Ford F150 Raptor Wheels And Tires – The Ultimate Performance Setup
Selecting the perfect ford f150 raptor wheels and tires requires understanding the balance between off-road grip and on-road manners. This guide covers everything from factory offsets to heavy-duty rubber to ensure your truck remains a beast on any terrain.
You probably know that the Raptor isn’t just a standard F-150 with a fancy body kit. It is a purpose-built machine designed to soak up bumps that would break other trucks.
To keep that performance high, choosing the right ford f150 raptor wheels and tires is the most impactful upgrade you can make. Whether you are hitting the dunes or commuting, the right setup changes everything.
In this guide, we will break down the technical specifications and the best rubber compounds. We will also look at how to install them safely in your own garage.
Understanding the Basics of ford f150 raptor wheels and tires
The Raptor is famous for its long-travel suspension and wide stance. Because of this, the wheels and tires are not just for show; they are functional components of the suspension system.
Most modern Raptors come factory-equipped with 17-inch wheels. This smaller wheel diameter allows for a taller tire sidewall, which is crucial for off-road cushioning and air-down capability.
The standard tire size has traditionally been 35 inches, specifically a 315/70R17. However, newer models now offer a 37-inch tire package straight from the factory for even more ground clearance.
The Role of Sidewall Flex
When you are driving over jagged rocks, you want your tires to wrap around obstacles. A 17-inch wheel provides enough “meat” on the tire to allow for this mechanical grip.
If you move to a 20-inch or 22-inch wheel, you lose that sidewall. This results in a harsher ride and a much higher risk of wheel damage when off-roading.
Stick to 17-inch or 18-inch wheels if you plan on doing any serious trail work. Your suspension and your spine will thank you for the extra cushion.
Wheel Specifications: Offset, Backspacing, and Bolt Patterns
When shopping for aftermarket wheels, you cannot just pick any 6-lug rim. The Raptor has specific requirements to clear its massive Fox Racing Shocks and brake calipers.
The bolt pattern for the F-150 Raptor is 6×135. This is a common Ford pattern, but the offset is where things get tricky for enthusiasts.
Factory Raptor wheels usually have a +34mm offset. This keeps the tire tucked slightly inside the wide fender flares to prevent rock chips on the paint.
Why Offset Matters
If you choose a “zero” or “negative” offset wheel, your tires will poke out further. While this looks aggressive, it can cause the tire to rub the fender during full suspension compression.
A slight poke is fine for most builds, but be careful going beyond a 0mm offset. You may need to trim the inner fender liners to avoid that annoying scrubbing sound when turning.
Backspacing is another term you will see, which measures the distance from the mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel. Aim for roughly 5 inches of backspacing for a safe fit.
The Best Tire Types for Your Raptor
Not all tires are created equal. Since the Raptor is a high-speed desert runner, you need a tire that can handle heat and high-velocity impacts without failing.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 has been the gold standard for this truck for years. It offers a great balance of low road noise and impressive dirt traction.
However, if you spend more time in deep mud or jagged canyons, you might consider a Mud-Terrain (MT) tire. These have larger tread blocks and wider voids to self-clean thick debris.
Load Ratings and Ply Count
Pay close attention to the load rating of your tires. Most Raptors perform best on a Load Range C or D tire, as they are lighter and more flexible.
Load Range E tires are built for heavy towing and have stiffer sidewalls. While they are puncture-resistant, they can make the Raptor’s plush ride feel much stiffer than intended.
Look for tires with a “Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol if you live in a snowy climate. This ensures the rubber stays soft and pliable in freezing temperatures.
Step-by-Step Guide to Swapping Your Wheels and Tires
Changing the setup on a Raptor is similar to any truck, but the sheer size and weight of the components require heavy-duty tools. Safety is the priority here.
You will need a high-lift floor jack, sturdy jack stands, a 21mm deep socket, and a calibrated torque wrench. Never rely on the factory bottle jack for this job.
- Loosen the lug nuts while the truck is still on the ground using a breaker bar.
- Place the jack under the designated frame point and lift the truck until the tire clears the floor.
- Secure the truck with a jack stand. Never work on a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack.
- Remove the lug nuts and pull the old wheel off. Be careful, as a 37-inch tire can weigh over 90 pounds.
- Slide the new wheel onto the studs and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower the truck and use your torque wrench to tighten the nuts to 150 lb-ft.
Calibrating the Speedometer
If you have jumped from 35-inch tires to 37-inch tires, your speedometer will be wrong. It will show you are going slower than your actual speed.
You can fix this using a flash programmer or software like FORScan. This recalibrates the truck’s computer so the shift points and safety systems work correctly.
Failing to recalibrate can lead to awkward transmission shifts. It can also cause the odometer to track mileage inaccurately over time.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
Upgrading your ford f150 raptor wheels and tires can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. Knowing how to spot them early will save you a headache on the trail.
The most common problem is “tire rub.” This usually happens at “full lock” (when the steering wheel is turned all the way) or when the suspension is fully compressed.
If you hear a grinding or clicking sound, check the inner wheel well. You might see shiny spots on the frame or plastic where the tread has made contact.
TPMS Sensor Issues
Your Raptor uses a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When you buy new wheels, you must either move your old sensors or buy new ones.
If the TPMS light stays on after your swap, the sensors likely need to be “trained” to the truck. Most tire shops have a handheld tool that can do this in seconds.
Also, ensure your new wheels are “hub-centric.” This means the center hole of the wheel fits perfectly over the truck’s hub, preventing vibrations at highway speeds.
Essential Tools for Success
If you plan to be a DIY mechanic for your Raptor, you need the right gear. These trucks are heavy, and the parts are oversized compared to a sedan.
- Torque Wrench: Must go up to at least 150 lb-ft for the lug nuts.
- Impact Wrench: Saves a massive amount of time when spinning off six lugs per wheel.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: A high-quality digital gauge is better than the cheap “pencil” style ones.
- Deflator Tool: Essential for airing down your tires to 15-20 PSI before hitting the sand.
- Portable Compressor: You need a way to pump those massive tires back up before driving home.
Investing in a heavy-duty floor jack with a high lift range is also wise. Standard jacks often don’t have the reach to get a lifted Raptor off the ground.
Maintenance and Safety Tips
Off-road tires wear differently than street tires. Because of the large tread blocks, they are prone to cupping or feathering if not maintained properly.
Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles. On a Raptor, a five-tire rotation (including the full-size spare) is the best way to maximize the life of your rubber.
Check your lug nut torque again after driving the first 50 to 100 miles on new wheels. Metal expands and contracts, and lug nuts can loosen slightly during the initial “seat-in” period.
Inspecting for Damage
After every off-road trip, inspect your sidewalls for cuts or bulges. A deep gash in the sidewall is a safety hazard and cannot be repaired like a tread puncture.
Look for missing wheel weights as well. Rock crawling can sometimes knock the weights off the rim, leading to a shaky steering wheel on the drive home.
Always keep your spare tire at the correct pressure. A flat spare is useless when you are 50 miles deep in the wilderness with a blown sidewall.
Frequently Asked Questions About ford f150 raptor wheels and tires
Can I fit 37-inch tires on a stock Gen 2 Raptor?
You can, but it usually requires a small leveling kit or “top perch” adjustment to the front shocks. Without a lift, you will likely experience rubbing on the fender liners during sharp turns.
What is the best tire pressure for daily driving?
For the standard 315/70R17 tires, 38 PSI is a good starting point for the street. This provides a smooth ride and even tread wear without sacrificing too much fuel economy.
Do aftermarket wheels void my Ford warranty?
Generally, no. However, if a wheel with an extreme offset causes a wheel bearing to fail, the dealership might deny that specific repair. Always stick to reasonable specs.
Why do my tires hum so loudly on the highway?
This is common with Mud-Terrain tires. As the tread wears down, the air passing through the large voids creates a drone. Regular rotation helps keep this noise to a minimum.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Upgrading your ford f150 raptor wheels and tires is the best way to tailor your truck to your specific lifestyle. Whether you prioritize desert racing or curb appeal, the right specs matter.
Remember to prioritize safety by using the correct torque specs and high-quality jack stands. A 6,000-pound truck is unforgiving if it falls during a DIY project.
Keep an eye on your tire pressures, rotate them often, and don’t be afraid to air down when the pavement ends. Your Raptor was built to roam, so give it the best foundation possible.
Stay safe on the trails, keep your lugs tight, and enjoy the incredible capability of your machine!
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