35's with 3.73 gears and 5.4L FX4

O-FOUR FX4 · #1 02-22-2012, 10:32 AM

Alright guys, I need some opinions/convincing.

I found a great deal on a set of basically new Raptor take-offs (wheels and tires) including the new spare.

I have an '04 FX4 with 3.73's and a 2" leveling kit. I have read a billion threads, but figure I'd get my questioned answered directly. Assuming they don't rub, and most say they won't, but I will check before I commit. And keep in mind that I don't do any towing at this point in time. Can I get away with these 35" BFG A/T KO's on my stock 3.73 gears? I'm realistic about losing a couple mpg's and some pep off the line. But, other than that, do you guys think I will be happy with the set up driving-wise? I just don't want it to feel like a complete dog.

dixie_boysles · #2 02-22-2012, 11:48 AM

I have no problems with 35s on my stock gears. I also have a tuner though that helps out for get up and go. It does better than my previous 04 stock

MossyOak3006 · #3 02-22-2012, 11:51 AM

You should be ok. Not great but decent. You highway mileage won't be too bad, but city mileage may suffer pretty significantly. I have 4.56s and 35s and I get about 16mpg city and interstate, about 18mpg on 2 lane highways

wandell · #4 02-22-2012, 12:39 PM

I agree. Your performance will be OK. I ran 35's on my old Screw with a 5.4 and 3.55's and my performance was OK, but you have 40hp on my old truck's 2 valve 5.4.

O-FOUR FX4 · #5 02-22-2012, 01:49 PM

Thanks guys, I think that's what I was hoping to hear. And I am already running the edge evo with the stock tires and I like the firmer shifts, maybe gained .5 to 1 mpg which I'm happy with. I figure I can play with the shift points to dial them in with the new setup too. I'll let ya know how it turns out if and when I get the new meats. Thanks

PawPaw · #6 02-22-2012, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-FOUR FX4

Thanks guys, I think that's what I was hoping to hear. And I am already running the edge evo with the stock tires and I like the firmer shifts, maybe gained .5 to 1 mpg which I'm happy with. I figure I can play with the shift points to dial them in with the new setup too. I'll let ya know how it turns out if and when I get the new meats. Thanks

I had the 35's on my '04 with the 3.73's and the Edge programmer and it pulled OK in the Level 2 tow mode. Without the Edge it was kind of a dog! Custom tunes will work even better. Adding weight at all 4 corner's takes it's toll on performance.

dirtrider596979 · #7 02-22-2012, 04:26 PM

i had 35's on heavy steel rims on my 01 with 3.73:1 gears and it was managable, even towing a 21 foot boat regularly and the occasional 25 footer. But i did just put in 4.56:1 gears and i wish i did it when i first got the 35's. And like Wandell said the newer trucks have more HP then the older ones did so being as you dont tow i think you will be fine.

tg150 · #8 02-22-2012, 04:30 PM

I've got 35's on my '04 with 373's and a Gryphon with 87 performance tune and I do alright. Don't really notice much of a performance loss with the programmer.

I also updated my brake pads to Wagner TQ's and Bilstein 5100's shocks/struts. Brake dust was killing me with the heavier tires and shocks felt a little over worked even with under 20k miles on them.

CAGE RATTLER · #9 02-23-2012, 12:09 AM

Just put 35's on my 08 with 3.73 gears and have noticed no performance loss at all.
I do have a gryphon though and run the 87 tow tune.

I've also noticed no loss in MPG but 80% of my driving is highway travel.

O-FOUR FX4 · #10 02-23-2012, 09:16 PM

For those out there who have experienced rubbing with the leveling kit / 35" combo on the 04-08 models.... Where was it occurring? Front bumper, behind the tire, or just the control/ steering components at full lock?

SwitchRideSTX · #11 02-24-2012, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-FOUR FX4

For those out there who have experienced rubbing with the leveling kit / 35" combo on the 04-08 models.... Where was it occurring? Front bumper, behind the tire, or just the control/ steering components at full lock?

depends on your rims

lots of back spacing looking at lower control arm and valence rub

very shallow back space valence and rear fender rub

PawPaw · #12 02-24-2012, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-FOUR FX4

For those out there who have experienced rubbing with the leveling kit / 35" combo on the 04-08 models.... Where was it occurring? Front bumper, behind the tire, or just the control/ steering components at full lock?

When I had the 315x70x17 BFG's on 17x9 wheel's they rubbed the lower wheelwell liner's when making hard turn's. Put the same tires on 17x8 wheel's with stock 5.5 inches of backspacing and the rubbing stopped.

CAGE RATTLER · #13 02-24-2012, 12:51 PM

My 315/70/17 Cooper Discover AT3's have an actual measurement of 34.5x12 and the tread width is 10". I have no rubbing at all with a +30 offset (6.2" BS) on a 17x9 rim. I would have liked them to stick out a bit more, but if they would have (with less offset) they probably would have rubbed.

O-FOUR FX4 · #14 02-24-2012, 01:28 PM

Well I know the raptor wheels have just over 6" backspacing, 17x8.5" rim. Sounds like i'll have a shot not to rub. Meeting with the guy tomorrow for a test fit, I'll report back after.

O-FOUR FX4 · #15 03-02-2012, 04:41 PM

Well, the wheels and tires are on, and I love it! They fit with no rubbing, and honestly, I was a little surprised. I think an aftermarket wheel would have rubbed, but the deeper backspacing (6.08") on the factory raptor wheels is perfect. Just goes to show the factory knows what they're doing sometimes I guess. They clear by about a 1/2" at the rear of the fender well and by more everywhere else. The 35" bfg's definitely feel heavier during acceleration and braking but the 5.4L with 3.73's is still plenty quick, just have to burn a little more gas! Glad I have the Edge Evo, the firmer shifts feel even more important now. Here are some pics!