Hey guys! So, you're rolling a Ford Raptor and you're thinking about upgrading those tires? Awesome choice! If you're anything like me, you're itching to make your Raptor even more beastly. And when it comes to the Raptor, one of the most popular and effective upgrades is slapping on a set of 35-inch tires. But why 35s? And why the BFGoodrich KO2? Let's dive in and break down why this combo is such a winner. We'll explore the benefits, what to consider, and why this is a great upgrade for your Raptor. Buckle up, because we're about to get tire-deep!

The Allure of 35-Inch Tires for Your Raptor

Alright, let's talk about the magic of 35-inch tires. Why are they so darn popular for the Ford Raptor? It's not just about looks, though let's be honest, they do make your truck look seriously tough. The real appeal lies in the performance boost they provide, especially when paired with the Raptor's already impressive capabilities. Firstly, 35-inch tires significantly enhance off-road performance. They offer increased ground clearance, which is absolutely crucial when navigating challenging trails, rocky terrain, or deep mud. More clearance means fewer worries about scraping the undercarriage and a greater ability to clear obstacles that would otherwise stop you in your tracks. This extra height is a game-changer when you're out exploring the wild.

Secondly, 35-inch tires improve the approach, departure, and breakover angles of your Raptor. These angles are super important when tackling steep inclines and declines. With bigger tires, you're less likely to bottom out or get hung up on obstacles, allowing you to conquer more difficult terrain with ease. This enhancement in off-road geometry transforms the truck, making it feel even more capable and confident. Plus, the larger footprint of the tires also provides better traction. This translates to improved grip, which means better acceleration, braking, and overall control. Whether you're crawling over rocks, powering through mud, or cruising on the highway, the added traction is a noticeable upgrade. Finally, let’s consider the style points. 35-inch tires give your Raptor an aggressive, commanding stance. They fill out the wheel wells, creating a more balanced and imposing look. It’s a visual statement that says, “I’m ready for anything.” Let's face it, your Raptor will turn heads everywhere you go. For anyone looking to seriously boost their truck’s off-road prowess, the 35-inch tire upgrade is a no-brainer.

The Importance of Ground Clearance

Let’s zoom in on ground clearance for a sec. It's not just a number; it’s a critical factor that determines how far you can go off the beaten path. Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of your vehicle (usually the differentials, skid plates, or frame) and the ground. With stock tires, your Raptor has decent ground clearance, but upgrading to 35-inch tires significantly increases this, allowing you to overcome larger obstacles like rocks, logs, and ruts without bottoming out. This added clearance not only protects your truck's vital components but also extends your off-road capabilities, giving you the confidence to tackle more challenging trails. It's the difference between tentatively picking your way through a tricky section and confidently powering through. This is really one of the biggest reasons to opt for those 35-inch tires; it opens up a whole new world of off-road adventures.

Enhanced Off-Road Geometry

Alright, let's get a little more technical and talk about approach, departure, and breakover angles. These are key metrics that define how well your Raptor can navigate uneven terrain. The approach angle is the steepest angle at which your truck can approach an obstacle without the front bumper hitting it. The departure angle is the steepest angle at which your truck can leave an obstacle without the rear bumper dragging. The breakover angle is the steepest angle an obstacle can clear without the undercarriage contacting it. Larger tires like 35-inch tires increase all these angles. By increasing these angles, your Raptor becomes far more capable. This means you can more easily climb over obstacles, navigate through dips and gullies, and avoid getting high-centered. The result is a truck that feels more surefooted and capable on any off-road adventure. This is not just about looks; it's about real-world performance improvements that make a noticeable difference when you're hitting the trails.

Why the BFGoodrich KO2? The Perfect Match for Your Raptor

Now, let's talk about the tires themselves. You can't just throw any old 35-inch tire on your Raptor and call it a day. You need a tire that can handle the Raptor's power and the demands of off-road driving. That's where the BFGoodrich KO2 comes in. It is one of the most popular choices for a reason. The KO2 is an all-terrain tire renowned for its exceptional performance in various conditions. It's the successor to the legendary BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO, and it builds on that legacy with improvements in durability, traction, and tread life. These tires are designed to handle everything from highway driving to rugged trails. For the Raptor, it's a match made in heaven.

First off, let’s talk about durability. KO2 tires are built with a tough sidewall construction, featuring a unique shoulder design that helps prevent cuts and punctures when driving over sharp rocks and debris. This is crucial for off-road durability. The last thing you want is a flat tire miles from civilization. Secondly, the KO2 offers excellent traction in various conditions. The tread design is optimized for both on-road and off-road performance, providing a balance of grip and ride comfort. The aggressive tread pattern with sipes (small slits in the tread blocks) provides excellent grip on wet, snowy, and icy surfaces, while the interlocking tread blocks offer great traction in mud and loose terrain. This versatility means you can confidently tackle any adventure, no matter the weather or the trail conditions.

The KO2's All-Terrain Capabilities

One of the biggest selling points of the KO2 is its versatility as an all-terrain tire. It's designed to excel in a variety of conditions, making it an ideal choice for the Ford Raptor, which is built to do just about anything. Whether you're cruising on the highway, tackling rocky trails, or driving through mud, the KO2 delivers reliable performance. The tire's aggressive tread pattern, combined with its durable construction, ensures excellent grip and traction on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The KO2 is a great choice. You will find that these tires perform well on the road, with decent handling and a relatively quiet ride. Off-road, they come into their own, providing impressive traction and grip in various conditions. This versatility makes the KO2 a great all-around choice for Raptor owners who want a tire that can handle any adventure.

Durability and Longevity of the KO2

Beyond its all-terrain capabilities, the BFGoodrich KO2 is known for its durability and longevity. The tire's robust construction and advanced rubber compounds contribute to a longer tread life. The KO2 is built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving, resisting cuts, chips, and punctures. This durability means you can enjoy your tires for a longer period, getting more value for your money. The KO2’s tread design also helps distribute wear evenly, further extending the tire's lifespan. By investing in a set of KO2s, you’re investing in a tire that is built to last. You will enjoy excellent performance and reliability for miles to come.

Considerations Before Installing 35-Inch Tires

Alright, before you rush out and buy a set of 35-inch tires for your Raptor, there are a few things you should consider. This isn’t a drop-in upgrade; it requires a bit of planning to ensure everything works smoothly and safely. Firstly, you will need to think about fitment. While the Raptor can accommodate 35-inch tires from the factory, you might still need to make some adjustments to ensure there is no rubbing or interference. This might include a leveling kit, or a small lift, which will raise your truck a bit to provide enough clearance. Checking the fitment is super important, especially if you have aftermarket wheels or other modifications.

Secondly, think about your gearing. Upgrading to larger tires changes your effective gear ratio, which can affect your truck’s acceleration, fuel economy, and overall performance. Depending on your needs, you might want to consider re-gearing your differentials to compensate for the change. This is especially important if you do a lot of towing or off-roading. Thirdly, you should be aware of the impact on your speedometer and odometer. With larger tires, your speedometer will read slower than your actual speed, and your odometer will record fewer miles than you actually drive. To fix this, you will need to recalibrate your speedometer, either through a programmer or by having it professionally adjusted. Lastly, there's the question of wheel offset. The wheel offset is super important for proper fitment. The offset of your wheels affects how far the tire sits in or out from the wheel well, impacting clearance and preventing rubbing.

Leveling Kits and Lifts

One of the first things you will likely need to consider when fitting 35-inch tires is whether you need a leveling kit or a lift kit. A leveling kit simply raises the front of your truck to match the height of the rear. This provides additional clearance for the larger tires and gives your Raptor a more even stance. A lift kit, on the other hand, raises the entire truck, offering even more ground clearance and space for those massive 35s. Both options have pros and cons. A leveling kit is generally more affordable and easier to install, while a lift kit provides more significant clearance but might require more extensive modifications. The choice depends on your budget, your off-road goals, and the look you're going for.

Re-gearing Your Differential

When you install larger tires, you change the effective gear ratio of your truck. This happens because the tires are, well, bigger. This can impact your truck’s acceleration, towing capacity, and fuel economy. To restore your Raptor’s performance to its original levels, or even improve it, you may need to re-gear your differentials. Re-gearing involves replacing the gears in your axles with gears that have a different ratio. This will help compensate for the change in tire size. The goal is to bring your engine’s power back into its optimal operating range. The best gear ratio will depend on your specific needs and driving style. If you do a lot of towing or heavy off-roading, you'll likely want a lower gear ratio (higher numerical value) to increase your truck's pulling power. If you prioritize fuel economy and highway driving, you might opt for a higher gear ratio. Re-gearing is a significant investment. Make sure to consult with a professional to determine the right gear ratio for your specific setup and use cases.

The Verdict: 35-Inch Tires and KO2s for Your Ford Raptor

So, is it worth it? Absolutely! 35-inch tires and the BFGoodrich KO2 are a winning combination for the Ford Raptor. They significantly enhance off-road performance, improve the truck's stance and looks, and provide excellent all-around capability. However, before you make the leap, be sure to consider the fitment requirements, the potential need for a leveling kit or lift, and the impact on your gearing. If you're serious about taking your Raptor's off-road capabilities to the next level, then 35-inch tires are a fantastic upgrade. The KO2 is an excellent choice for its durability, traction, and versatility. Get ready to conquer any terrain, because with this setup, your Raptor is ready to roll!