The Raptor leaves the factory on 35s, and the single most common tire upgrade is the move to 37s — the size that adds desert flotation, ground clearance, and presence. On a high-speed truck it is also the upgrade with the most downstream consequences, so this card covers what 37s give and exactly what they ask for in return.
A 37 adds clearance over rocks and ruts and a bigger footprint that floats better in sand and soft soil — meaningful on a truck built to run fast in the open desert. The taller sidewall also airs down to a larger contact patch for whoops and washboard. On the Gen 2 and Gen 3 trucks, 37s are a well-trodden path with broad tire availability in tough all-terrain and mud-terrain compounds.
A 37 is a large jump in rolling diameter, and the factory gearing was set for 35s. Without a regear the 10-speed hunts, the EcoBoost works harder, towing suffers, and fuel economy drops — see the companion regear guide, which pairs 37s with taller ring-and-pinion. Treat the regear as part of the tire purchase, not a later maybe.
Confirm clearance at full stuff and steering lock; some trucks need minor liner trimming or a modest level to clear 37s without rub at speed. A 37 is heavy, so the added unsprung weight is felt in steering and braking — pair it with the right wheel backspacing and consider a beadlock for low-pressure desert running, as the long-travel build in the sources did. Keep a full-size matching spare; a 37 will not tuck in the factory underbed location on all years.
37s are the signature Raptor upgrade and transform it in the open desert — but only when you regear to match, confirm fitment and spare storage, and accept the unsprung-weight cost. Done as a package with gears and the right wheels, it is the build most Raptor owners are really after.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| 37-inch tires (set of 5) | BFGoodrich KO2/KM3 / Nitto Trail Grappler / Falken Wildpeak | ~$2100 |
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.
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