Hey there, off-road enthusiasts and Ford Raptor fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into the world of 35-inch tires for your mighty Ford Raptor, specifically focusing on the legendary BFGoodrich KO2 tires. If you're looking to elevate your Raptor's performance, capability, and overall rugged aesthetic, you've come to the right place. This guide is your ultimate resource for everything you need to know about fitting, choosing, and enjoying the benefits of these awesome tires. We'll explore why 35-inch tires are a popular upgrade, the advantages of the KO2, and important considerations to ensure a smooth and successful installation. Get ready to transform your Raptor into the ultimate off-road machine!

Why Choose 35-Inch Tires for Your Ford Raptor?

So, why the obsession with 35-inch tires? Well, guys, it's all about enhancing your Raptor's off-road prowess. Firstly, 35-inch tires significantly increase your ground clearance. This means you'll have more space between your truck's undercarriage and the terrain, allowing you to conquer obstacles like rocks, ruts, and uneven surfaces with greater ease. This added clearance is crucial for preventing damage to vital components and ensuring you can navigate challenging trails without getting stuck. Secondly, the larger diameter of 35-inch tires improves your approach, breakover, and departure angles. This is fancy talk for saying you'll be able to climb over obstacles more effectively, traverse steep inclines without scraping the underbelly, and exit tricky situations without getting hung up. Essentially, these tires transform your Raptor into a more capable off-road beast. The increased surface area of the tires also provides better traction, which is absolutely essential when you are traversing through mud, sand, or snow, leading to better grip and control. You'll experience improved acceleration, braking, and overall handling in various off-road conditions. Finally, let's be honest: 35-inch tires give your Raptor a seriously aggressive and head-turning look. They fill out the wheel wells perfectly, giving your truck a more imposing stance and making it instantly recognizable as a force to be reckoned with. It's a visual upgrade that matches the performance gains, making your Raptor look as capable as it is. It's a win-win, really!

The Power of BFGoodrich KO2 Tires

Now, let's talk about the BFGoodrich KO2. This tire is a legend in the off-road world, and for good reason. The KO2 is an all-terrain tire that's built to handle a wide variety of conditions, from rugged trails to highway cruising. It's a perfect match for the versatile Ford Raptor. One of the KO2's standout features is its tough construction. The tire boasts a CoreGard Technology, which utilizes a tough sidewall rubber compound to resist splitting and bruising. This is super important when you're navigating rocky terrain, as it protects the tire from punctures and damage. The KO2 also features an optimized tread design with interlocking tread blocks and a high void ratio. This design provides exceptional traction in both on- and off-road conditions. Whether you're driving on pavement, gravel, mud, or snow, the KO2 delivers impressive grip and control. You'll feel confident tackling any terrain. The KO2's tread pattern also features stone ejectors, which help to prevent rocks and debris from getting lodged in the tread. This improves the tire's lifespan and maintains its performance by ensuring consistent contact with the road surface. Another great thing about the KO2 is its long-lasting tread life. The tire's tread compound is designed to resist wear and tear, providing excellent mileage and value for your money. You can expect to get many miles of use out of a set of KO2s, even with frequent off-road adventures. Also, the KO2 offers a surprisingly quiet and comfortable ride on the highway. While it's an aggressive all-terrain tire, it's engineered to minimize road noise and provide a smooth driving experience, making it a great choice for daily drivers as well as weekend warriors. The KO2 is a truly versatile tire that excels in all areas, and it's a perfect upgrade for your Ford Raptor.

Fitting 35-Inch Tires on Your Raptor: What You Need to Know

Okay, so you're sold on 35-inch tires and the KO2. Now, let's talk about the practical aspects of fitting them to your Raptor. While the Raptor is designed to handle larger tires, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance. First, you might need a lift kit. The Raptor's suspension is already pretty capable, but to accommodate 35-inch tires without any rubbing, a lift kit might be necessary. A lift kit will increase the ride height of your truck, providing the extra clearance you need. There are various lift kit options available, from simple leveling kits to more comprehensive suspension upgrades. The right choice for you will depend on your budget, your off-road goals, and how much you want to alter your truck's ride characteristics. Many Raptor owners opt for a leveling kit, which raises the front of the truck to match the rear. This provides enough clearance for 35-inch tires in many cases. However, if you plan on serious off-roading, a full suspension lift might be a better option. Then, you'll need to think about wheel offset. The wheel offset refers to the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and the centerline of the wheel. The offset can affect the tire's clearance and how it sits within the wheel wells. Using wheels with the correct offset will help prevent the tires from rubbing against the suspension components or the body of the truck. You might also need to trim or modify your Raptor's fenders. While a lift kit and the right wheel offset will address most of the clearance issues, it's possible that you'll still experience some rubbing, especially when the suspension is fully compressed during off-road driving. Trimming the fenders or installing aftermarket fender flares can provide the extra clearance you need to prevent rubbing. It's important to consult with a professional when making these modifications to ensure they're done correctly and safely. Additionally, consider the speedometer calibration. When you install larger tires, your speedometer will read incorrectly. The larger tires will cover more ground per revolution, causing your speedometer to underestimate your actual speed. You'll need to recalibrate your speedometer to ensure accurate readings. Most tire shops and performance shops can handle this for you. Lastly, don't forget about the spare tire. A 35-inch tire won't fit in the stock spare tire location, so you'll need to find an alternative. You can mount the spare in the bed of your truck, on a rear bumper with a swing-out carrier, or under the bed with a modified spare tire carrier.

Choosing the Right KO2 Tire Size and Load Rating

Alright, let's get into the specifics of selecting the right BFGoodrich KO2 size and load rating for your Ford Raptor. The most common size for 35-inch tires on the Raptor is 315/70R17. This size offers a great balance of performance, appearance, and fitment. It's a direct fit for many Raptors with a leveling kit or a small lift. When selecting the tire, always check the load rating to ensure it's appropriate for your truck's weight and intended use. The load rating indicates the maximum weight the tire can safely support. The Raptor is a heavy-duty truck, so you'll need tires with a sufficient load rating to handle the extra weight. Always consult the tire manufacturer's specifications to determine the correct load rating for your Raptor. You should also consider the tire's speed rating, which indicates the maximum speed the tire can safely handle. While you might not be regularly driving at high speeds in your Raptor, it's important to choose tires with an appropriate speed rating. When you're choosing the KO2, also consider the overall weight of the tire. Larger, more aggressive tires can add to the unsprung weight of your truck, which can affect its handling and fuel economy. Try to choose tires that offer a good balance of performance and weight. The choice between C-rated, D-rated, or E-rated tires depends on your usage. E-rated tires have the highest load capacity but can result in a firmer ride. C-rated tires offer a good balance for everyday use. Evaluate your needs to select the best option. Finally, don't forget the tire pressure. Proper tire pressure is crucial for optimal performance, handling, and tire wear. Consult the tire manufacturer's recommendations and your truck's owner's manual for the correct tire pressure. You'll likely need to adjust the pressure depending on the terrain you're driving on. Lowering the pressure for off-road driving can improve traction and ride comfort.

Maintaining Your 35-Inch Tires

Once you've installed your 35-inch tires and hit the trails, it's important to maintain them properly to maximize their lifespan and performance. Regular tire inspections are crucial. Always inspect your tires for any signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, or uneven wear. Check the tire pressure regularly, at least once a month, and before any long trips. Proper tire pressure ensures optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and tire wear. Rotate your tires regularly, typically every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Tire rotation helps to distribute wear evenly, extending the life of your tires. You may also want to consider wheel alignment checks. After installing larger tires or any suspension modifications, you should get your truck's alignment checked and adjusted as needed. Proper wheel alignment ensures even tire wear and optimal handling. Consider balancing your tires. This ensures a smooth ride and prevents vibrations. Furthermore, be mindful of off-road driving conditions. When driving off-road, adjust your tire pressure as needed for the terrain. Use a lower tire pressure for better traction on soft surfaces like sand or mud. Drive at a moderate speed to avoid damaging your tires and suspension components. Finally, be sure to clean your tires regularly, especially after off-road adventures. Remove any mud, debris, or other materials that may be stuck in the tread. This will improve the tire's traction and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to 35-inch tires for your Ford Raptor, specifically focusing on the incredible BFGoodrich KO2 tire. From understanding the benefits of larger tires to selecting the right size and ensuring proper fitment and maintenance, you're now well-equipped to make an informed decision and upgrade your Raptor. Remember to always prioritize safety, consult with professionals when needed, and enjoy the enhanced off-road performance and head-turning looks of your newly equipped Raptor. Get out there, explore, and conquer the trails with confidence! And hey, if you have any questions or experiences to share, don't hesitate to drop a comment below. Safe travels, and happy off-roading!