Anyone with the BFG KO2 39x13.5r17?

[Dougstdig]

Woah! Where did you hear that it wouldn't be available until November?

...which leads to a point... Why would someone want to purchase a tire that's in so limited supply? If one gets damaged, would you want to be in danger of having to park it until they became available to have a matching set?

I think poor business models or those incorrectly forecasting demand is a company flaw. I also think those using supply chain deficiencies have overplayed that hand. There are tons of tires available...different sizes for different applications. More likely, supply is being limited to artificially maintain higher prices of tires. Folks want a specific size...deemed a specialty item...limit production and when they become available charge 490 per tire and folks will line up and pay whatever. Makes Cooper STT Pro's look better every day and were all the rage just a few years ago...though I draw the line at Patagonia's.

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[bleda2002]

I went km3s in 39s on a Clayton 2.5 with split fenders and kmc beadlocks 17x9 -15mm offset for 15k miles or so now. 2 inches of bump stop should probably be 2.5 though upfront and the rears don't rub even fully flexed with one hanging.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

So I'm really diggin these K02s and I'm currently running 37x12.5r17 in load range C for a nice tuck. But after a recent 2" AEV spacer lift the tuck got a little better which leaves me with some room to go out a bit. In looking at these pictures of all of yours I'm thinking that I could actually run these 39s without any change in lift. And if at all needed, could always split the fenders to gain back the room.


I'm not in any rush because I do love my current setup but looking at the side profile here with my 37" KO2s, it shows these 39s could be possible.

For sure- this is because your 37’s measure out more like a 35-35.5” tire….. and the 39’s run like a 37.5” tire…. These tires run on the super low side for their sidewall measurement.

I love the Ko2 for its weight and it’s long life… but- for the $$(unless things have seriously changed- $650~ a tire right?) and the size? Id go a different rout.
Falken wildpeak Rt/ Nitto ridge grappler, dare I say a Patagonia mt 02 ? all $100+ less per tire and availability is way better.

 

[BLK HOLE]

...which leads to a point... Why would someone want to purchase a tire that's in so limited supply? If one gets damaged, would you want to be in danger of having to park it until they became available to have a matching set?

I think poor business models or those incorrectly forecasting demand is a company flaw. I also think those using supply chain deficiencies have overplayed that hand. There are tons of tires available...different sizes for different applications. More likely, supply is being limited to artificially maintain higher prices of tires. Folks want a specific size...deemed a specialty item...limit production and when they become available charge 490 per tire and folks will line up and pay whatever. Makes Cooper STT Pro's look better every day and were all the rage just a few years ago...though I draw the line at Patagonia's.

That’s what spares are for.

 

[Dougstdig]

I went km3s in 39s on a Clayton 2.5 with split fenders and kmc beadlocks 17x9 -15mm offset for 15k miles or so now.

That’s what spares are for.

Leaves you with no backup.

 

[BLK HOLE]

Leaves you with no backup.

Not true really. Sorta depends. For rubicons we can use a small spare with open diffs. So we can add a 37” spare while we wait for a new one, assuming it couldn’t be patched. This goes for Mojave’s too, since they have 1 open diff.

 

[bleda2002]

Not true really. Sorta depends. For rubicons we can use a small spare with open diffs. So we can add a 37” spare while we wait for a new one, assuming it couldn’t be patched. This goes for Mojave’s too, since they have 1 open diff.

All gladiators and jls can run a donut, just move the donut to the front passenger and stay out of 4 wheel drive. If you have a tazer you can even run 3 wheel drive by disabling the fad and then engaging 4 (3) wheel drive.

At this point though 39s aren't hard to get, expensive but not hard to find.

 

[BLK HOLE]

All gladiators and jls can run a donut, just move the donut to the front passenger and stay out of 4 wheel drive. If you have a tazer you can even run 3 wheel drive by disabling the fad and then engaging 4 (3) wheel drive.

At this point though 39s aren't hard to get, expensive but not hard to find.

You can’t run a donut with clutches.

 

[bleda2002]

You can’t run a donut with clutches.

You don't have clutches in the front and the front right tire is disconnected from the differential completely by the FAD when not in 4 wheel drive. Hence why every gladiator can run a donut unless you've eliminated the fad. You move the donut to the front right, and it could be any size basically since it's not attached to even the spider gears

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

If you have a tazer you can even run 3 wheel drive by disabling the fad

Can the fad be disabled by unplugging it?

 

[bleda2002]

Can the fad be disabled by unplugging it?

Should work, would just give you the idiot light on the dash.

 

[Pescatoral Pursuit]

Should work, would just give you the idiot light on the dash.

Well you're already gonna look like an idiot driving down the road with a 40 on one side and a 37 on the other.

 

[ducatijosh]

Should work, would just give you the idiot light on the dash.

It would mechanically work but the transfer case range position sensor wont allow you to go into 4WD if the FAD isn't detected. I think you'd have to disable it with a tazer or jscan so that it thinks you have a 1 peice front axle shaft while technically having 2 and being disconnected.

 

[Pilot425]

I’m considering a tire size bump and curious if anyone has experience with the BF Goodrich KO2 tire in the 39x13.5r17 size. I’m currently running their 37 and wish it measured a true 37 and want to get something a little bigger. I’m running 5.13 gears and wondered if I’d need to upgrade any driveline components for the larger tires. Also, on BFG’s website it says the 37 and the 39 are the exact same weight. Could this be a typo? If anyone has this size tire I’d love to hear about your set up, opinion, and pictures.

I’m running the KM3’s in 39x13.5x17 on the factory 2” lift with 1.5 leveling kit. Great ride and averaging 20.4 MPG. I have the diesel and have not re geared from 373’s. I still see 8th gear above 57mph. Caulk tested fronts at 30psi and rears at 28.
Im sure at full articulation that I would get some front rub at full turn. Upgraded front track, tie Rod and drag link bars and upgraded Fox stabilizer. Have been running them for 10k miles and getting ready to turn 30k on truck. No ball joint issues at this time. I wanted the KO2’s but we’re back ordered so long but didn’t want to wait.

 

[duvinclunk]

Thank you for posting those. A lot has happened since I original posted. Haha!

I had run the 39s for about 10 months on some KMC beadlocks and they were great. I kept getting the itch for 40s so I have since gone 1-tons and 40s so the 39s are gone. They were a great tire. I did contact Rubicon fenders at full stuff but it wasn't too bad. If they made a true 40, I'd potentially be rocking the KM3.

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