Lift Size to accommodate 37" Tire on Willys Gladiator

[2021Willys]

Have a couple questions regarding lift size to accommodate a small 37" BFG tire on a Gladiator trim with the lower fender flares. Would the Mopar lift with a 1/2" spacer on the front be enough to accommodate a smaller 37" tire? Would a a 3.5" lift be more ideal? Would the Clayton 2.5" or 3.5" lift be more suitable? I just don't want to screw this up and have to buy twice. The truck is mostly a daily driver with minor trails? Thanks

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[Jteakus]

I would go with a 3.5". Not only will it give you room to flex but it will get you some more belly clearance.

 

[mtudb24]

You can get by the mopar 2'". It actually lifts most sports and non rubicon models closer to 3 to 3.25 inches. I ran 35's for 5 years and just put the 37's on yesterday. I'm a trail guy, so I don't need the big articulation that the rock guys do.

I chose the mopar because when I bougbht the truck, my saleman gave me a killer deal on the kit. I have no complaints on the kit and actually the kits Fox shocks are still going strong..

Whatever kit you decide on, make sure you get an adjustable front track bar. The Mopar doesn't come with on where many of the other kits do.

 

[21Mojave24XR]

I agree on going with the 3.5” kit, I had the 3.5” on my sport S before I got the Mojave and it would fit 37s but didn’t look out of place with 35s either. That 37” BFG will measure about 35.5” tall when on the vehicle so you will get the 37” tire so to speak and have plenty of clearance

 

[professorkx]

You need to think about wheels as part of your decision matrix. If you run a lift that retains the stock front control arms like the AEV lift, you can use stock offset wheels and just add a few washers under your steering stops to keep the tires from rubbing. This will save you a lot of money on wheels that might not be needed.

In addition, stock control arms are cheap, so when the joints start to wear, you just toss the entire control arm and replace. If you use a lift that uses something like Johnny Joints, they are rebuildable, but not as easy as just tossing the stock arms and replacing.

The key here is how you intent to use your Jeep. If more overlanding and trails, this approach will work with 37” tires. You should also be able to find a set of Rubicon Takeoff fenders pretty cheap, and these will give you a little extra room if a trail gets spicy, as they are higher.

I’m a rock crawler, and have built serious rock rigs, but my 2024 Gladiator only has an AEV 2.5 inch lift and 37 inch tires, as I don’t plan to run all the same difficult trail. However, with this setup…and our 40 years experience rock crawling and my wife of 45 years as my spotter…I’m confident we can run the Rubicon trail again with my Gladiator. yes, my Warn 12S winch will likely get a few uses, but since I‘ve already done the Rubicon, I know what to expect.

So, my recommendation is to first determine your use case for your Gladiator, as this will probably save you money and likely give you a better outcome for your rig for the long term.

 

[MudderNuker]

On another thread you said your JTW has 3.73 gears, are you going to regear for 37s? Your truck will feel like you are hauling a trailer full of cows with 37s and 3.73s. A 3.5" lift should do the trick.

 

[Jteakus]

I thought Willis got 4.10’s

 

[Jteakus]

I mean Willys
Whatchoo talkin bout Willis?!?

 

[MudderNuker]

I thought Willis got 4.10’s

All are 3.73.

 

[jhale1800]

I'm running BFG 37's on a Mopar lift. It works with some rubbing on the fenders at full flex, which I don't mind. With that said, I would go with the 3.5" lift.

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