What rubs first? How to figure out if 37s will fit???

chtucker · Aug 27, 2023

I have a FE with Bilstein 6112s (circlip 4 up front, 3 in the rear) Which Bilstein says gives a stock Bronco 1.5" of lift. I have true TrailReady Bead Locks at 17x8 with +19mm of back spacing (compared to stock at 17x8.5 and +30mm) I think that makes my wheels stick out about .5". Is that enough for for 37s? Are there any 11.5 wide tires that would make it easier?

Here is how it sits on level pavement

Ford Bronco What rubs first? How to figure out if 37s will fit??? 1693176561137

Ford Bronco What rubs first? How to figure out if 37s will fit??? 1693175821729

Snacktime · Aug 27, 2023

I am +18mm offset 17x8.5 wheels. You are stuck with 37x12.5 radials. Same rubbing as 0mm offsets, front body mount, rear of the fender and top of the fenders.

chtucker · Aug 27, 2023

Snacktime said:
I am +18mm offset 17x8.5 wheels. You are stuck with 37x12.5 radials. Same rubbing as 0mm offsets, front body mount, rear of the fender and top of the fenders.

Does a body mount kit (JKS, LOBO or ?) I am thinking about adding Trick Dicks frame braces (they are built better than ones I made when I mounted my winch) the Lobo kit seems a bit much. JKS includes the rear liner. Just wish there was a trueish 35/36 that would work.

Snacktime · Aug 28, 2023

chtucker said:
Does a body mount kit (JKS, LOBO or ?) I am thinking about adding Trick Dicks frame braces (they are built better than ones I made when I mounted my winch) the Lobo kit seems a bit much. JKS includes the rear liner. Just wish there was a trueish 35/36 that would work.

My issue with LOBO is getting bolts in, with my modded DV8 bumper is a no go for me. JKS seems to be fine but I am to cheap so I used a sawzall and grinder. I also plated over the intercooler mount and tied it into the bumper so I am not to worried bending my bumper. You can also kind of see my 1/2" body lift which I used with Rough country leveling kit to make sure I don't rub up front.

Since you bought wheels early(like me) your going to be limited due to tire width, I have plenty of clearance with stock upper control arms and 37s. Having done the 35s then 37s you want that extra 1" of clearance with the bigger tires. BFG 37s look really small next to a real 37 but are noticeable bigger than a true 35. I don't like BFG but they are definitely in your wheel house if you want something similar to 36" tire.

Big Items I would look at
1/2" to 1" body lift to clear the top of the fender
JKS to clear the front body mount, way less cutting
Remove rear crash bar mount
Trickies Braces or something custom depending on bumper

Ford Bronco What rubs first? How to figure out if 37s will fit??? 1693241196254

Rkgzx9leftcoast · Aug 28, 2023

Hey CHtucker, I think I met you last year at Trail Hero at Lonnys BBQ. I have a base-squatch on 37s. Stock wheels, and no lift. I have Maxxix RAZR A/T 37- 12.5, which are smaller like the BFG. I love them. They did awesome last year at Trail Hero. I did Plan B and Double Sammy, rated 7 trails.

The Maxxis A/T are an all terrain tread, and ride awesome on road. Maxxis makes a mud tire as well, but it measures bigger like a true 37. The A/T comes in D and E ratings I went with this tire because the smaller size gave me less headaches with rubbing. Mine doesn't rub on road at all, and even on those harder trails I didnt have ant crazy rubbing unless I was off camber tipping back and forth on opposite corners.

Measuring from stock I gained about an inch over the stock good-years at like 36 lbs of air.

I think the TR +18mm will move you out a little more than mine, the sweep of the tire will be moved out . If you go with a true 37, even with the added lift you may rub more.

I have 6100s I am going to install as soon as it cool down a little here. I had a 1" front level I never put on, so am thinking I will use it in the front and go up 1 circlip groove only front and back on the shocks.

I like the lower CG for off road-ing. I was kicking around going back to Sand Hollow for Trail Hero this year, but as it is getting closer I haven't made any plans..... If you search my posts on here I have some threads with pics.