I run 35s on my JK with a 4" Suspension lift however I put flat fender flares on and have more than enough room for 37s with some minor body trim, If you can wait for parts to come in with your lift, do the 2.5 lift and put flat fender flares on it then the 35's will be just fine. Definitly a waste of money for 20" rims, I chose 17"s cause they are way more abundant when looking for tires etc and alot cheaper to replace the tires also.

 

I think i like the idea of 3" Lift with 35" Tires. I'll be using a 3.73 Axle Ratio so I should be ok I figure. But as far as gas goes, I couldn't see it being a HUGE difference really? I mean a few MPGs maybe, but nothing major. I know the jeep isn't exactly a wedge, so it's fuel efficiency isn't based on it's body shape, as long as your within the perimeters of the gearing system should be ok. Plus I'll have a 6 speed Manual.

 

If you're using your jeep as a daily driver I'd stick with 33's you'll notice a big differance in handling on the road with 35s especially in snow.

If you want to run 35s with minimal lift (2.5-3) you'll have to do flat fenders in order to not rub them.

ANd you will notice a differance with your gears and 35 even with a stick. It's still a lot of rubber to turn and has more friction due to tire width.

 

I have 35s with 4.88 gears, Eaton Truetrac front and rear, 6 speed on a '12

I average 14.5 l/100km in the city.
About 13 l/100km on the highway.

Added K&N Drop in filter....no change.

I have 2"lift and flat fenders. love it for mild wheeling but I think I am going to get either a 2.5 Teraflex or RK kit.

 

Was just quoted 800$ tax in for a AEV 2" lift with exhaust spacers, Installed.

Install is 400$, LOL Might do it my self, Unless some knows someone local to Toronto thats does not charge 100$ a hours.

 

Not sure.. I will be going to Marham Spyder 4x4 guys not sure what kind labor they charge tho..

 

I started off the same way, I wanted to go big big big, but it's a big financial commitment to do properly. I'm going to go with 33's and flat fenders :)

 

You will be fine with 2.5" lift and 35s with factory fenders if you get a lift that also has the the appropriate bumpstops.

 

Don't cheap out on suspension. Period.
Stick with the proven companies.. AEV.. Rock Krawler.. OME.. Offroad Evo.. TeraFlex and Superlift are making some nice gear too.
I run 35 inch Nittos on steel wheels with stock gearing (4.10) right now, up until I got my tuner I have never once seen over 180km to a tank around town and couldn't make the 4.5hr trip from Edmonton to Fort McMurray without stopping for fuel. I don't have a heavy foot. Consumption is insanely better since the tuner. And I also have new aluminum wheels and new tires on the way as we speak. That being said... I didn't buy my Jeep for mileage and haven't the slightest tiny clue why anyone buys a wrangler with mileage in mind.
Anyways I'm totally just rambling. My two cents.. Read read read research research research.. Don't cheap out.. Stay away from wheel spacers.. Ride along with other people with gear on their jeeps.. Make a list either in your head or tangible about what YOU need and want.. What you'll use your jeep for.. Bla bla bla anyway enough ranting for me

 

285/75/17 will fit but you'll need 1.5" spacers or new wheels. Nothing wrong with them, many people run them for years without issue. Specifically if you like your stock rims or would like to spend the budget on other things 1st. Also check the need for extended bump stops. but you can also get 315/70/17s to fit. If you wanna be safe, flat fenders.