The Power Wagon leaves the factory on 285/70R17 Goodyear DuraTrac tires — equivalent to a 33-inch tire. True 35s fit with minimal or no modification. Anything larger than 35s requires real work, and the 7,000-pound curb weight limits how much tire capability you actually need.
The factory 285/70R17 DuraTrac is a genuine all-terrain tire, not a street tire with aggressive looks. Goodyear's DuraTrac is a capable choice for the factory setup, and many owners never swap it. If you need more grip or a specific sidewall pattern, there's room to go bigger — but understand what you're working with before spending money.
285/70R17 is approximately 32.7 inches in diameter, typically described as "33 inch" in round numbers. The factory wheel is a 17x8 with a modest positive offset. The wheel well has been designed around this size, so fitment is clean with no rubbing.
This is the first common upgrade. True 35-inch tires on the factory 17" wheel require attention to offset — the factory wheel's offset positions the tire so a 305/70R17 or 315/70R17 will typically rub the front sway bar link (when the bar is connected) and the inner fender at full lock.
Typical fixes for a 35-inch fitment without a lift:
With a 2-inch level or leveling spacer, 35s fit cleanly without trimming. This is the path most Power Wagon owners take — it's inexpensive and keeps Articulink geometry intact.
**On 17" wheels:** Most common. Plenty of tire selection at 285/70R17, 305/70R17, 315/70R17.
**On 18" wheels (2019+ trucks with the optional 18" wheel package):** Sizing shifts to 305/70R18 territory. The diameter equivalent stays the same, the fitment conversation is similar.
37-inch tires are possible on a Power Wagon. They are not plug-and-play. The challenges:
**Weight:** The Power Wagon weighs approximately 7,000 lb at the curb. Rotating mass matters at that weight — 37s are heavier tires, and the truck's 3.92 axle ratio (standard) is already on the conservative side for 35s. With 37s and stock gears, expect noticeable performance loss and fuel economy drop.
**Articulink geometry:** Most 3-inch and taller lift kits for the Power Wagon modify or remove Articulink. Without Articulink, the truck is still a solid-axle truck — capable, but you've bought something different from what you paid for. Carli Suspension makes a kit that preserves Articulink geometry at lift; it is the correct engineering choice and it is expensive ($3,500–$5,500 for the suspension system alone).
**Fender clearance:** 37s on a stock body require significant trimming or flares. The factory fender openings are sized for 33s with clearance. Getting 37s to clear at full articulation — including through Articulink range — requires either body work or accepting contact marks on the inner liner.
**Regearing:** To properly support 37s, a regear from 3.92 to 4.56 or 4.88 is appropriate. On a 3/4-ton axle, this is not a casual weekend job — the Dana axles in the Power Wagon require specific setup procedures and carrier bearing preload attention.
For most Power Wagon use — trail runs, overlanding, occasional rock work — 35s on a leveled truck are the right answer. They fit without compromising Articulink, they don't require regearing, and the truck's factory capability is designed around roughly that size. Jumping to 37s means spending $3,000–$6,000+ in suspension and potentially regearing to match, for a truck that weighs 3.5 tons. That money buys a lot of other capability improvements first.
1. Choose tire size: 305/70R17 or 315/70R17 for 17" wheels
2. Confirm wheel offset — stock offset works with 305/70R17; 315/70R17 may need a slight spacer or trim
3. Check inner fender liner at full lock before final installation
4. Torque lug nuts to 130 ft-lb (check current factory spec for your year) in a star pattern
5. Recheck torque at 25 miles and 100 miles after installation
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 285/70R17 (factory replacement) | Goodyear | ~$280 |
| BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 285/70R17 | BFGoodrich | ~$310 |
| Nitto Ridge Grappler 285/70R17 | Nitto | ~$320 |
| Toyo Open Country AT III 305/70R18 (35" equivalent) | Toyo Tires | ~$340 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.