37" or 35" for Ford Bronco

[BajaBronco13]

Hey guys,

I'm planning my build of my full size Ford Bronco. I'm currently running 37" BFG on 17" alloy wheels. I'm going to be running an Autofab long travel front end with Autofab rear leaf spring set up. Fiberglass front and still have plenty of room in the rear for 37". Just wondering what you guys think? Are 37s over kill for a Bronco. I've seen many Bronco prerunners wearing them but my rig hasn't see high speed desert yet. Let me know what you think.

CP

[retroblazer]

Hey guys,

I'm planning my build of my full size Ford Bronco. I'm currently running 37" BFG on 17" alloy wheels. I'm going to be running an Autofab long travel front end with Autofab rear leaf spring set up. Fiberglass front and still have plenty of room in the rear for 37". Just wondering what you guys think? Are 37s over kill for a Bronco. I've seen many Bronco prerunners wearing them but my rig hasn't see high speed desert yet. Let me know what you think.

CP

I'd say run them, but then again I'd ask the guys at Autofab. My only concern is the additional weight. I wouldn't put them on if you're not running a full-floating rear end.

[Blanco]

I'd have to agree with Chris...
37's would be great, Yet thats pushing the Limits of what your axles can handle..

But then again John ( AutoFab ) might have some upgrades, so you can safely run them...http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif

[BajaBronco13]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm currently running a Ford 9" out of an early 80s Bronco. I don't have any other info on the rear end. I'll contact John and Autofab and see what he has to say. Thanks again.

CP

[Jeff Knoll]

You can get some upgrade stuff for both axles from CTM that might help handle the 37's. Give Jack a call and pick his brain if you really want to stay with the 37's.

edit: heres the web address.
http://www.ctmracing.com/

Jack makes axle shafts and all kinds of 300M goodies as well as his Ujoints.

[steveG]

Unless you're planning on using the widened kit or have deep offset wheels, you're going to have a hard time clearing 37" tires at full bump in the front. My 33s barely clear and will probablty contact the A/C parts on the passenger side if I really stuff it.

Just make sure you cycle it and check you clearances.

[Blanco]

Unless you're planning on using the widened kit or have deep offset wheels, you're going to have a hard time clearing 37" tires at full bump in the front. My 33s barely clear and will probablty contact the A/C parts on the passenger side if I really stuff it.

I dont know about that.....
I've not had any A/C issues with my 35's yet, But I suppose properly set Stops would make a big difference there.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/478878/fullsize/img_1028.jpg
Except for this fender damage that will have me swaping out to Flared Glass now.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/478997/fullsize/img_1100.jpg


Just make sure you cycle it and check you clearances.
Yes I agree make sure you at least cycle your set up.
Yet just cycling might not show how hard it will stuff under the actual Jump action..

[steveG]

Yet just cycling might not show how hard it will stuff under the actual Jump action..

Why wouldn't it?

[flyinbronco]

I'm running Autofab's widened long travel kit with 35's and it just clears the stock air conditioning parts on passengers side. I think the only way you could run 37's would limit your up travel or you could lose the A.C. or switch to a vintage air system. Like Blanco said ask John. I can't tell you how much the crew at Autofab has helped me.

[Blanco]

Why wouldn't it?

Well I was thinking that my tires did not hit the fenders when cycling it, yet the above pics show when 6000lbs come down it stuffs harder than my cycling attempts. http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif

[steveG]

When I say "cycle" I mean pull the springs out and take the suspension from full droop to full bump.

[BajaBronco13]

Thanks for the reply guys. I just picked up a set of five 37 Baja Projects (new). I won't be running my a/c unit and I only made the purchase after talking to Rodd at Fantelli Motorsports who feels that I can run the 37s without any issue. I may loose a little up travel but will be happy with the clearance underneath the tires. There is no doubt I'll be upgrading my rear axle.

[Blanco]

DAMN IT! :mad:

Now I want 37's.................

[flyinbronco]

I don't think you'll have to limit your up travel much with no A.C. and the extra clearance under the rear diff. is always nice. Will you drive much on the pavement? I wonder what kind of wear mileage you'll get with the projects? I'm running 35" Goodyear MTR's. They are great in the dirt but don't like long rides on the asphalt. I've lost three to blow outs in the sidewall as I cruise down the road. Tire guy blames it on airing down for running the sand dunes. I want to try something else.

[BajaBronco13]

Come to the dark side Blanco. Get some 37s.

Since this is my project build and not my daily driver, not sure how much pavement it will see. I'll keep you posted if they wear fast or how they handle on the road. I heard on pavement in wet weather they are scary. I've been looking for a Carson trailer so it may become a trailer queen if I'm not happy with the road handling. But who knows, I'm just ready to hammer it. :D

FlyingBronco, I've ran Goodyear MTRs before but I've always gone back to BFGs. I'm happy with the ride quality and the wear. I've never owned Projects so it'll be interesting to see how they hold up.

I know that people have had issues with R. Gordon wheels but I have a good lead on a near new set for a good price. Any thoughts on these beadlocks?

[flyinbronco]

Sorry, I have ZERO experience with bead locks. My ride is not my daily driver but it is NOT trailered either. The whole point of my build was to be able to drive it anywhere, with the A/C cranking along with the stereo. Get to where I'm going, chase the race, have a blast, then drive it home. I'll be the first to admit that having a tow rig and trailer would be nice but I love driving my Bronco and it helps me not beat it too hard. Kind of like racing the 1000. To win you must first finish. So far so good on getting there and back. kinda hard to type with my fingers crossed and knocking on wood at the same time.