Short Version: Looking for first hand experiences from people that have switched from 35s to 37s (or vise versa) on 17/18" wheels. Was there a big difference in ride quality?

The full story: I ordered a 2020 f350 Platinum CCLB 7.3L , should have it in a couple months. I'm in the process of research and parts ordering.

I use my truck as a daily driver in the western Canada oil patch. 300-500km a day on average, sometimes only 100, sometimes 1200. About 60-70,000km per year.
I travel a lot of "high speed" gravel roads, 50-65mph with lots of bumps, wash board, etc.

I'm mostly focused on ride quality. I've already decided on a Carli 3.5" Pintop system with all the options including rear deavers.
I'm also decided on 17" wheels, I like the look and they should give the best ride.

Here is what I cannot make up my mind about: Tire size

I would like to go 37's. I understand that they will fit with the proper offset.
I need to run mud flaps with the amount of gravel I drive. Going to use a set of "kickback" style flaps so I don't lose much clearance.

If I go 35's I will run Bushwacker pocket flares and a more aggressive offset wheel.

So from what I can tell here are my pros and cons:

37s
Pros
-Better ride
-Looks awesome

Cons
-Can't run a more aggressive offset and therefore I can't use bushwacker pocket flares (won't look right without the more offset wheels IMO)
-Might run into some rubbing issues when articulating offroad
-Heavy, will be harder on front end, brakes, etc
-some loss of acceleration (7.3L gas, 3.73 gears)
-I'm seeing fewer tires options that would be good for winter in northern Canada

35s
Pros
- Should not have any rubbing under any circumstance when off road
-Slightly more options for winter tires
-Cheaper
-Less weight and less wear and tear on front end, etc(This might be a wash since I will run a more aggressive offset with 35's.
-I'll have room to run a more aggressive offset and pocket flares

Cons
-Ride quality not as good.
-"skateboard" look

I've been debating this in my head for weeks now and it's getting to the point I need to make a decision and order stuff.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions!

 

This is why I run 35” on my 2017 with full 2.5 pintop. 18x9 methods with +18 offset.

I run mudflaps as well. Not sure about the 2020, but with heavy rear axle articulation I had to trim the rear corner of the fuel tank skid plate as well as the driveshaft would rub.

You won’t regret your choice as far as ride quality. Make sure you bomb down the Offroad stock...... the difference is amazing.

 

Thanks for the input!

 

I run 35's on my 2017 with stock rims and a

2.5" leveling kit. I originally installed 37's but it seemed a little loose on the road, so i went back and swapped for 35's. Pic is with 35's

 

Thanks, your truck looks awesome.

Sometimes these trucks look like skateboards with 35's and others (like yours) look great.

 

Looks like the cons list for the 37"is twice as long as the con list for the 35". I'd go with the 35", I doubt you'll notice any better ride with the larger tires and might actually have a decreased feel due to more sidewall give. I'll agree that a wheel well that's closer to full looks better but you have to leave plenty of room for the suspension to do its thing

 

I split the difference with 325/60-20s.

 

I like this idea a lot but doesn't seem to be a option with 17" wheels...

 

Research the 315/70/18 Toyo M/T. If I was on gravel roads I would do an M/T to avoid slinging rocks.

 

I've been there and back plenty of times. A good con for 37s is price, it can be a good amount of coin for less than 2 inches. I have rationalized all of the mentioned statement and still run 37s.

 

I'm running the Carli leveling Pintop with the King's, radius arms and full Deaver leaf pack on Toyo M/T 37's and 17" Method's. 100% worth the 37's on 17's, more sidewall, which is far more forgiving on the small bump compliance. Been in the offroad racing scene for a while, the bigger the tire the better the feel and compliance to soak up what its going over. That paired with the Carli setup, you really can't go wrong and in my opinion for whatever it is worth, I think you will be very happy with 37's.

 

Do you get any rub with the 37's while tubing with articulation?

 

No, not at all actually. I had the kit installed at CJC offroad, I don’t think they had to do any trimming on the fender wells either if I recall correctly. Here is a couple of photos if this helps any with your decision.

 

Thanks for the info Nobubbles, Can you share your wheel and tire specs and do you happen to have a pic of how far they stick out?

 

No problem!
The wheels are Method NV 17x8.5 and the back spacing is 4.75. If I remember correctly the offset is -12mm. Tires are Toyo M/T 37x13.50R17. I don’t have a photo of how far they stick out, but later today i can definitely take one when I get back home.