Big Bend Tire Upgrade - what do I need to know?

[Krystinaml]

I have a 2023 big bend, basic package with standard wheels/tires. I’m interested in upgrading to what would come with the Sasquatch package (I think?). 35s I believe? Do I need a lift with it? I honestly don’t know much about the options and what all would need to be done, so any advice would be appreciated

Sponsored

 

[Oldhippie]

Remove the crash bars…maybe a half inch+ lift

 

[23OBX2.7]

Bigger tires are an optical upgrade only unless deep sand otherwise for a functional upgrade just match tire to use case.​

​

I did upgrade from 255/65-18 to 275/70/18 E which is better handling, winter and looks adding only 10lb per wheel.​

 

[babyblue81]

I have a 2026 Big Bend and did a 3.5 inch lift with 35x12.5x17 wheels. No rubbing and love the stance.

 

[Brian_B]

Remove the crash bars…maybe a half inch+ lift

I agree with this. Start with just removing the crash bars -- that's probably enough. But if you hear it rubbing a bit, not hard to add a bit of lift or spacers after the fact if you need it.

Or look for SAS takeoffs -- tires already mounted on rims with TPMS sensors. Can usually find them cheap. And the SAS rims have about 1" less offset, which makes them a bit more friendly

 

[biggfoot1970]

If you have the flat wide running boards you need to change them out, take them off or go with 11.5 tires. The 12.5" will hit the running boards at full wheel turn. This is the dilemma I'm dealing with right now on my 24BB

 

[crzyhawk]

Crash Bars is probably enough. If not, a little bit of lift from what I have seen recommended. There's plenty of videos of folks pulling crashbars and putting SAS takeoffs on their trucks with no obvious problems.

Are you prepared for the consequences though OP? If you have an auto, you're probably on 3.73 gears. It's going to feel more sluggish when you step on the gas. The tires and wheels are going to be heavier, and have more rolling resistance. Your gas mileage will drop.

The extra weight will cause more stress on your steering components. More stress, likely means more wear. While the Bronco comes from the factory with 35s, it doesn't come from the factory with 35s on M190 front diffs, HOSS 1.0 steering and CV axles. Is that extra weight going to cause a problem? I don't know. I'm struggling with similar questions should I lift at all. 2 inches will change my CV angles, and while SAS Broncos come with that extra 2 inches, they don't do it on M190s, CV axles and steering rack. I'm not sure what will happen with wear, etc. I watch these threads like hawks trying to learn as much as possible to make informed decisions when it's time to do so.

Making mechanical changes is never free of side effect, there's always some tradeoffs for it None of those things may matter to you...but if it does matter to you, you should know about it before you make the decision to move forward. I'm not trying to tell you to do or not do, just make sure your choice is completely thought through.

 

[shaw]

I have a 2023 big bend, basic package with standard wheels/tires. I’m interested in upgrading to what would come with the Sasquatch package (I think?). 35s I believe? Do I need a lift with it? I honestly don’t know much about the options and what all would need to be done, so any advice would be appreciated

Nice upgrade path to consider! If you're aiming for the Sasquatch look, the factory setup is 35" tires (315/70R17) on 17" wheels. The good news is that many Bronco owners run 35s on a non-Sasquatch Big Bend without adding a lift, though wheel offset and tire choice can affect rubbing at full lock or during off-road articulation. You may need crash bar modifications or removal depending on the setup. Keep in mind the Sasquatch package also includes different gearing, high-clearance suspension components, and wider fender flares, so it's more than just tires and wheels. I'd recommend checking your axle ratio and intended use before buying anything. Plenty of members here have done the conversion and can share what worked for them.

 

[BlueWaffle]

Crash Bars is probably enough. If not, a little bit of lift from what I have seen recommended. There's plenty of videos of folks pulling crashbars and putting SAS takeoffs on their trucks with no obvious problems.

Are you prepared for the consequences though OP? If you have an auto, you're probably on 3.73 gears. It's going to feel more sluggish when you step on the gas. The tires and wheels are going to be heavier, and have more rolling resistance. Your gas mileage will drop.

The extra weight will cause more stress on your steering components. More stress, likely means more wear. While the Bronco comes from the factory with 35s, it doesn't come from the factory with 35s on M190 front diffs, HOSS 1.0 steering and CV axles. Is that extra weight going to cause a problem? I don't know. I'm struggling with similar questions should I lift at all. 2 inches will change my CV angles, and while SAS Broncos come with that extra 2 inches, they don't do it on M190s, CV axles and steering rack. I'm not sure what will happen with wear, etc. I watch these threads like hawks trying to learn as much as possible to make informed decisions when it's time to do so.

Making mechanical changes is never free of side effect, there's always some tradeoffs for it None of those things may matter to you...but if it does matter to you, you should know about it before you make the decision to move forward. I'm not trying to tell you to do or not do, just make sure your choice is completely thought through.

I have a 10spd non SAS BB that I lifted 2" and put e rated 35s on.. I've had PLENTY of fun with the thing and it's still fault free 50k miles later. Had the trans fluid changed&analyzed at 45k~ and Blackstone told me it was right on par with 32k mile "break in" samples..

Broncos gotta eat.. feed the thing.. she'll love it.

Sponsored