Towing with stock gears - Question on tire size

[YoungAndJeepin]

I have a 96 4.0 HO with the AW4 Tranny. Dana 30/35C Yes it has tranny cooler
My jeep has a 4.5" lift with 31's but with the stock 3.55s so it's a little undergeared.
I will eventually be starting in a local series that races stock 4 cylinder cars (gutted, caged, etc) and will need to tow the car (around 1700-2000 lbs) plus the trailer (Don't have one but will be borrowing one which I'm guessing will weigh 1500-2000 lbs w/trailer brakes) For a total weight around 3.5-4k.
The XJs can tow 4900 lbs with the AW4, but since I'm a bit undergeared, It would not really be good on the tranny or motor to tow almost max weight.
I do not have the money to regear my axles (saving regearing for 35's and swap the D35C) SO here is my solution and I'm wanting peoples opinions (who have experience towing with the xj)

I am thinking of just putting on stock sized wheels in the rear ~27-28" when towing. It would look plain goofy but I want to be easy on my 185k motor and tranny. I think this is the easiest and best option but I would like some input

Thanks! :us:

Here are pics of the Tow rig and the car It'll be towing.

 

[cal]

I would put stock size on all 4 corners. Doing smaller rear and big front tires could have funky handling, and when you're already putting 4000 pounds into the back of the car, you are better safe than sorry.

 

[yossarian19]

I would put stock size on all 4 corners.

x2.

Going up the first big grade on I-80 from Oakland to Sacramento brought the suck when I was on 31s & 3.55 gears. That was without a trailer. With a trailer... 235s & 5K or so lbs, it sucked bad.

When I was on 30s & 3.55s, I could tow a ~3K camper trailer behind me OK - but I had a long line of cars behind me everywhere I went.

Put on some stock rollers. Hell, If you are in / near Nevada County I've got some 235s you can have cheap.

 

[YoungAndJeepin]

Thanks for the input I'll look into a set of four tires. around 215/75 or 225/70's. I still have my stock snowflake rims they've been on craigslist for a while. I'll use those.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Also, keep a lookout for 4 cyl XJ axles. They will have 4.10 gears, unless you find a RARE pair with 4.56