Fitting 37s with minimal lift

[Flexin_Chunsik]

I'm considering 2023 F150 XL 5.0 V8 regular cab, long bed with HDPP and offroad option for purchase. Not sure if custom build for 2023 model is still available though. I'm planning to build a lightweight custom camper directly on the frame after removing the bed. 6x8x5 box for the camper shell made of aluminum tubing to achieve lightweight. Considering the payload gain from removing the bed, I'm trying to limit the net weight added to the truck including camper and gears, etc to 1,000 lbs without passengers (me and my wife). 2024 model still offers 2000+ lbs payload capacity so I don't think the weight is going to be an issue.

I might've got a bit sidetracked but my main question is related to fitting 37s. I'm not into rock crawling but my offroad trips with the rig will involve moderate trails requiring some ground clearance and wheel articulation. I have a Jeep Gladiator (which will be replaced when I get an F150) and 37s on the Gladiator is a bit of overkill for my use but have provided me comfort and confidence on technical trails and I'd like to a similar level of assurance when tackling trails with the F150. And not to mention that truck looks so much cool with 37s! I plan to add rock sliders and skid plates for the engine, tranny and fuel tank for offroad use. If needed, I'll replace the fenders with wider one like Raptor's. I found knock-off Raptor fenders online and they claim the wider fenders provide additional clearance. Not overly concerned about power loss or bad fuel mileage with 37s and added weights as I'm used to the 3.6 minivan motor in the Gladiator lol. I know V8 5.0 will have a lot more HP and torque so I will be happy with that.

I've done some research and found a setup in the search that XL V8 5.0 regular cab with 6.5 bed with 3" spacer and some minor trimming clears 37s. The owner's profile says he's a welder so I'm not sure what his definition of "minor" trimming is lol but at least he confirms 37s are doable with 3" lift. Most of information I found online was recommending 6" lift but I want to stay away from a tall lift to minimize raising the CG. Adding a camper feels like it's already pushing the offroad limits...

So I just wanted to get some additional inputs on fitting 37s with minimal lift since I don't feel comfortable moving forward with the plan based on one post suggesting 37s are doable with 3" lift. I'd love to hear successful stories of fitting 37s with less than 6" lift. Also while I'm posting for this question, what other suspension/drivetrain components need to be replaced/reinforced when you add lift and beef up the tire size? I'm new to Ford world but from my Jeep experience, anything more than 3" lift requires new driveshaft, arms and trackbars to adjust the geometry as well as re-gearing. I want to lift the truck and fit 37s in the right way without compromising the vehicle balance and offraod-ability.

This post is getting lengthy. I appreciate your time in reading this and look forward to some good discussions!

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[SpaceWhiteF150]

I’d say 4in bds lift, it really depends what rims you are trying to run. I’d say maybe gen3 raptor take offs with 37s since they would be closer to a 36.5” tall tire. But I’m not sure that 17” wheels and the bds lift are compatible.

Maybe a mild level like fox, bilstien, icon, eibach and 18” wheels and a 285/75R18 tire would be better for your use case.

https://www.f150forum.com/f78/stadts-2019-lariat-screw-6-5-box-magnetic-build-thread-481502/
Look through this thread and maybe start a conversation with this member on the f150forum.

 

[GIjoe]

Icon has a new lift, I think it’s 3.5-4.5” lift, that includes new coilovers and new knuckles that replicate what the tremor has. I’d also ask this question on the tremor forum, you’d probably have better luck over there

 

[Flexin_Chunsik]

Thanks for the replies. I got pretty busy with work today, but whenever I found time, I kept researching different lift options available for the F150. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the whole new world of F150’s suspension system. It’s a lot more straightforward with Jeep when it comes to upsizing tires since it has front solid axle and the unique fender design but the space constraints around fenders and the complexity of the independent suspension system of the F150 make it feel like I’m stabbing in the dark. I definitely need to spend more time to deep dive into this.

Based on the information I’ve gathered so far, fitting 37s seems a matter of making a decision between how much I’m willing to lift or cut into metals to achieve enough clearance at full lock. I still think a 6” lift might create too high of a center of gravity and worsen the offroad capability but I’m not sure if cutting metals just enough to avoid rubbing for street driving might still lead to interference in offroad situations with full wheel articulation. At this point, I might need to start considering 35s and make compromises on ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

 

[zx6roclet]

Call camburg racing and ask them for advice they are super helpful and they will know the answer without guessing and set up a plan for you

 

[wz00r2]

Off-roading in a full-size truck is a completely different world compared to a Jeep. Things get really skinny really fast in a full-size vehicle.

That being said, if you're dead set on 37s and off-roading, you'll need to plan on new wheels, gearing and body protection. 3" in the front and a 1" rear lift should work with minor trimming in the front. 35s are much easier to fit.

 

[StoneGray22]

Another thing to consider:
The HDPP will also have the larger, upgraded rear brakes which will influence what wheel and offset you will be able to go with. Without some pretty large spacers (1.5"), or maybe even crazy wheel offset, you'll be restricted to 18" or larger wheels.

 

[GIjoe]

18” 35’s really limits you to e and f rated tires. Only Toyo has a d rated. I’m in the same boat now and if I had looked into this more I would’ve gone with 17” wheels.

 

[Flexin_Chunsik]

Call camburg racing and ask them for advice they are super helpful and they will know the answer without guessing and set up a plan for you

I checked their website. It looks like they make quality products. I will give them a call. Thanks!

Off-roading in a full-size truck is a completely different world compared to a Jeep. Things get really skinny really fast in a full-size vehicle.

That being said, if you're dead set on 37s and off-roading, you'll need to plan on new wheels, gearing and body protection. 3" in the front and a 1" rear lift should work with minor trimming in the front. 35s are much easier to fit.

I'm with you, I plan to get full underbody armor, high clearance front bumper and hitch skidplate to protect the camper. As for the wheels, 8.5j with 0 offset aftermarket wheel. Might need enough lift on the rear as well considering the camper weight in the back. With more aggressive wheel offset, do you think 37s will clear inner wheel well and other suspension components as long as I get clearance to the firewall and crash bars?

Another thing to consider:
The HDPP will also have the larger, upgraded rear brakes which will influence what wheel and offset you will be able to go with. Without some pretty large spacers (1.5"), or maybe even crazy wheel offset, you'll be restricted to 18" or larger wheels.

18” 35’s really limits you to e and f rated tires. Only Toyo has a d rated. I’m in the same boat now and if I had looked into this more I would’ve gone with 17” wheels.

Good point, I need to look further into this because I7" is my preference.

 

[zx6roclet]

One last note. Moving to 37”s is going to be a mega hit to your performance if you have the standard 3.55 gearing. You are going to want to regear asap so you don’t thrash the trans after 60k miles

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