Sanity Check: 2025 Big Bend on 35s — Bilstein 5100s (2.0"/2.5"), Stock Wheels, & BFG KO2s (Load C)

[alenarjad]

Total newbie. Started doing a bit of offroading with some kind folks that invited me on a recent trip as well as a few local spots myself. Wanting to have more fun!

Here’s list and notes of some things I’m looking to do and get some feedback on. Got a quote from a local shop as a starting point that is referenced here. All feedback is welcome and appreciated!

Vehicle: 2025 Ford Bronco Big Bend (Non-Sasquatch)

Goal: Upgrade to 35-inch tires while keeping factory 17" wheels, maintaining a solid daily ride, and ensuring full trail capability without using cheap top-mount spacers.

1. Tires & Wheels

Tires: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — LT315/70R17 (Load Range C)

Notes: Going with 5 total (including spare). Sticking with Load Range C (the factory Sasquatch spec) to keep the weight down (~62 lbs/tire) and preserve ride quality over stiff Load E/F tires. Reusing the stock 17" Big Bend wheels.

Cost Quote: ~$2,000 all-in for all 5 installed (mounting, balancing, tax).

2. Suspension Lift

Setup: Bilstein 5100 Struts (Set of 4) retaining factory Big Bend springs.

Lift Height: Setting snap rings to 2.0" Front / 2.5" Rear.

Notes: I’m told the 0.5" extra in the rear levels out factory rake and accounts for the ~87 lb spare tire hanging off the tailgate.

Cost Quote: Price-matched parts to $668; total install + alignment quote is ~$1,400 out-of-pocket.

3. Clearance & Spare Hardware

Crash Bars: Completely unbolting/removing the front and rear crash bars to clear 35x12.50s on stock high-offset wheels without needing wheel spacers.

Spare Tire Relocation: Considering ordering the Rough Country 2" Spare Tire Relocation Bracket (#51053) (~$80) independently and having the shop bolt it on during tire mounting. The shop told me I didn’t need it but I’m not sure… also, the part that they pulled up to accomplish this was like $270 and they quoted me $400 after labor and tax just for this which I thought was high..

Tailgate / License Plate / Camera:

Retaining factory tailgate hinges (since C-load + stock wheel is under 90 lbs) and keeping the stock bumper-mounted license plate location. Transferring TPMS and using factory backup camera pass-through.

——

Questions for the group:

1. Does the 2.0" front / 2.5" rear setting on Bilstein 5100s give a perfectly level stance once the 35" spare is mounted?

2. Do I need wheel spacers? Anyone running 315/70R17 KO2s on stock Big Bend wheels notice any minor rubbing at full lock after removing crash bars?

3. Any red flags with this parts list or quotes before I lock it in?

4. Do I need a spare tire relocator to fit it on the back?

Thanks everyone and looking forward to hearing from you all!

Pic of my current totally stock big bend included just for shits and giggles…

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[ducksface]

Can you as a driver outperform the bronco?
Seat time is your best value until you can outdrive a vehicle.
Bicycle or Bronco...the value is the same.
Seat time first.
You asked for sanity.

I am often wrong.

 

[alenarjad]

Can you as a driver outperform the bronco?
Seat time is your best value until you can outdrive a vehicle.
Bicycle or Bronco...the value is the same.
Seat time first.

I am often wrong.

I hear ya. I think the answer is yes and no. I do have some experience in the past but still totally learning. Also, I’m wanting to continue to learn with experienced folks who can continue helping me learn but wanting the extra build to keep up. Recently went out and couldn’t get past an obstacle despite everyone’s suggestions and help due to the stock rig I’m running.

 

[Snacktime]

Pick any other tire, KO2 are not a good choice for offroading. They are bottom of the barrel for traction on local granite and the sidewall is to week for desert running.

 

[alenarjad]

Pick any other tire, KO2 are not a good choice for offroading. They are bottom of the barrel for traction on local granite and the sidewall is to week for desert running.

Damn! I’m surprised I’m getting a bit of feedback around the ko2’s. Thought they were pretty good but seems like the consensus is that they’re not. Thanks much! What do you think? Falkners?

 

[DALOLA]

Save a little money, consider getting rid of the spare tire all together. Carry a repair kit.

 

[MRinaldi]

I would look at doing nthe Bilstein 6112's instead of the 5100's the cooling and performance on the bigger coilovers will benefit you after a full day of off roading

 

[alenarjad]

I would look at doing nthe Bilstein 6112's instead of the 5100's the cooling and performance on the bigger coilovers will benefit you after a full day of off roading

Yeah, I looked into em. The price difference didn’t quite make sense for me in just getting into this… I’m sure one day I’ll look back and say “I wish I did” but until then… haha

 

[Snacktime]

Mickey Thompson/Cooper/Falken make good trail tires. If you're not running in snow/ice Toyo or Yokohama are solid choices.

If you're cheap the Patagonia XT or Delium AT are excellent, just soft which is good and bad.

 

[CalvinT]

Total newbie. Started doing a bit of offroading with some kind folks that invited me on a recent trip as well as a few local spots myself. Wanting to have more fun!

Here’s list and notes of some things I’m looking to do and get some feedback on. Got a quote from a local shop as a starting point that is referenced here. All feedback is welcome and appreciated!

Vehicle: 2025 Ford Bronco Big Bend (Non-Sasquatch)

Goal: Upgrade to 35-inch tires while keeping factory 17" wheels, maintaining a solid daily ride, and ensuring full trail capability without using cheap top-mount spacers.

1. Tires & Wheels

Tires: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — LT315/70R17 (Load Range C)

Notes: Going with 5 total (including spare). Sticking with Load Range C (the factory Sasquatch spec) to keep the weight down (~62 lbs/tire) and preserve ride quality over stiff Load E/F tires. Reusing the stock 17" Big Bend wheels.

Cost Quote: ~$2,000 all-in for all 5 installed (mounting, balancing, tax).

2. Suspension Lift

Setup: Bilstein 5100 Struts (Set of 4) retaining factory Big Bend springs.

Lift Height: Setting snap rings to 2.0" Front / 2.5" Rear.

Notes: I’m told the 0.5" extra in the rear levels out factory rake and accounts for the ~87 lb spare tire hanging off the tailgate.

Cost Quote: Price-matched parts to $668; total install + alignment quote is ~$1,400 out-of-pocket.

3. Clearance & Spare Hardware

Crash Bars: Completely unbolting/removing the front and rear crash bars to clear 35x12.50s on stock high-offset wheels without needing wheel spacers.

Spare Tire Relocation: Considering ordering the Rough Country 2" Spare Tire Relocation Bracket (#51053) (~$80) independently and having the shop bolt it on during tire mounting. The shop told me I didn’t need it but I’m not sure… also, the part that they pulled up to accomplish this was like $270 and they quoted me $400 after labor and tax just for this which I thought was high..

Tailgate / License Plate / Camera:

Retaining factory tailgate hinges (since C-load + stock wheel is under 90 lbs) and keeping the stock bumper-mounted license plate location. Transferring TPMS and using factory backup camera pass-through.

——

Questions for the group:

1. Does the 2.0" front / 2.5" rear setting on Bilstein 5100s give a perfectly level stance once the 35" spare is mounted?

2. Do I need wheel spacers? Anyone running 315/70R17 KO2s on stock Big Bend wheels notice any minor rubbing at full lock after removing crash bars?

3. Any red flags with this parts list or quotes before I lock it in?

4. Do I need a spare tire relocator to fit it on the back?

Thanks everyone and looking forward to hearing from you all!

Pic of my current totally stock big bend included just for shits and giggles…

Spend some time off-roading and decide what you really need for your vehicle and the way you drive. Just because everyone says you need such and such doesn't mean you do. Some will say certain tires are junk, maybe they are, for them. That doesn't mean they'll be junk for you.

I've done more than many people on here way before everyone had lockers and aired down (1970s-1980s). We didn't air down because no one had a compressor and we didn't have big tires. Think of it this way. You're thinking of making certain upgrades. Do you have the skill to make use of those upgrades? Are you planning on going on trails where those upgrades are need? Do you have the skill for those trails? Are you able to see trouble coming before it strikes?

You're excited about a new hobby, but you really need to do some homework and take more trips with people who know what they're doing. Find out what works in real life and not what works on the internet.

 

[alenarjad]

Spend some time off-roading and decide what you really need for your vehicle and the way you drive. Just because everyone says you need such and such doesn't mean you do. Some will say certain tires are junk, maybe they are, for them. That doesn't mean they'll be junk for you.

I've done more than many people on here way before everyone had lockers and aired down (1970s-1980s). We didn't air down because no one had a compressor and we didn't have big tires. Think of it this way. You're thinking of making certain upgrades. Do you have the skill to make use of those upgrades? Are you planning on going on trails where those upgrades are need? Do you have the skill for those trails? Are you able to see trouble coming before it strikes?

You're excited about a new hobby, but you really need to do some homework and take more trips with people who know what they're doing. Find out what works in real life and not what works on the internet.

Got it! Definitely starting to go on trails that need these upgrades. Gaining the skill along the way as I’m learning with those who do know what they’re doing. And most importantly, definitely not taking what people say in the internet as gospel haha. Definitely cross referencing all of my homework

 

[alenarjad]

Mickey Thompson/Cooper/Falken make good trail tires. If you're not running in snow/ice Toyo or Yokohama are solid choices.

If you're cheap the Patagonia XT or Delium AT are excellent, just soft which is good and bad.

I think I’m gonna go with falken’s after hearing so much negative feedback on the bfg’s… thanks for this!

 

[Nam3]

Damn! I’m surprised I’m getting a bit of feedback around the ko2’s. Thought they were pretty good but seems like the consensus is that they’re not. Thanks much! What do you think? Falkners?

I've had KO2s on all my vehicles and they are awesome on and off road, especially in dirt and rocks aired down to 14 all day. KO2 haters are so weird.

 

[PWillette]

Total newbie. Started doing a bit of offroading with some kind folks that invited me on a recent trip as well as a few local spots myself. Wanting to have more fun!

Here’s list and notes of some things I’m looking to do and get some feedback on. Got a quote from a local shop as a starting point that is referenced here. All feedback is welcome and appreciated!

Vehicle: 2025 Ford Bronco Big Bend (Non-Sasquatch)

Goal: Upgrade to 35-inch tires while keeping factory 17" wheels, maintaining a solid daily ride, and ensuring full trail capability without using cheap top-mount spacers.

1. Tires & Wheels

Tires: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — LT315/70R17 (Load Range C)

Notes: Going with 5 total (including spare). Sticking with Load Range C (the factory Sasquatch spec) to keep the weight down (~62 lbs/tire) and preserve ride quality over stiff Load E/F tires. Reusing the stock 17" Big Bend wheels.

Cost Quote: ~$2,000 all-in for all 5 installed (mounting, balancing, tax).

2. Suspension Lift

Setup: Bilstein 5100 Struts (Set of 4) retaining factory Big Bend springs.

Lift Height: Setting snap rings to 2.0" Front / 2.5" Rear.

Notes: I’m told the 0.5" extra in the rear levels out factory rake and accounts for the ~87 lb spare tire hanging off the tailgate.

Cost Quote: Price-matched parts to $668; total install + alignment quote is ~$1,400 out-of-pocket.

3. Clearance & Spare Hardware

Crash Bars: Completely unbolting/removing the front and rear crash bars to clear 35x12.50s on stock high-offset wheels without needing wheel spacers.

Spare Tire Relocation: Considering ordering the Rough Country 2" Spare Tire Relocation Bracket (#51053) (~$80) independently and having the shop bolt it on during tire mounting. The shop told me I didn’t need it but I’m not sure… also, the part that they pulled up to accomplish this was like $270 and they quoted me $400 after labor and tax just for this which I thought was high..

Tailgate / License Plate / Camera:

Retaining factory tailgate hinges (since C-load + stock wheel is under 90 lbs) and keeping the stock bumper-mounted license plate location. Transferring TPMS and using factory backup camera pass-through.

——

Questions for the group:

1. Does the 2.0" front / 2.5" rear setting on Bilstein 5100s give a perfectly level stance once the 35" spare is mounted?

2. Do I need wheel spacers? Anyone running 315/70R17 KO2s on stock Big Bend wheels notice any minor rubbing at full lock after removing crash bars?

3. Any red flags with this parts list or quotes before I lock it in?

4. Do I need a spare tire relocator to fit it on the back?

Thanks everyone and looking forward to hearing from you all!

Pic of my current totally stock big bend included just for shits and giggles…

A 315/70 tire on the OEM +55 offset BB wheels is going to put the tire extremely close to the UCA...too close for wheeling IMO. I'd consider 35 x 10.50 Kenda.

 

[The Green Flash]

Damn! I’m surprised I’m getting a bit of feedback around the ko2’s. Thought they were pretty good but seems like the consensus is that they’re not. Thanks much! What do you think? Falkners?

I've had KO2s on all my vehicles and they are awesome on and off road, especially in dirt and rocks aired down to 14 all day. KO2 haters are so weird.

X2 on this. I don't do any serious 'rock crawling' (just not my thing)... will hop boulders to get to where I'm going, but don’t seek them out as the reason for going, and BFG's have been my favorites for decades now. Great traction in loose material, good paved road manners, great longevity, good price. Have KO2's on both broncos and KO3's on the F-250.

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