So you want to run 37s on your Jeep Gladiator ?? [ep 27]

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares insights from a year of running 37-inch tires on a Jeep, highlighting key modifications needed to accommodate them. They discuss essential upgrades, including ball joints, steering components, and suspension lifts to handle the added weight and strain. The video also covers considerations like wheel offset, drive shafts, and axle shafts for off-road performance. A re-gear is suggested for optimal power, along with optional enhancements like sector shaft braces and hydro assist steering for more extreme conditions. The speaker aims to help viewers understand potential costs and modifications before upgrading to larger tires.

Takeaways

• 🔧 37-inch tires can heavily wear down factory ball joints and aluminum knuckles, so aftermarket replacements like Teraflex are recommended.
• 🔩 Steering components such as tie rods, drag links, and track bars often need upgrades when adding 37s, as stock parts wear quickly.
• 🏋️ A suspension lift is required for 37-inch tires, which affects the truck’s geometry, so adjustable control arms and brake line extenders may be necessary.
• 🔄 Wheel selection is important to avoid rubbing issues, especially with wider tires. A negative offset like -12 can help push wheels out to avoid these problems.
• 💰 Mounting and balancing new wheels and tires can be expensive, so finding package deals can save money. Consider TPMS compatibility based on vehicle manufacturing date.
• ⚙️ After lifting the vehicle, the drive shaft angle can cause damage to the front slip joint boot, so it's important to monitor for potential issues.
• 🛠️ Upgrading axle shafts is recommended when off-roading with 37-inch tires, as the increased stress can damage stock axles.
• ⚡ Re-gearing is often required for optimal performance with larger tires, with 4.88 or 5.13 gears being popular choices depending on the vehicle’s initial gearing.
• 🛡️ A sector shaft brace can improve steering stability by reducing deflection in the steering box, and a Hydro-assist system can be considered for advanced setups.
• 🚜 Some extreme off-roaders swap out for one-ton axles from an F250 for maximum durability, though this is more of a high-level modification.

Q & A

What is one of the first things to consider when running 37-inch tires on your truck?

One of the first things to consider is the ball joints. The 37-inch tires can cause significant wear on the factory ball joints and aluminum knuckles, so upgrading to aftermarket ball joints is recommended.

How do heavier wheels and tires affect your vehicle's steering components?

Heavier wheels and tires, like 37s, put additional strain on steering components such as tie rods, drag links, and track bars, causing them to wear out faster. Upgrading these parts is necessary when installing larger tires.

Why is a lift kit needed for running 37-inch tires, and what are some components to consider when installing it?

A lift kit is needed to provide clearance for the larger tires. When installing a lift, it can affect the vehicle's suspension geometry. Adjustable control arms, longer end links, and brake line extenders should be considered to maintain proper functionality.

What issue can arise if you don't upgrade the track bar after lifting your truck?

If you don’t upgrade the track bar, the stock bar may not stretch far enough, causing the wheels to be misaligned under the truck, which leads to improper tracking on the road.

What should be taken into account when selecting wheels for 37-inch tires?

When selecting wheels, you need to account for the width of the tires to avoid rubbing. Choosing a wheel with a suitable offset, like a negative 12 offset, helps create enough clearance for articulation without rubbing issues.

What are the challenges of installing larger wheels and tires regarding TPMS sensors?

You need to ensure the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors are compatible with your vehicle, especially depending on the year of manufacture, as this affects the type of sensors required.

Why is it necessary to consider the driveshaft when lifting a truck and adding larger tires?

Raising the truck changes the angle of the driveshaft, which can cause the boot covering the slip joint yoke to rub against the frame, potentially ripping it and leading to driveshaft failure.

What should be considered when wheeling with larger tires like 37s or 40s?

When off-roading with larger tires, axle shafts can take a lot of strain, and there’s a higher chance they might break. Upgrading to stronger axle shafts may be necessary.

Why might re-gearing be necessary after upgrading to 37-inch tires?

Re-gearing becomes necessary because larger tires affect the vehicle's power output and fuel efficiency. Popular re-gearing ratios include 4.88 or 5.13, depending on the vehicle model, to restore performance.

What additional components might you consider if you plan to wheel aggressively with 37-inch tires?

If wheeling aggressively, components like a sector shaft brace, a steering stabilizer, or even a Hydro assist system could be considered to maintain better steering stability. You might also consider upgrading to a Truss or switching to one-ton axles for increased durability.