place where it can get towed?

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

@@infinityronin There was a little space for the tires. The vehicle was resting on all 4 upper bump stops.

[@venturethe3955]

@@vernonbennettiii3646 It's definitely a consideration. We haven't done anything off grid for more than a few days with this setup but I will be looking into getting them properly fitted soon.

[@user-cu8tl5ir1u]

I wish i read this before up getting my 275/55/20 tires on my 2015 summit , what you said about the air line happend to me going 88 mph , it was scary , very stupid design there is enough space to hide the lines away from tires so why they did this in an off road vehicle!?

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

@@user-cu8tl5ir1u So sorry that you had that happen to your WK2's Air Suspension line. Glad to know that you/your passengers were not hurt as a result of the Air Suspension failing at high speed. Yes, it is a bad factory design (in my opinion) for a vehicle with the reputation (and encouragement by the manufacturer) for being able to go off road. Although I have brought this issue to two Jeep dealers' attention, I have not personally contacted the Jeep Manufacturer directly and I don't know whether either Jeep dealership has done that.

[@WilliamAlvarez86]

Looks awesome

[@venturethe3955]

Thanks! Appreciate it! I’m definitely a fan of the look

[@REAVER781]

I have a 2017 GC Trailhawk, Stock rims running 275/65/R18 (32.1 in) Goodyear Duratrac, only rubs in park.

[@shawnconrad9292]

Do you have level links installed?

[@Trailhawk52]

I have 275 65 r18 with 1 inch lift spacer for quadra lift without airlinks, had to cut something in front.

[@krisdwight78]

Thanks for the info. I just upgraded from a wk which I was able to fit 33 inch ridge grapplers to a 2015 wk2 overland and I needed this info. I want to swap the 33s on to it

[@venturethe3955]

Nice! Let us know how it works out!

[@musclhed5658]

I just saw your comment man, I just picked up a 2014 5.7 Overland. I am doing the same thing here... Either going with a 305 40 22 setup on 10.5s .. or .. 33 12.50 20s on 10s. Let me know what's up...

[@robertdarrah8085]

I only have a 2018 Laredo but I put a 2 1/2 rough country lift in with 33x11.5 20 with minimal sending on the lower back of fender flare and bumper

[@af22raptor23503]

Great Video! I have a 2020 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Hemi V8 and I have owned it for over a year now but only have 5800 miles since we have been closed up due to Covid. I am running Stock right now but the first Upgrade I want to do is New Tires and the Wildpeaks A/T3 are in my shortlist every review I have read has been very positive and since I too have the Quad Air Suspension System and Extended Warranty I do not want to go too Crazy but 31 inch can be achievable with Falken Wildpeaks A/T3W 265/65R18. Second is a the Chief Products Facia Protection kit and Underplate since I have the full Safety suite onboard my Trailhawk and need to protect it. The Chief Products Hidden Witch Plate for some structural reinforcement and down the line I would like Front Bullbar and Rear Bumper with swing away tire carrier so I can get the Spare tire out of the cargo area since I have some plans for a gear case there. Maybe after the warranty is done it might be fun to do some upgrades to the engine like a Turbo with Intercooler but that is way down the line unless somethin major was to happen.

[@josehicks38]

Same thing I did to fit my 295’s on my wk2, I cut my fender flares and the fender itself with also the pinch weld mod.

[@venturethe3955]

Good to know! Did you end up cutting a lot of the fender or just the tab?

[@pabz83]

I have a 2014 overland with srt rims 20x10 with all terrain nitto terra grappler 285/50r20 . no rubbing.. just . looks sick, I don't do much offroad but when I do it's light.

[@Pislui]

You can adjust the tire size with the app Jscan I did it on my when I put the 32 inch

[@cbonz7734]

On my 2014 Overland I'm going with 275/65R18s. I currently have 265/50R20s which ride like crap off-road. If I air them down to 25 they actually move on the rims quite a bit. I'm hopeful the 18s will have more sidewall and ride better.

[@pabz83]

I have a 14 overland too. I went with srt rims 20x10, with nitto terra grappler all terrains 285/50/r20 , fit , no lift kit, no rubbing just. speedo out by a couple km, like reads 68 when I'm at 70 ..

[@ttime411bmw]

I made all the same cuts and trimming, that pinch weld was eating my tires for about a week, it’s cleared now but full lock in reverse I get some rubbing

[@captainsalty7777]

Looks tuff.

[@contracostaexpert]

Thanks for this. I have a standard suspension ecodeisel. I have this exact tire on my wrangler and am planning a swap. Now both of us need Chief to finish their upcoming fender flares and we'll both be golden.

[@brianhorrorfan]

I'm doing the level and lift kit to get a plus 1.5" in the front and a plus .5" inch in the rear and running 33" here in the near future on my 2018 Trailhawk stock rims but I have 1.5" Bora spacers so that should make up for the offset.

[@brianhorrorfan]

ok so here is the update I got the airlinks lift and level kit which adds 1.5" in the front and a .5" lift in the back and have the 1.5" spacers and i can not even fit 32.5" tires under mine without rubbing on the front fender rim so either i got a bad set of links or the biggest tires you can fit under it without modification is the 265/65/18. so unless you plan on modding your jeep DO NOT get the 99.99 lift and level, get the 50 dollar level and be done because you are stuck with 265/65/18 either way. i tried 275/70/18 and 265/70/18. the 33" weren't even close to fitting so i have no idea how you got them on there dude lol.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

I had questioned the clearance on the Washer tank and the fuel line on facebook, and everybody said both were a non-issue for 33's. I'm having the same size Falken RT's put on my stock Air-Ride WK2 on thursday, i plan to take the liner out and try to pull the fuel line up into that corner more to keep it away from the tires. Also putting on 1.25" spacers at the same time. Already trimmed most of what i thought would give me issues up front...is the link NEEDED, or just nice to have at some point after the fact?

[@TheOffroadCamper]

I just did the exact same thing to my Trailhawk 2020 today I got a different black rhino wheel than you do I have the overland’s but the same tires the same size I have air links but I haven’t used them yet because I’m just in town for today I can drive it in Offroad one this help me decide what I have to trim tomorrow when it’s daylight in warmer and I get the Dremel tool out.

[@TheOffroadCamper]

Driving my vehicle in Offroad1 or Using the airlinks lift which accomplishes the same thing; I had no problem running the 33.5 inch 275 70 18 tires on my 2020 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. Because the vehicle does settle into arrow mode at highway speeds I decided to trim the trailing edge of the front bumper basically I have eliminated the section of the bumper where the black plastic wheel arch molding is just about 3/4 of an inch of plastic. If I trim the fenders were that same wheel arch molding is like Jeep has done on some of their concept vehicles I could easily run 35s. I haven’t done any changes to the wheel liners other than tucking behind the bumper. No modification to the pinchweld. No changes to the rear at all.

[@carnage6288]

I never thought about the mileage being effected by larger tires. Definitely learned something 👍

[@venturethe3955]

Glad it helped!!

[@ExploringAussie]

Have you adjusted the speedo / odometer? great video i am wanting to fir 275 65 18

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

I'm not as aggressive with pushing tire size. We have an 18 wk2 trailhawk also. V6. Air suspension. 265/65/R18 is what I plan on buying .

[@carnage6288]

I put a 2.5" lift on my 2018 wk2 Laredo. I'm planning to run the same size tires on it too (265/65r18). Thinking it will be good. Only adds about an inch of tire height over the stock 265/60s.

[@JuanRV73]

Would u need to regear?

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

No. It's easier just to accept the small difference in speed and odo.

[@mozpassion8996]

Hi there, how is the off road? I have 2021 Overland and I’m not happy with The air suspension. It makes a Big Bang at the back some times.

[@cirecast8177]

What you live out of your jeep? Do you have a video of your storage? I'm really interested !

[@cpk2GIRL]

Is the Odometer-Wheel calibration even adjustable at any local FCA dealer / service shop??

[@musclhed5658]

another question... would you have required any mods IF you just drove in Level 1 or 2 air lift? I believe the only time you cannot is when you're over like 48mph and it will lower, but at that speed you are not cutting the wheel. otherwise you can cruise around with lift on 1 or 2 esp if you are making a sharp turn. please let me know, I used to have 2015 GC SRT and a 2015 GC Overland several years ago. I recently picked up a 2014 GC Overland 5.7 and I am going to pull the trigger on a 305 40 22s (32'') on 22x10.5 35mm offset .. or .. 33 12.50 20s on 20x10 zero or low offset. great video, thanx man!

[@venturethe3955]

The air suspension doesn’t technically limit up-travel so under compression, even if I tricked the ride height sensor to stay higher, it would still hit the same spots. If you’re just driving on-road it might be a different story but we’re constantly articulating the suspension on this one. 32” tires should typically fit without any mods even with stock wheels. 33s with the air suspension are where you have to start looking at a few spots.

[@stevenjacobs6608]

I just turned off that height level selection for park mode. I have rock sliders on it what I use as a step.

[@overlanddepotoverlanddepot6162]

Hi Dave, great Name lol I'm Dave as well. Do you have any spacers installed ? I have a 2018 GC Trailhawk with air suspension just like yours, rim that I have 17" Black Rhino Arsenals tires are Nitto Ridge Grapplers 285/70/R17 and I am running Airlink as well tricking to constant off-road 1 mode No Spacer and I do not have any rubbings at all which is very strange before I had 20" rim 285/55/20 and it did rub Today I installed 2" spacers on the 285/70/R17 Rhinos and big time issues rubbings the tire looking good but need to do lots of alterations on the plastics. So I think if anyone that dose not want to cut or alter there fender/trim do not use spacers (needs to be lift for this size 33") Great Videos keep exploring ! Cheers.

[@Rxb_k24na]

Hi dave I have a 21 jgcl summit with airsus also was going to put a method 701 17x8.5 in 0 offset with 265/70/17 ridgegrappler too. Do you think i need to override my airsus, how to do that? The diameter is 31.65”

[@overlanddepotoverlanddepot6162]

Hi Ralp, Well I am not sure because I had 285/55/20 before I did any off road/ overlanding mods and I did not lift anything it was stock very minor rubbing on turns after a while is went away as tires wore just a bit. But once I started to do the Overland build I got airlink and gave the whole thing a lift 2” in front and 2.” In rear most guys cant ad tires like I did without a regular suspension and some sort of cutting. So I am not sure if you would need to do anything to your air suspension with the airlink. It almost seems that every Rig is different. Sorry I could not give you a beater answer.

[@Rxb_k24na]

@@overlanddepotoverlanddepot6162 thanks for responding. I might contact airlink about it and jeep also for the warranty if they will void it once I change my airlift rod thing.

[@pierogillio]

There is no problem with suspension off road 2 level after install the level sensor links??

[@themightyredandfriends2969]

So it’s seven months in, is there an update?

[@pierogillio]

Can you still using off road 2 level?? No air bags problem??

[@brentonsieverts8478]

Where in Utah is this?? Thanks!! Definitely going to check it out!!

[@sebastianryszczynski2075]

Mam wk2 5.7 hemiz pneumatycznym zawieszeniem, czy mogę założyć 17 cali felgi czy hamulce za duże są? Pozdrawiam

[@srtabc123]

Good looking rig and nice tire set up. I thought v6 got standard brakes and the v8 and diesel got the hd brakes. Did you swap yours?

[@venturethe3955]

Thanks! I did not swap mine. I think it might have to do with whether you have a tow package on it, but not 100% certain on that

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

I believe only the v8 comes with HD brakes. If you have them on a v6, somebody did that. I plan to on my v6 once brakes are due

[@J.Lavigne]

@@WisconsinDIYGuy I have 2016 limited with HD breaks. Trail rated, off road 2 package and quadra lift.

[@camaroboi13]

@@J.Lavigne somebody paid extra for that. V6 never came with em for some reason. Not cool enough I guess.

[@JordanKaczmarczyk]

If you do level spacers up front it will limit your up travel and not hit your fender 👌 I'm running RC level spacers and leveled it off with Alfa OBD

[@venturethe3955]

Limiting up travel is exactly what I need. Or a little fender trimming. Are you on springs?

[@JordanKaczmarczyk]

@@venturethe3955 negative, I'm on Air, level spacers up front and added 1.5" lift vis alfa OBD, rear I added shock spacers and I'm .5" over stock.. all lift I'd actually achieved via alfaobd. If you add the spacers to the front only without the app making changes you won't do anything. Got my info from here www.jeepgarage.org/threads/quadralift-suspension-modifications.217953/

[@venturethe3955]

@@JordanKaczmarczyk this is good intel I’ll definitely check this out!

[@mykill84]

Did this help your ground clearance? I am assuming it added a couple inches vs stock?

[@venturethe3955]

It did! Stock tires were about 30.5" OD so this added about 1.5" total ground clearance

[@sean9267]

Thoughts on a spacer lift for the QL?

[@venturethe3955]

I think some people have tried it but there aren't too many details on it. I think once you start messing with the QL it a bit of uncharted territory

[@darrylcrayton2054]

What was your ride height on the walk around? Park, Aero, off1, or off2?

[@venturethe3955]

I believe it was OR1. I hardly drive in OR2 since I have leveling links in front. The ride is way too rough.

[@bearsj3]

do you need quadra lift to off road or can i do this on normal suspension grand cherokee

[@venturethe3955]

Definitely don't need Quadra lift! It's more about having a good drivetrain, tires, and placement. A lot of beautiful places can still be accessed with just 2WD honestly.

[@oscar250981]

Why go to all that trouble? It seems the vehicle is less functional than stock, is it just for looks?

[@jim-jamesclarkson1479]

What brand and model is your spare tire swing arm?

[@venturethe3955]

It was a Wilco Offroad hitch gate solo high clearance. I have actually since sold it.

[@musclhed5658]

with a zero offset I would assume no fender mods needed?

[@venturethe3955]

Depends on the tire size. Since they’re pushed out more, you may not rub on the inside of the wheel well as much, but you might be more likely to rub the fender under compression. A lot of variables come into play.

[@jakeguitar7]

Does lifting it make it less safe if you were to get into a crash

[@venturethe3955]

I'd say technically yes. You raise your center of gravity so there might be a higher risk of rollover. There are a number of factors in play so you'll want to factor this all in when considering each modification.

[@no_handle_required]

I'm rubbing my fuel filler with 32's, did you ever do anything to modify yours?

[@venturethe3955]

I have not yet. Though I probably won’t honestly

[@no_handle_required]

@@venturethe3955 Thanks for the fast reply. How concerned should i be of the rubbing in your opinion, since you have that many miles already?

[@venturethe3955]

@@no_handle_required I’d keep an eye on it. Depends on how badly it rub and how hard/frequently you compress it. For the most part I don’t really rub the fuel line that much, it was mostly the liner. If I drove the car harder I’d probably consider doing something about it

[@no_handle_required]

@@venturethe3955 Thank you. If you do modify it I hope you'll do a video on it. I'm tempted to cut the rubber portion and see if I can push it away from the tire and towards the tank that way, Either way, thanks for the vid, it was very useful.

[@stevenromero4422]

Way too much extra work there. I have 275/65/18 AT’s and did not need to make any adjustments at all and kept the stock rims which are nice on my 2018 trail hawk.

[@inkofuro3991]

are you have v6 or 5.7?

[@venturethe3955]

V6!

[@inkofuro3991]

@@venturethe3955 you help me! I am chose v6 or 5.7.

[@venturethe3955]

@@inkofuro3991 I’d probably stick with the 5.7 if you’re worried about power. Elevation, larger tires, stress the engine

[@user-jd9rc9bz7o]

Сильная тачка, а тойота Прадо слабее будет ее?

[@venturethe3955]

Hello! I am not sure -- I do not have the experience to know.

[@stevenromero4422]

Way too much work. I have two 75/65/18 and to make no adjustments at all

[@chad6659]

Lol you cut into your car

[@venturethe3955]

Best decision of my life