Torn between tire sizes and cannot decide on my 2-door non SAS 3.73 bronco

[Desert_Brush]

33’s are perfect on a 2-door. My Bronco is badass.

When these KO2’s wear out I am going to get SL-rated 285/70r17’s. Currently thinking about either Ridge Grapplers or Toyo RT Trails, both are available in SL.

I have the ridge grapplers in the same size as yours. They're awful in the snow and almost as bad in the rain, I would stick with the KO2s or a different 3 peak rated A/T.

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[Cameront9]

Did you upgrade the UCA'S?

No, left those stock. Just changed out the tires, rims, and shocks. Didn't need to remove the crash bars either and with the +30 offset rims I don't have any rubbing.

 

[Red2000]

2 door 3.73 SL285/70r17 user here with a 2 inch lift. I think it's a great well rounded combo but each bronco is unique.

Was originally set on 315s but really happy with where I am. Sorry I can't help you decide but a 0 offset rim is either for big tires or to make a statement going down the road.

Here is a photo of mine for you to consider. There are definitely pros and cons to consider for each modification.

 

[Big Boss]

I went Baja Boss AT 285/70 on my big bend with the 3.73 rear end. Totally changed the look. You can definitely feel the added weight, can't imagine how sluggish it would feel with 35s and the 3.73s.

 

[SeaVee]

295/70/17’s no lift. 2.7 with 4.27 gears. 34k miles and no issues. Might go 305/75/17 next

 

[BajaBroncoLi]

2.3 7mt with 37x13.5r17 and daily driven no issues and rides better than stock

 

[BroncoRuss]

2024 big bend non sas. 2.3 with procal tune. Current tires are Toyo open country rt trails in 35x10.50r17.
People will talk about gear ratio and this important, but this engine with tune and the 10 speed auto can more than handle this tire.

these are skinnier 35’s and come in at 56 lbs per tire. I previously had Falken wildpeak at4w in the size you were considering 285/70r17. Those tires were heavier at 65 lbs per tire, so I even feel a little more zippy on the 35s.
If you want 35s, with your gear ratio and engine, lighter is better.

 

[lakesinai]

That much wheel offset and a 2" lift you will want the 35s.

Related thought, I've been discussing with Radflo using their standard travel 2.5" coilovers set at 1" or 1.5" for a better ride (Hitachis have gotten brutal) and small lift to run 33's or 34's. Radflo is insisting I still need a UCA! I have 17x8.5, +30 Heritage wheels. Google recommends the BDS or the Camburg X-Joint XL arms (Part #CAM-110251). Any thoughts? 4.27 non-sas.

 

[BajaBroncoLi]

Related thought, I've been discussing with Radflo using their standard travel 2.5" coilovers set at 1" or 1.5" for a better ride (Hitachis have gotten brutal) and small lift to run 33's or 34's. Radflo is insisting I still need a UCA! I have 17x8.5, +30 Heritage wheels. Google recommends the BDS or the Camburg X-Joint XL arms (Part #CAM-110251). Any thoughts? 4.27 non-sas.

I’ve got BDS tubular arms and I beat the crap out of this truck, also have had bds kits and parts on many of my other vehicles and they never let me down

 

[lakesinai]

I’ve got BDS tubular arms and I beat the crap out of this truck, also have had bds kits and parts on many of my other vehicles and they never let me down

That's good to know, Thanks, can you tell me your set-up? I understand that the advantage of the BDS is not only the price, but the rubber bushings are quieter with less maintenance, which is good for me since I pay others to do my suspension work?

 

[BajaBroncoLi]

That's good to know, Thanks, can you tell me your set-up? I understand that the advantage of the BDS is not only the price, but the rubber bushings are quieter with less maintenance, which is good for me since I pay others to do my suspension work?

I actually use the unibal version if their control arm, still completely silent and that’s on salted roads and beaches along with every other terrain you can imagine, I’m on coilovers lifted 3” over badlands SAS running 37x13.5 tires. Primary use is rock crawling but I also jump it here and there and will do high speed whoops. The only downside I’ve noticed from stock to current is my steering is slightly stiffer from the unibals

 

[ChrisB351]

42's are always the answer.

36-38s are usually satisfactory depending if theyre D or DD.

 

[Thor_1]

People will talk about gear ratio and this important, but this engine with tune and the 10 speed auto can more than handle this tire

It’s not if the engine and transmission can handle the increased tire, it’s the damage that the larger tire does to the transmission. Ford didn’t increase the gear ratio for no reason.

 

[Nate Train]

I have a 2" coilover lift and run 35x11.50s without removing the crash bars. Can't speak to your gearing. Mine isn't really a daily, but I could.

 

[T800]

I went Baja Boss AT 285/70 on my big bend with the 3.73 rear end. Totally changed the look. You can definitely feel the added weight, can't imagine how sluggish it would feel with 35s and the 3.73s.

Agree with this. Even with a tune/procal 3.73 is going to be the reason to stick with 33". 35+ and you may want to re-gear.

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