Thoughts on Rock Crawling and 39 to 40 inch tires and bead locks

[pkdrew]

I’ve got a 2024 Bronco Raptor that I wheel pretty seriously. I’ve upgraded the Steering rods (FMI) and the steering rack (BroncBuster steering rack upgrade kit) and have lifted it with the Eibach Pro Bronco Raptor Lift. Also have completely armored the underside with Next Venture Motorsports. I’m running 12.50x37x17 Baja Boss M/T on Icon Rebound Pro rims (the ones with pins behind the bead).

However, I’m still pushing the limits on this rig and headed to some serious rock crawling ventures including the Rubicon. I trailer the bronco out and back so not concerned with Street Legality but I don’t want to end up destroying some other suspension part because I’ve pushed it to far.

What I’m now considering is putting true Bead Locks from KMC with more offset on the rig and either 39x13.5x17 KM3 tires or maybe even 40x13.50x17 Baja pro tires. Any thoughts or experience on whether the CV and outer axles can handle this? The only steering rack issues I’ve experienced on my current setup so far was some overheating on some hard core trails in the Palo Duro Canyon in Texas last summer. Once it cooled off it was fine.

I just need a bit more tire clearance and a bit more room for my fenders on canyons with extreme off camber and rocks/walls next to me. I’ve already ripped done drivers fenders off once.

Thanks in advance for any experience and input here.

 

[timhutch]

Hi, I have a similar setup on my 2023 BRaptor. Same Eibach springs, Next Venture Motorsports sliders and skids and the 74Weld steering rack with the FSI tie rods. I also wheel mine pretty hard and have been very glad for the addition of an upgraded rear bumper. I went with the ADD Bomber rear bumper and I'm very happy with it. I enjoy wheeling at Sand Hollow park in Utah and many of those obstacles have steep descents with vertical drops that are guaranteed to destroy the factory rear bumper. I'm currently on 39" Goodrich KM3's and have no clearance issues. I use about 15 psi when wheeling hard trails with the Method Wheels internal bead securing ribs. My main issue so far on hard trails is the steering. Once the front locker is engaged, and your on any type of difficult terrain, it becomes almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. I've had to really limit using that locker unless it's absolutely necessary. And then I have to figure out how to make the turn at the top that many of the obstacles require. I asked PSC Motorsports if they had any plans to make a hydro assist system for the Broncos with our IFS front suspension and they said it was something they were looking at and it was "currently on the whiteboard". If they ever do offer one, I think I would want to be near the front of the line to get one. I'm also planning to do the Rubicon and if you ever find yourself in southern CA send me a message and I'll be happy to take you on some of the local trails!