I've been running the FL mud with 35s on a 3" body lift. I have 33's I swap over for street driving (swampers wear out quick on the highway). I had the trim the front fenders and pound them back flat. Also got a set of extended rear shackles to clear the back some more.
I've run a few different gear ratios (4.10, 4.56, 4.88, 5.29) and I like the 4.88s the best for my 33-35s.

A locker will get you much further than a bigger tire.

Fur clog in the sausage grinder