Ford Ranger Raptor: Will 37-Inch Tires Fit?

So, you're thinking about beefing up your Ford Ranger Raptor with some serious off-road tires, huh? Specifically, you're wondering if those massive 37-inch tires will fit. Well, let's dive into that and explore what it takes to make this upgrade a reality. Getting bigger tires on your Ford Ranger Raptor isn't just about looks; it's about enhancing its off-road capabilities, increasing ground clearance, and giving it an even more aggressive stance. But, as with any modification, there are considerations to keep in mind. We're talking about potential rubbing issues, suspension modifications, and the overall impact on your truck's performance.

Understanding Tire Sizing and Fitment

Before we get too far ahead, let's clarify what we mean by "37-inch tires." Tire sizes are typically expressed in a format like 37x12.50R17, where 37 inches refers to the overall diameter of the tire. The 12.50 indicates the width in inches, and the R17 signifies that it's designed for a 17-inch wheel. When considering whether 37-inch tires will fit your Ford Ranger Raptor, you need to account for several factors. These include the tire's diameter, its width, the wheel's offset, and the available space within your wheel wells. The stock Ranger Raptor is designed to accommodate a certain tire size, and going significantly larger can introduce complications. The wheel offset plays a crucial role because it determines how far the wheel and tire stick out from the hub. A different offset can help create more clearance on the inside, but it can also lead to rubbing on the fender flares or bumper. Furthermore, the suspension setup directly impacts how much space you have for larger tires. If your suspension is stock, you may find that the tires rub against various components when you turn or compress the suspension. This is where modifications like lift kits or trimming come into play. You'll also want to think about the backspacing of your wheels. Backspacing is the distance from the wheel's mounting surface to its inner edge. Proper backspacing ensures that the tire doesn't rub against the suspension components on the inside.

Can You Really Fit 37s on a Ranger Raptor?

The million-dollar question: Can you actually fit 37-inch tires on a Ford Ranger Raptor without major headaches? The short answer is: probably, but it's going to take some work. The Ranger Raptor, while a capable off-roader from the factory, isn't exactly set up to handle tires that much larger than stock without modifications. Many enthusiasts have successfully installed 37-inch tires, but they've typically done so with a combination of lift kits, trimming, and sometimes even more extensive modifications. A lift kit raises the body or suspension of your truck, providing additional clearance for larger tires. There are various types of lift kits, ranging from simple leveling kits to more comprehensive suspension lift kits. A leveling kit primarily raises the front of the truck to match the rear, while a suspension lift kit replaces or modifies multiple suspension components to achieve a greater lift. Trimming, on the other hand, involves cutting away parts of the fender wells or bumper to create more room for the tires. This is a common practice, but it requires careful planning and execution to avoid damaging the vehicle or compromising its structural integrity. If you're not comfortable with cutting or modifying your truck, you might want to consult with a professional shop. Ultimately, whether or not you can fit 37s depends on your willingness to modify your truck and the level of performance you're aiming for. If you're just looking for a more aggressive appearance, a smaller lift and some minor trimming might suffice. But if you're planning on serious off-roading, you might need to invest in a more comprehensive suspension upgrade.

Modifications Needed for 37-Inch Tires

Okay, so you're serious about those 37s. Let's break down the modifications you'll likely need to make. The main modification is a lift kit. A good quality lift kit will provide the necessary clearance to prevent rubbing during normal driving and especially during off-road articulation. Look for kits specifically designed for the Ranger Raptor, as these will take into account the vehicle's unique suspension geometry and electronic systems. There are several options available, ranging from basic spacer lifts to complete suspension replacement kits. Spacer lifts are generally more affordable but don't improve ride quality, while suspension replacement kits offer better performance and ride quality but come at a higher cost. Suspension upgrades might include new shocks, springs, control arms, and other components designed to work together to provide a smooth and controlled ride, even with larger tires. Another critical step is trimming the fenders and potentially the bumper. Even with a lift kit, you might find that the tires still rub, especially when turning or going over bumps. Trimming involves carefully cutting away small sections of the fender wells or bumper to create additional clearance. This should be done with precision to avoid damaging the vehicle or creating an unsightly appearance. Use masking tape to mark the areas to be cut and a rotary tool or saw to make clean cuts. Consider adding edge trim to protect the cut edges and give them a finished look. You'll also want to ensure that any wiring harnesses or other components in the area are properly secured and protected from the tires. Don't forget about wheel offset and backspacing. Choosing wheels with the correct offset and backspacing can significantly improve tire clearance. A wheel with a more negative offset will push the tire further out from the hub, creating more space between the tire and the suspension components. However, it can also increase the risk of rubbing on the fender flares or bumper. Experiment with different wheel options to find the best balance between clearance and aesthetics.

Addressing Potential Rubbing Issues

Even with a lift kit and trimming, you might still encounter some rubbing, especially during extreme off-road situations. Addressing these issues often requires a combination of careful observation and further modifications. Start by inspecting your tires and wheel wells after a test drive to identify the areas where rubbing is occurring. Look for shiny spots or wear marks on the tires, fenders, or suspension components. Once you've identified the problem areas, you can take steps to address them. This might involve further trimming, adjusting the wheel offset, or adding wheel spacers. Wheel spacers push the wheels further out from the hub, creating more clearance between the tire and the suspension components. However, they can also affect the vehicle's handling and stability, so use them with caution. If the rubbing is occurring on the suspension components, you might need to consider replacing them with aftermarket parts that provide more clearance. Some aftermarket control arms, for example, are designed with a more streamlined shape to avoid contact with the tires. You might also need to adjust your driving style to avoid situations that could cause rubbing. For example, you might need to take turns more slowly or avoid driving over extremely rough terrain. Ultimately, addressing rubbing issues requires a bit of trial and error. Be patient and persistent, and don't be afraid to seek advice from experienced off-roaders or professional mechanics.

Impact on Performance and Drivability

So, you've got your 37s fitted. How does this affect the performance and drivability of your Ranger Raptor? Well, there are a few things to consider. One of the most noticeable changes will be a reduction in acceleration and braking performance. Larger tires are heavier than stock tires, which means your engine will have to work harder to get them moving. This can result in slower acceleration and longer stopping distances. To compensate for this, you might want to consider re-gearing your axles. Re-gearing involves replacing the gears in your differentials with gears that have a different ratio. This can help restore some of the lost performance by improving the engine's torque output. However, it's a complex and expensive modification that should only be done by experienced professionals. You'll also likely experience a decrease in fuel economy. Larger tires have a higher rolling resistance than stock tires, which means they require more energy to roll. This can result in a significant decrease in fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. There's also the impact on your vehicle's handling. Larger tires can raise the vehicle's center of gravity, which can make it more prone to body roll and less stable in corners. You might also notice that the steering feels less precise and more vague. To improve handling, you might want to consider upgrading your suspension components with stiffer springs and shocks. This can help reduce body roll and improve steering response. You should also check your speedometer and odometer accuracy. Larger tires will cause your speedometer and odometer to read lower than your actual speed and mileage. This can be corrected by recalibrating the vehicle's computer. There are several aftermarket devices available that can do this.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ABS Considerations

Don't forget about your truck's electronic systems. The Ford Ranger Raptor relies on several electronic systems, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), to maintain stability and control. These systems are calibrated to work with the stock tire size. When you install larger tires, you can throw off the calibration of these systems, which can negatively affect their performance. For example, the ESC system might activate prematurely or not activate when it should. This can make the vehicle more difficult to control in emergency situations. To ensure that these systems function properly with larger tires, you might need to have them recalibrated. Some aftermarket tuners offer recalibration services for the Ranger Raptor. It's also a good idea to test the systems after installing larger tires to make sure they are working correctly. Find a safe and controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot, and perform some emergency braking and evasive maneuvers to see how the vehicle responds. If you notice any unusual behavior, consult with a professional mechanic.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

So, is fitting 37-inch tires on your Ford Ranger Raptor worth all the hassle? That's a question only you can answer. It really boils down to what you want to achieve with your truck and how much you're willing to invest in modifications. If you're primarily concerned with aesthetics and want to give your truck a more aggressive look, then it might be worth it. But be prepared to make some compromises in terms of performance and fuel economy. If you're planning on serious off-roading, then the benefits of larger tires might outweigh the drawbacks. The increased ground clearance and improved traction can make a big difference on challenging terrain. However, you'll need to be prepared to invest in a comprehensive suspension upgrade and potentially other modifications to ensure that the tires fit properly and the truck handles safely. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Just be sure to do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and consult with experienced professionals before making any modifications to your truck. Happy trails, guys!