Who's happy with the stock tire sizing?

[tisser07]

I've been struggling with the idea of upsizing tires on the RR. Whether running shock spacers or spring preload collars, each is a compromise to the durability or function of the truck. Other compromises such as crash bar modification or replacement are often debated. Then there is the additional load on the tie rods and steering rack that need to be addressed.

The best solution I seem to have come up with is to run a 285/75/17 or 34" tire. It requires the least amount of compromises in my opinion, except in tire selection. It does seem Nitto offers a Ridge Grappler in 285/75 with a C load rating, which seems to be the best option. 285/75s are only .5" smaller diameter than most 315/70 or 35x11.5s.

I went out with the family yesterday and did some technical trails as well as some high speed rips. I didn't have any issues with the stock 33s. The speed and agility of the 33s was nice in the latter half of the drive. I should note that I have complete compliment of Foutz skid plates and protection.

I could use some extra clearance, but I also don't want to destroy the truck on trails better suited for rock crawling. I don't want to change or ruin the on trail and on road ride quality. This has me thinking I should just leave the truck alone and enjoy it as it was designed. I'm also fearful of missing out on a more capable truck.

I've gone down the upgrade road with my BMW M2. It is now heavily geared toward the track. Although it drives nice on the street, it certainly is not what it was and I spend less time heading out to the canyons with it. I don't want to be there with the RR.

So who has left their RRs stock? Why have you chosen not to upsize your tires?

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[Kenbike]

I have done the same to many cars and trucks with aftermarket changes. Seems I get them to the spot I envisioned and get bored so sell that at a large loss and start over.
The RR is really a great all around truck and daily driver so keeping it stock except for Ford performance tune. Will not increase the tire size, but would like to get some weight savings so thinking of ordering the stock RR non-bead lock rims with a Firestone tires that weighs around 44 lbs each for a total weight saving of around 17 lbs per wheel.
Hoping to improve fuel econmy by 1 -2 mpg and make the truck quicker zero to 60.
Stopping with just the tire/rims and tune.

 

[Peter949]

If you don't do technical trails where clearance is needed. Keep it stock because it will do most of everything else just fine. I went with 35 and a lift because I got high centered on fresh snow wheeling and want to do some technical trails.

 

[srv256ss]

Can only get the bfGoodrich tires designed specifically for the truck in the stock size.

May do something different when they’re no longer available.

 

[SBB]

I'm going to try out the Toyo Open Country A/T III 34 X10.50R17 LT 120S D1 BSW, that gets me a little more height and won't be an issue with clearance or having to adjust or move the crash bars. My wheels are Signature's with +50mm offset. If BF Goodrich had offered the same tire in a K03 I would have got those. All they offered was a K02 which are being phased out.
Good luck in your choice!

 

[jensht]

If you like high speed runs, then be careful with 35s. They'll go into your wheels wells at full compression and tear them up. And if you happen to have the wheel turned a little it'll rip out your fenders. Done that and regretted the bill

 

[LDHunter]

The RR is perfectly engineered with the BFG stock 33" tires. If you mess with that you simply screw up all that perfectly matched equipment. I left everything stock but do understand that some people prefer the factory tune. I choose not to do it because I like regular gas and the better gas mileage as well.

It's fast enough for me as it is.

YMMV...

 

[Sharpix]

The mental gymnastics to many people to want to mess with one of the most balanced off road truck offerings ever is astonishing. The truck even has position sensors on the rear suspension. Its not like the tacoma who is as analog as a hammer. The RR its a very well calibrated machine who will speed up with confidence WITH THE STOCK TIRE SIZE, and will work with less poise and agility when put on larger rubber.
Larger tires = Longer braking distances, brake fade sooner, less agility on steering, dimnished acceleration, less steering precision, slower turning at speed.
Its is a tangible trade off. Have it in mind, Sir.

 

[jensht]

I wouldn't go so far as saying it will ruin the truck or it isn't designed for it. Ford has raced it on 35s at various events and it performed well there.

 

[Peter949]

Not one shoe fits all. Let people do with their truck as they please but yes, stock it's pretty capable..

 

[STEVE_K]

I'm just rolling stock. 25+ years ago it would have been lifted with new wheels and tires by the time I got it home for the first time.

 

[LDHunter]

I wouldn't go so far as saying it will ruin the truck or it isn't designed for it. Ford has raced it on 35s at various events and it performed well there.

Ford has done it? Well.... Don't you suppose they had the suspension retuned by the engineers before doing that?

 

[LDHunter]

Where I live every Bubba and his cuzzin has jacked up their pickups and put big tires on them. It doesn't really matter if all you want is to look cool and have it go through the mudholes or sugar sand better. If that's what you want to do don't waste your money on a Raptor. Get a 4wd Ranger or F-150 and jack it up to your heart's content.

Don't get me wrong... I had a 1976 F-150 with 39" Super Swampers back in the day when we hunted the deep swamps with deer and hog hounds here in NW Florida. It had a 390 that was built by a genuine race car mechanic. It was bad to the bone but other than in deep rutted mud holes it wouldn't hold a candle to my Ranger Raptor.

 

[TheTopher]

Been really happy with lighter 33s, skinny 34s and 315s. The Raptor doesn’t care and wears them all well. The bigger tires I’ve tried tend to ride better but sacrifice agility. If you need the extra clearance I think 285/75s or 35x11.5s are a sweet spot.

285/75R17 G003s and 285/70 XTM ATs pictured below, 1” front top spacer.

 

[tisser07]

Thanks

Been really happy with lighter 33s, skinny 34s and 315s. The Raptor doesn’t care and wears them all well. The bigger tires I’ve tried tend to ride better but sacrifice agility. If you need the extra clearance I think 285/75s or 35x11.5s are a sweet spot.

285/75R17 G003s and 285/70 XTM ATs pictured below, 1” front top spacer.

Thanks., the Pirellis are an interesting option, and only available in 285/70 as far as I can tell. My K03s still have plenty of life left for now.

I do enjoy technical trails as well as some wide open ripping. I felt the RR is the best package out there. However, I can only wonder how good (or bad) it feels with 34s or 35s. I'm fairly new to the offroad scene, though I have many hours on track in my BMW M2. I never thought I would enjoy a truck this much!

I did look long and hard at the ZR2 and AT4X, but no dealers had the Bison or AEV packages to test drive. The 2.7 4 banger felt pretty lame after driving the RR and the buzziness and noise of that engine were major turn offs. I can only image how much worse it feels with 35s and more weight.

Unfortunately, I am analysis paralysis type person. One day I tell myself to go for it an build it the way I want, the next I question everything and wonder why I would mess with what Ford put so much effort into. I do have Foutz skid plates and I have put them to good use thus far.

Honestly, I would love to tackle Black Bear Pass in this truck next year after I get more time under my belt. The only concern I have is the steps. It seem like a few more inches of ground clearance will help clear the segment. The other side of me thinks running 35s to conquer one trail is stupid. And the analysis paralysis starts all over again.

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