The sixth-generation Ford Bronco has become one of the most customized vehicles on the road, and tire upgrades are at the top of every owner's list. Whether you're running the factory Sasquatch package or building from a base model, the eternal question remains: 35s or 37s?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about fitting larger tires on your Bronco, from factory options to full custom builds. We'll cover what's required for each tire size, the trade-offs involved, and real-world feedback from owners who've made the upgrade.
Note
Quick Comparison: 35s vs 37s on Bronco
| Factor | 35-Inch Tires | 37-Inch Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Factory Option | Yes (Sasquatch Package) | No (aftermarket only) |
| Minimum Lift Required | 0" (Sasquatch) / 2" (non-Sasquatch) | 2-3" minimum |
| Regearing Recommended | Optional (helpful with 2.3L) | Strongly recommended |
| Fender Trimming | None (Sasquatch) / Minor (non-Sasq) | Required |
| Wheel Offset Change | Optional | Required (negative offset) |
| Estimated Total Cost | $2,500-4,500 | $6,000-12,000+ |
| MPG Impact | 1-2 MPG loss | 2-4 MPG loss |
| Daily Drivability | Excellent | Good (with proper setup) |
The Sasquatch Package: Factory 35s Done Right
Ford's Sasquatch package is the cleanest way to get 35-inch tires on a Bronco. Available on most trim levels, Sasquatch includes everything needed to run 35x12.50R17 tires without any aftermarket modifications.
What's Included in Sasquatch
- 35x12.50R17 BFGoodrich KO2 tires (or Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT on some trims)
- 17x8.5 beadlock-capable wheels with -25mm offset
- High-clearance fender flares (adds 1.5" per side)
- Bilstein position-sensitive dampers
- Front stabilizer bar disconnect (electronic on higher trims)
- 4.70:1 front and rear axle ratios
- High-clearance suspension with additional lift
Success
Sasquatch Specifications
| Spec | 2-Door Sasquatch | 4-Door Sasquatch |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Approach Angle | 43.2° | 43.2° |
| Departure Angle | 37.2° | 37.0° |
| Breakover Angle | 29.0° | 26.3° |
| Water Fording | 33.5" | 33.5" |
Running 35s Without Sasquatch
If you have a non-Sasquatch Bronco and want to run 35s, it's absolutely doable but requires some modifications. Here's what you'll need:
Minimum Requirements for 35s (Non-Sasquatch)
- 2" leveling kit or lift - Creates necessary clearance
- Wheels with -12 to -25mm offset - Pushes tires outward
- Minor fender trimming - Pinch weld and inner liner modification
- Crash bar relocation or removal - Front bumper interference
Recommended Additions for 35s
- High-clearance fender flares - Sasquatch flares or aftermarket options
- Upgraded shocks - Bilstein 5100 or better for proper ride quality
- Regearing to 4.70s or 4.88s - Especially with the 2.3L engine
- Aftermarket front bumper - Eliminates crash bar interference
Warning
Popular 35-Inch Tire Sizes for Bronco
| Tire Size | Diameter | Width | Best Wheel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35x12.50R17 | 34.8" | 12.5" | 17x8.5 or 17x9 |
| 315/70R17 | 34.4" | 12.4" | 17x8.5 or 17x9 |
| 35x11.50R17 | 34.5" | 11.5" | 17x8 or 17x8.5 |
| 295/70R18 | 34.3" | 11.6" | 18x8.5 or 18x9 |
Going Big: 37s on Ford Bronco
Running 37-inch tires on a Bronco is a serious commitment that transforms the vehicle's capability and appearance. Unlike 35s, there's no factory solution for 37s, so you're firmly in aftermarket territory.
Minimum Requirements for 37s
- 3" lift kit minimum - Most recommend 3.5-4" for proper clearance
- Wheels with -38 to -44mm offset - Significant outward push required
- Fender trimming - Pinch welds, inner liners, and possibly flare modification
- Crash bar removal - Aftermarket bumper strongly recommended
- Extended bump stops - Prevents tire-to-body contact at full compression
- Control arm skid plates - Protects exposed components
Strongly Recommended for 37s
- Regearing to 4.88s or 5.13s - Essential for drivability
- Heavy-duty ball joints - Increased stress from larger tires
- Upgraded axle shafts - RCV or similar for serious use
- Aftermarket front and rear bumpers - Better approach/departure angles
- Upgraded driveshafts - Handles increased lift angles
- High-clearance fender flares - Sasquatch or aftermarket wide flares
Warning
Popular 37-Inch Tire Sizes for Bronco
| Tire Size | Diameter | Width | Best Wheel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37x12.50R17 | 36.8" | 12.5" | 17x9 (-38 to -44) |
| 37x13.50R17 | 37.0" | 13.5" | 17x10 (-38 to -44) |
| 37x11.50R17 | 36.6" | 11.5" | 17x8.5 (-25 to -38) |
To see exactly how a 35x12.50R17 and a 37x12.50R17 differ in diameter and speedometer error, run them through the tire diameter calculator. For how each size changes lift, gearing, MPG and cost on any rig, see 33s vs 35s vs 37s.
Lift Kit Options for Bronco
The Bronco aftermarket has exploded with lift options from budget-friendly to full race-ready systems. Here are the major players:
Top Bronco Lift Kit Brands
| Brand | Lift Heights | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon Vehicle Dynamics | 2-4" | $3,000-6,000 | Premium on/off-road performance |
| BDS Suspension | 2-4" | $2,000-4,500 | Balanced performance and value |
| ReadyLIFT | 2-3" | $600-2,000 | Budget-friendly entry point |
| Eibach | 1.5-2.5" | $1,200-2,500 | Street-focused with light trail use |
| RPG Offroad | 2-4" | $3,500-7,000 | Long-travel and serious off-road |
| Rough Country | 2-3.5" | $500-1,500 | Budget builds and clearance |
Regearing: Do You Need It?
Regearing is one of the most debated topics in the Bronco community. Here's the reality based on engine, tire size, and use case:
2.3L EcoBoost
The smaller turbo-four struggles with larger tires due to its lower torque output. Regearing is highly recommended for both 35s and 37s.
- 35s: Regear to 4.70s or 4.88s (from stock 4.27s or 4.46s)
- 37s: Regear to 5.13s recommended
2.7L EcoBoost
The bigger V6 has more torque to work with, making regearing less critical but still beneficial, especially for highway driving and towing.
- 35s: Optional but helpful (4.70s if you regear)
- 37s: Strongly recommended (4.88s or 5.13s)
Note
Regearing Cost Expectations
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ring & Pinion Sets (Front + Rear) | $600-1,000 |
| Installation Labor | $800-1,500 |
| Setup Kits (Bearings, Shims, Seals) | $200-400 |
| Total | $1,600-2,900 |
Wheel Selection for Bronco
Choosing the right wheels is critical for proper tire fitment. Here's what you need to know:
Key Wheel Specs for Bronco
- Bolt Pattern: 6x139.7 (6x5.5")
- Hub Bore: 93.1mm
- Stock Wheel Size: 17x8 (Base) to 17x8.5 (Sasquatch)
- Stock Offset: +30mm (Base) to -25mm (Sasquatch)
Recommended Wheel Specs by Tire Size
| Tire Size | Wheel Size | Offset Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33s | 17x8 or 17x8.5 | 0 to -12mm | Stock flares OK |
| 35s | 17x8.5 or 17x9 | -12 to -25mm | Sasquatch offset ideal |
| 37s | 17x9 or 17x10 | -38 to -44mm | Wide flares required |
Popular Bronco Wheel Brands
- Method Race Wheels: 305, 701, 703 series popular for trail use
- Fuel Off-Road: Rebel and Covert models common
- Black Rhino: Armory and Kelso popular choices
- Icon Alloys: Rebound series designed for Bronco
- Ford Performance: OEM+ beadlock-capable options
Real-World Owner Feedback
35s on Sasquatch Package
"Best decision was buying Sasquatch from the factory. Zero mods needed, full warranty, and it clears 35s perfectly. I've done Moab and the Rubicon Trail with no issues. The 4.70 gears handle the 2.7L fine even with a rooftop tent loaded up."
35s on Non-Sasquatch Build
"Went with a 2.5\" Icon stage 1 lift, Method 305s at -12 offset, and 35x12.50R17 KO2s. Had to trim pinch welds and relocate the crash bar. Works great but definitely wish I'd just gotten Sasquatch. The fender flares alone were $800."
37s Full Build
"37x13.50s on my 4-door with a 4\" BDS lift, 5.13 gears, and Method 701s at -44 offset. All-in I'm about $14k deep including bumpers and sliders. It's an absolute beast on the trail but honestly a bit much for daily driving. The 2.7 pulls hard with the regear though."
Our Recommendations
For Most Bronco Owners: 35s
Unless you're building a dedicated trail rig, 35-inch tires hit the sweet spot for the Bronco. The Sasquatch package makes it easy, and even non-Sasquatch builds are manageable. You get significantly improved capability without sacrificing daily drivability.
When to Choose 37s
- You're building a dedicated off-road vehicle
- You're willing to invest $8,000+ in supporting mods
- You accept the fuel economy and drivability trade-offs
- You want maximum ground clearance for serious rock crawling
- The look is worth the compromises to you
Final Build Cost Comparison
| Build Type | Estimated Total | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 35s (Sasquatch) | $0 (factory) | Everything needed from Ford |
| 35s (Non-Sasquatch Budget) | $2,500-4,000 | Lift, wheels, tires, minor trimming |
| 35s (Non-Sasquatch Premium) | $5,000-7,500 | Above + flares, bumper, regear |
| 37s (Complete Build) | $8,000-15,000+ | Lift, wheels, tires, regear, bumpers, armor, supporting mods |
The Ford Bronco is incredibly capable from the factory, especially with the Sasquatch package. Before spending thousands on 37s, honestly assess whether the additional capability is worth the cost and compromises. For most owners, 35s provide more than enough capability while maintaining the Bronco's excellent on-road manners.