Why Upgrade to 37-Inch Tires on Your Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco’s return to the off-road world has been nothing short of electric, and running 37-inch tires is how you unlock its full potential. Whether you opted for the base model or the Badlands, upgrading your tire size transforms the Bronco from a capable stock SUV into a trail-dominating machine that can handle whatever Florida’s backroads and beyond throw at it.
At Godspeed Off-Road in Sarasota, Florida, we specialize in building Ford Bronco rigs with 37-inch tires that perform on the trail and turn heads on the street. Every build starts with a conversation about how you use your rig — and ends with a vehicle that exceeds your expectations.
Lift Kit Requirements for 37-Inch Tires on the Ford Bronco
Your Ford Bronco uses independent front suspension (IFS), which requires more careful consideration when selecting a lift kit. Unlike solid-axle vehicles, IFS trucks need proper upper control arm (UCA) corrections to maintain safe ball joint angles and alignment geometry. Cutting corners here leads to premature wear, poor handling, and expensive repairs down the line. We use quality aftermarket UCAs on every IFS lift we install.
We typically recommend a 3 to 4-inch lift for running 37-inch tires on the Ford Bronco. At 37 inches, you’re stepping into serious build territory. This upgrade demands quality components and professional installation to ensure your Ford Bronco performs reliably both on the trail and during your daily commute. The investment pays dividends every time you tackle terrain that would stop a lesser rig. At 37 inches, you’re pushing the Bronco’s IFS to its practical limit. Quality aftermarket UCAs and CV-angle correction are mandatory. We recommend a mid-travel suspension kit from a reputable Bronco-specific manufacturer for the best results.
Regearing Your Ford Bronco for 37-Inch Tires
Running 37-inch tires without regearing is one of the most common mistakes we see at our shop. Your Ford Bronco likely came from the factory with 3.73 or 4.27 gears with independent front suspension. Those ratios were calibrated for the stock tire diameter — increase that diameter without compensating, and you lose acceleration, towing confidence, and fuel economy while putting unnecessary stress on your transmission.
For 37-inch tires, we recommend 5.13 gears. This ratio restores the mechanical advantage your drivetrain was designed around, keeping RPMs in the sweet spot for both highway cruising and low-speed crawling. Our regearing service includes new ring and pinion sets, fresh carrier bearings, and precision setup with gear marking compound — because a gear install done wrong costs more to fix than doing it right the first time. Learn more about regearing.
Top 37-Inch Tire Brands We Recommend for the Ford Bronco
Not all 37-inch tires are created equal. Based on thousands of miles of real-world feedback from our Sarasota builds, here are the brands we trust:
- BFGoodrich KO2 — The gold standard for all-terrain performance. Outstanding sidewall strength, excellent wet and dry traction, and a tread life that justifies the investment.
- Nitto Ridge Grappler — A hybrid all-terrain/mud-terrain that delivers aggressive looks with surprisingly quiet highway manners. One of our most-requested tires for the Ford Bronco.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III — Exceptional all-weather capability with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. A smart choice for daily-driven rigs that still see trail time on weekends.
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T — Race-inspired tread design with serious off-road capability. If you want a tire that looks as tough as it performs, this is it.
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W — Outstanding value without compromising performance. Heat-diffuser technology in the lower sidewall makes this tire remarkably durable in Florida’s heat.
Additional Modifications Worth Considering
Building your Ford Bronco for 37-inch tires is a comprehensive project. Beyond the lift and regear, these modifications are essential for a reliable, well-balanced rig:
At this tire size, brake upgrades move from optional to strongly recommended — larger rotors and upgraded calipers ensure your stopping power keeps pace with the added rotating mass. Heavy-duty aftermarket upper control arms are mandatory to maintain safe suspension geometry. You’ll want 17×9 or 17×10 wheels with aggressive offset for proper clearance, extended brake lines, a heavy-duty steering stabilizer, and high-quality bump stops. Some fender trimming or aftermarket fenders may be necessary for full-turn clearance at full suspension compression. Skid plates, rock sliders, and a reinforced front bumper round out a build at this level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit 37-inch tires on a stock Ford Bronco?
No. Running 37-inch tires on a Ford Bronco requires a 3 to 4-inch lift at minimum, along with several supporting modifications including regearing, brake upgrades, and aftermarket upper control arms. This is a comprehensive build that should be planned as a complete package, not pieced together over time.
Do I need to regear my Ford Bronco after installing 37-inch tires?
Yes — regearing is essential when running 37-inch tires. Your Ford Bronco’s factory 3.73 or 4.27 gears were calibrated for stock tire diameter. Going to 37 inches without regearing to 5.13 causes sluggish acceleration, transmission hunting, increased drivetrain stress, and reduced fuel economy. The regear investment protects your transmission and makes the truck actually enjoyable to drive. Read our complete regearing guide.
What wheel size works best with 37-inch tires on a Ford Bronco?
We typically recommend 17×9-inch wheels with -24 to -44mm offset for 37-inch tires on the Ford Bronco. This combination provides proper backspacing for brake caliper clearance while giving you the right stance and preventing tire contact with suspension components. Beadlock-capable wheels are worth considering if you plan to air down significantly on the trail.
How do 37-inch tires affect my Ford Bronco’s fuel economy?
Expect a decrease of approximately 2 to 4 MPG compared to stock. The larger, heavier tires create more rolling resistance, and the increased rotational mass requires more energy to accelerate. Regearing to 5.13 helps minimize this impact by keeping your engine in its optimal RPM range. Proper tire inflation and a quality alignment also help maintain the best possible fuel economy with your new setup.
What is the total investment for a 37-inch tire and lift package on my Ford Bronco?
Every build is different depending on tire brand, lift kit quality, and what additional modifications your specific Ford Bronco needs. Rather than quoting a generic number, we prefer to discuss your goals and spec the right package for your rig. Call us at (941) 706-0071 for a personalized consultation — we’ll walk through the options and put together a build plan that matches your budget and your vision.
Ready to Run 37-Inch Tires on Your Ford Bronco?
At Godspeed Off-Road, we build Ford Bronco rigs that are dialed in — not just bolted on. Every tire and lift package we put together is tailored to your vehicle, your driving style, and how you actually use your rig. We handle everything from the initial consultation through the final alignment, so you drive away with total confidence.
Call us at (941) 706-0071 or stop by the shop at 2858 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34231. Let’s talk about your Ford Bronco build.
