Is rubbing, trimming needed for 38x13.5x17, -12 offset? With 1.5 lift front and back

[byshb9!!]

Braptor in transit and shopping for wheels. The wheels I really want is in a -12 offset. Going for 38x13.5x17 tire size. Anyone have this setup? Does it require any trimming. Does it rub during full articulation?

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[Earl]

So I was curious about what you asked. So I put your question into Gemini to see what it would tell me. Some decent info.


"Congrats on the Bronco Raptor order! Moving to 38x13.5x17 tires is a serious upgrade that transforms the stance, but it definitely pushes the limits of the Braptor’s wheel wells.

Based on technical specs and common builds for the Bronco Raptor, here is the breakdown of how that setup will likely perform:

Clearance and Trimming
A 1.5-inch lift (like a perch collar or spacer) provides the necessary height for the 38-inch tires, but the -12 offset is the primary factor for clearance issues. The factory Braptor wheels have a high positive offset (+34mm), tucked deep inside the flares.

• The "Poke": A -12 offset pushes the wheel significantly outward (nearly 2 inches further than stock). While this looks aggressive, it increases the scrub radius.
• Trimming Required: You will almost certainly need to remove the factory crash bars (if equipped/applicable) and potentially trim the inner fender liners. At full lock, the tire's outer edge will likely catch the rear portion of the front wheel well.

Articulation and Rubbing

• Full Compression: During full articulation, a 13.5-inch wide tire on a -12 offset wheel is highly likely to rub the outer fender flares when the suspension is stuffed.
• Full Lock: You may experience rubbing on the body mount or the rear of the wheel well during tight turns, especially if the suspension is cycling simultaneously.

Recommended Wheel Options
If you are still finalizing your wheel choice, here are a few options compatible with the Bronco Raptor's 6x135 bolt pattern (note: this is different from the standard Bronco's 6x139.7 pattern):

• Raptor 17X9.0 -12: This wheel matches your desired -12 offset and 17-inch diameter. It will provide that wide, aggressive stance you're looking for but will require the trimming mentioned above.
• 2025 Bronco Raptor OEM Beadlock: If you decide the -12 offset is too much work to clear, these factory wheels offer a safer fitment for 37s or 38s with less trimming, though they won't have the same "poke."

Raptor 17X9.0 -12
$288.95
SSW Off-Road Wheels
Opens in a new window

17" Ford F-150 Raptor Bronco R OEM BEADLOCK 51222 rims wheels 2025 2026 NEW 37"
$3,995.00
Ford
Opens in a new window


Final Suggestion: Many owners running 38s find that a 0mm offset is the "sweet spot" to balance the aggressive look while minimizing the heavy trimming required by a -12. Would you like me to find some 17x9 wheels with a 0mm offset to compare against the -12s?"

 

[JimKrrk]

I run BFG MT 38x13.5x17 tires on Ford F-150 Raptor Bronco R OEM BEADLOCK 51222 wheels on my BRaptor. Nothing had to be done to make room for them in the wheelwells. I play on sand dunes all summer and no clearance issues with jumping or with the whoops at 60mph.

 

[GreyZ]

That brings your outside tire edge to edge distance to ~91 inches. Thats wildly wide in my opinion. Fitting 38s on a more appropriate offset wheel should be no issue.

 

[hec1]

Just got these 38 x 12.50 x R17 Nitto Ridge Grapples 0 offset.

Love em. Outside of the hypercos front and rear, no additional work needed…. full lock etc.

 

[Valhalla]

Poke on a truck that is already that wide... Lots of bearing load on the jumps!!

 

[MGF]

Just got these 38 x 12.50 x R17 Nitto Ridge Grapples 0 offset.

Love em. Outside of the hypercos front and rear, no additional work needed…. full lock etc.

Just got these 38 x 12.50 x R17 Nitto Ridge Grapples 0 offset.

Love em. Outside of the hypercos front and rear, no additional work needed…. full lock etc.

Great look. Which hyperco set up did you install - the 2/1 or 2/2? Did you have the ride height recalibrated by dealer or through Forscan?

 

[MGF]

Just got these 38 x 12.50 x R17 Nitto Ridge Grapples 0 offset.

Love em. Outside of the hypercos front and rear, no additional work needed…. full lock etc.

Also - is that the Turn off Road bull bar? Which light bar did you use to mount the 2 lights to the front bumper?

 

[hec1]

Great look. Which hyperco set up did you install - the 2/1 or 2/2? Did you have the ride height recalibrated by dealer or through Forscan?

2/2 hypers. I haven’t done the recalibration of height. Honestly didn’t even think about it till you just said something.


Yes, it’s the turn off road bumper. The Brackett is from a local company near me that manufactures it for the bronco. I can add I think 6 x SS5’s. https://www.texascompletebronco.com/

 

[MGF]

My understanding is that the ride height calibration re “zeros” the active height measurement on the Fox shocks so they respond the same with the new spring and spring height otherwise the ride height sensors will think the shocks are near the end of their travel. It’s not a big deal, but I’ve read it’s good to do.

 

[MGF]

How do you like the 38” Ridge Grapplers on the road? I’m a 70on/30off road guy.

 

[hec1]

, this is only day two so I have limited feedback. But so far road noise is negligible. Don’t really hear a whole lot more noise. Handling has been fantastic. No perceived loss in acceleration or anything. Handling feels great on the road turning, etc..

I just called my Ford dealership and they said they have no idea about recalibrating ride height. Good Lord.

 

[Breptar]

Run a bfg 39” km3 with KMC impact -12.

For city driving I didn’t notice any rubbing at stock height. I ran stock higher for a few weeks.

I’m now on hyperco 2/1 springs and there is no rubbing.

 

[MGF]

, this is only day two so I have limited feedback. But so far road noise is negligible. Don’t really hear a whole lot more noise. Handling has been fantastic. No perceived loss in acceleration or anything. Handling feels great on the road turning, etc..

I just called my Ford dealership and they said they have no idea about recalibrating ride height. Good Lord.

Well it's definitely a thing, Ha! You can search this forum. In Forscan there's a procedure to run that does the re-calibration. Dealers should know about this!

 

[MGF]

, this is only day two so I have limited feedback. But so far road noise is negligible. Don’t really hear a whole lot more noise. Handling has been fantastic. No perceived loss in acceleration or anything. Handling feels great on the road turning, etc..

I just called my Ford dealership and they said they have no idea about recalibrating ride height. Good Lord.

Are you running a 17x8.5" wheel with +0 offset or some other width?

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