First Off Roading with 37" BFG Tires on Stock Jeep Wrangler JKU Suspension

/ autoedits_jason
Here's the video of my first Off Roading in the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 37" BF Goodrich KM2 tires stuffed under the stock suspension!
If you are curious as to what it took to make the tires fit on the Jeep. I mounted them up on the stock Rubicon rims so that saved a bit of money for now but the backspace on those rims needed to be moved out for a bit more steering clearance so I bought a set of 1.5" G2 wheel spacers and bolted those on first. The front tires then fit up pretty good, only rubbing on the rear of the frame rail at full lock but were extremely close to the stock fender lip. It looked awesome but as I drove around town, they rubbed quite a bit. So, I yanked the front fenders off in anticipation for the Metalcloak Overline Fenders I will be putting on this rig.
To fit the rear tires, things got a little more involved. I had to remove the stock rocker guards (I will trim those and put them back on soon) and make a slight cut to the leading edge of the wheel well. I have seen videos of people just hammering this area in for clearance but cutting it seemed a better option for me. The tires then fit fine but the fenders came off in the process and I just left them off for now since I have the Metalcloak stuff on order. Plus the Jeep looks kind of cool with no fenders. It's not legal in California but I'll enjoy it until the new stuff gets here.
After that, I went ahead and got the gear ratios changed by swapping the ring and pinion to a 4.88:1 kit from G2. Since the axles shafts had to come out to do the gear change, I figured I would just kill the credit card and buy upgraded chromoly axles shafts at this point as well... I'm glad I did. Then I used my Diablo Sport inTune unit and re-calibrated the speedometer and put the 87 octane tune on the PCM. That alone made a noticeable difference in the throttle response and makes the Jeep "feel" sportier to drive.
Then I went out and hit the trails! I headed to an easy trail near me called Drinkwater Trail that winds above the old St. Francis Dam up San Fransisquito canyon. If you get few minutes look up the story about that, it's kind of wild.
Not having the proper bump stops kept me from really hammering on the Jeep and the tires did rub a bit but everything survived pretty great (minimal damage). The performance of the tires on the windy canyon road to the trail was amazing! I absolutely love the way they feel on the road, very confidence inspiring in the twisty stuff and they go great down the highway as well. The KM2's are actually less loud than the stock mud terrains that came on the Jeep.
Off road, these tires and this Jeep are like cheating. This combo makes anyone (even a newb like me) feel like an accomplished off roader. There was so little drama getting up the steep sandy stuff and the fast fire road blasts felt amazing! Now if I can just get the stability management nannies to shut off for that 2wd stuff it would be perfect.
So next up should be fenders and bump stops to make the rig less likely to destroy itself on a big hit and be legal on the road.
Stay tuned and please subscribe to the channel and share these videos to help me keep making more!
Best,
Jason

[@isuguy82]

You are the first person I have seen talk about the importance of a brake upgrade after making all these changes. Thank you. I look forward to continuing watching the playlist!

[@MrThunderMonky]

I hope people appreciate how polished you make your videos. Great job on these!

[@AutoEdits]

+InFocus1977 Thanks so much! I appreciate that you took a minute to let me know!!!

[@bustedback]

Jeeps are an addiction. One mod leads to another, you're always upgrading. Just Empty Every Pocket!

[@AutoEdits]

+alan jackson YUP! Why is that...so much fun tho!

[@bustedback]

+autoedit No other vehicle has as much aftermarket support as the Jeep JK. New companies that cater to the JK are always popping up with new and innovative ideas. A guy can easily go broke trying to keep up with the Joneses.

[@johnnyrogers8943]

that is so true my wife wants to divorce me

[@onewheelisbetterthan2]

I feel that

[@1969darr]

Just like buying a boat a camper or anything a person can add a mod to, we all want to make something our own. I say DO IT and be happy to callt yours enjoy :)

[@codymcnary13]

3:30 when your Jeep wave senses are tingling

[@micahclaussen5929]

Haha!

[@126sean]

LOL

[@ingasu412]

Cody M lol

[@Kingofthexiled]

Its a jeep thing lol

[@digibath89]

I know right! 😂

[@seansteede]

Jeep definitely owes you some cash....you're videos are dragging me into the Jeep abyss.......and I think I'm now going willingly!

[@AutoEdits]

LOL, welcome!

[@benhasson136]

Awesome videos. Love following your build. Cant wait to see the final product!

[@Cherrytea558]

It's great to see your jeep and your experience slowly transforming, getting better and better.

[@patricksteyn9171]

you're doing a great job of explaining and demonstrating how to improve your jeep. thanks for videos and please keep rolling.

[@TheRussellmoody]

I like how you upload quickly in relation of your previous videos so we don't have to wait for weeks just for small updates. Keep it up love the jeep!

[@x0Diesel0x]

Seriously HAD to subscribe. Don't know much about you at this point and came across your channel as I was researching a bit into JK Wrangler tires. But had to post and send some kudos your way. I'm sure your camera equipment is top notch but what can't be bought is camera working talent and if indeed you are a one man show, you are up there with the best. Congrats on a jibe well done. This video was a awesome and your shots well composed and beautifully captured.

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks so much for the kind words... much appreciated

[@swim8032]

I love watching this because I have a two door jk that is so much fun to drive, and I can't wait to hit the trails.

[@billpeace6062]

Best video on the tube! You have convinced me to put the KO2 on my 2013 Power Wagon!

[@vofamily3062]

Waiting for the jeep pickup and doing my "research" now. Love it, keep it coming!

[@rygi23]

Wifey and I picking up our first Jeep in over 15 years tomorrow, a ‘18 JKU Sport....you got me PUMPED! Great vids man..

[@AutoEdits]

Super glad to hear that... Welcome back to the Jeep life! Thanks for watching!!!

[@sjambora]

One of the greatest Jeep Wrangler video I've ever seen! You've actually proven that a stock jeep with 37 inch can make it successfully, and made us very proud owners. Can't wait for your next inspirational video and mods. Thank you.

[@AutoEdits]

+San Jamb Thanks so much! I hope to keep learning and getting better at all of this... go Jeep!!!

[@supercharged00gtp]

These first 5 videos hooked me, watched them all back to back. Thanks for sharing.

[@AutoEdits]

+Rich Beach Thank You for checking out the new rig and saying Hey!

[@chellouniquestyle]

amazing vid! great info!! thank you so much for taking your time and doing a amazing job!

[@AutoEdits]

Thank you!

[@brandonporter9034]

Great videos man! Got yourself a new subscriber for sure! I just picked up a 2011 JKU Rubicon, can't wait to start doing modifications.

[@teamharris1026]

Love your video Bud! It was like I was right there with ya! Can't wait to see more!! "There's more UP! to be had" should be a bumper sticker or t-shirt for ya!! ;) Keep wheelin Bud, we are watching and loving it!!

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks so much... hmmm shirts you say...

[@exitone2038]

Awesome videos man. Just bought my first jeep a few days ago. 2015 jk. You and the duo from crawl tv have been such an inspiration for a first time jeeper such as myself. Can't wait to start my build. Hope to see you on the trail to sema one day. Happy trailing.

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks! That would be awesome to see you on the trail!

[@stitch1007]

love these videos. keep up the good work can't wait to see more.

[@JdA210]

Love the videos and I love your attitude. So many guys are sissies and I love how your doing things backwards. You are representing about 75% of jeep owners and how we do things. Great job and keep the videos coming pal!

[@AutoEdits]

+Joshua Almendarez Hey thanks! Sometimes it's more fun to take a slightly different path (or dirt road)!

[@TrashPanda2801]

37’s turn a lot of obstacles into a non-event, I got to drive one of the BFG JKU’s on 37’s and I was like wow why is this not harder😂

[@AutoEdits]

true

[@98snakehorse]

That diff sure got close on high center lol. Great vid!

[@greygoose4x46]

Great video ! Thanks for sharing .... I like the fresh approach so many " jeeping " videos have become stuck up this is refreshing

[@AutoEdits]

+Grey Goose 4x4 Thanks!!!

[@randomfootballcars9547]

I am most deff subscribing after this comment. Hoping to get a jeep this fall. I have a ford 150 HD leveled out with 305/55/r20 terra grapplers and cannot have any fun whats so ever. You sir look like your having fun and your rig Is a sight for sore eyes!! Keep em coming!!

[@DaBud20]

one of the best jeeps series and thanks for upgrading your jeep like a normal person and not doing everything at once

[@AutoEdits]

+Tyler Greening Thanks! I can't actually take credit for not doing everything at once because I am just an average dude doing it the way most of would!

[@_phil_man_]

love the beauty shots of the jeep in sunset - really pretty stuff - jeep is looking great

[@AutoEdits]

+Philip Che Sung Man Hey Dude! Long time no see... I really want to catch up with you some time soon!

[@lundysgarage]

I wish I had trails like this in my backyard. Awesome man

[@AutoEdits]

Thanks dude!

[@galencraig9935]

this is like, motor trend channel production quality. holy moly good job

[@ralfqwiggum]

Great video. I'm working my way through the playlist now. Drinkwater is 30 min from me as well - always a fun time out there and at Rowher. Especially in the spring, when everything is nice and green.

[@iwheels88]

I love how your build is going. I'm currently on the same journey with my Used 2012 JKU Rubicon. Sadly I won't be putting any upgrades on until after Christmas but I'm researching & getting suggestions from my forum. If you ever take her across the country stop my Rauche Creek Off Road Park. Then you can ready get some mud in those tires.

[@AUBREYTHOMAS1979]

Nice videos. I love this sort of building ethos.

[@MrSapper21]

Holy smokes! that looks like a ton of fun!

[@AutoEdits]

+MrSapper21 Why yes...yes it was!

[@andrewadlaon1808]

The editing and audio quality is top notch. Super impressed that you're a one man film crew

[@AutoEdits]

Much appreciated!

[@adamlemus7585]

When I was 18 I worked at Six Flags California and worked that park open to close to buy a then brand new 2000 Ford Ranger Trailhead. In 2001 My best friend rolled my truck on that very trail watching that Jeep take it on so easy gives me s sense of accomplishment that I never had myself. here's to living vicariously thru others ha ha

[@jamesdoe5824]

I hope your best friend bought you a new truck

[@adamlemus7585]

+Kaipo Fitisemanu, I wish, being 18 and inexperienced I didn't fight the insurance company hard enough to fix my truck. they said it was a total loss and couldn't but a year after the accident I found it for sale in Mississippi fully repaired and for sale for almost what I paid for it. at the time my friend was only just turned 18 and didn't have the means to replace it. I didn't get a new truck till picked up my current F150 Crew 4x4...which I later found out is a Hurricane Katrina salvage but 6years and not one problem.

[@jamesdoe5824]

+Adam Lemus well what you've taught me is never let your friends drive my car haha. I have a '96 Cherokee and the thing is my baby. I wouldn't trade it for anything unless it completely died on me but it's taught me a lot about automative maintenance and I have it running pretty well

[@adamlemus7585]

+Kaipo Fitisemanu Those Cherokee's are awesome. they are a true SUV from a bygone era before the auto industry made the Explorer and Cherokees into fat little minivans. at least the grand Cherokee is still a real SUV but I digress is it the inline 6?

[@jamesdoe5824]

+Adam Lemus yes it is

[@larryjtransit1885]

nice video i have a 2013 sahara jk with a 2.5 lift . in NJ will keep watching and working on my jk along with yours

[@okeedoky0]

Great series. I cant wait to watch your next one. I run 315/70/17's on a BDS 3" lift right now but just spoke with my local shop about upgrading to 37's. I will also upgrade stock gears to 4:88 and go to flat fenders. Looking forward to see your fender and lift choices.

[@AutoEdits]

+Orange Crusher Thanks so much. I'll be curious what you have to go through to get the 37's on yours!

[@Elprez69]

Excellent camera work. Video looks pro. Good job

[@AutoEdits]

Hey, Thanks!

[@bradkillen]

More jeep vids!!!! Great quality production!

[@AutoEdits]

+ThatHockeyKid0 Ok, Thanks!

[@fishslayer38]

Another great episode! Keep it up man!

[@AutoEdits]

+Fish Slayer Thanks so much!

[@Anthonykingsford]

Nice work on the JK. I love the new tires! Try airing down to get more traction off roading it will be much smoother too. Keep wheeling and I'll keep watching.

[@nairbllebpmac4179]

Great video! I love the fact that you took a drink of water before going up drink water trail! Nice Jeep!

[@AutoEdits]

+Brian Campbell HAHA! Good catch on that one.

[@kingkole02]

Can't wait to see you get a lift kit

[@slowdaze]

Fred is starting to rub off on you isn't he...lol! Great video and it looked like you had a blast. Keep them coming.

[@AutoEdits]

+slowdaze He really must be... It's totally his fault I got this darn Jeep!

[@lanelauhoff]

Can't wait for the next video!

[@AutoEdits]

+Lane Lauhoff I'll work on that next weekend!

[@TheRoopDhillon]

Just get the damn lift man lol

[@TonysCorals]

The have 2.5 inch budget boost lifts for JKU's and they are like $280 not including labor.

[@endocry]

He can clearly afford the lift so i don't know lol

[@Stuka87]

The rub there in back will go away once you put on adjustable rear control arms and push the rear axle back a little. Great video! Just need to convince Fred to let you on dirt every day :)

[@AutoEdits]

+Stuka87 HAHA! Thanks dude!

[@daviddh4089]

+autoedit Do the lift. A 2" lift with flat fenders will clear 37" You won't even need to change your drive shaft with a small lift. The adjustable control arms is to put your axles back to where it belongs such as after installing a lift. When the rear wheels flexes, it moves rearward so don't get the control arms until after you get your lift put on.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

This has got to be the fifth time that I have watched this video this year one of my faves and I believe the one that got me to subscribe. I've prob said it before and probably won't be the last time. Love your vids keep doing you it works. 👍😸🚙💨

[@jesusroman1968]

Please upload more!!!! I love your vids!!!

[@baylor2525]

wow the production value on this channel is amazing. audio, video, etc. I am positive your channel will grow very fast in the future

[@AutoEdits]

+notbaylor I really appreciate hearing that! I try pretty hard and want to keep at it so hopefully a few more people like you will find the channel!

[@james4wd236]

Makes me want a Jeep more than I already do.

[@civicsr2cool]

you found out tire choice determines how your vehicle performs. congratulations.

[@johnkennedy2975]

Great Video ! Man I never would have thought that you could put 37" on there! Ok now I have to get spacers and 37 on my Jeep Rubicon! Dam I wish we had places like this in NOrth Carolina! Looking forward to seeing you install the metal cloak Fenders!

[@bootlip11]

places all over NC. look up orv parks or "public trails" Google is ur friend

[@JEEPIMPACT]

looked like it worked well to me. great video thanks.

[@SoulfulHouseMafia]

Awesome video, sweet rig!! A $162.00 Teraflex leveling kit and you'd have the clearance you needed. Look forward to more vids!

[@bootlip11]

you deserve ALOT more subs. I'm anxious. you do good work my friend. between you, roadkill, dirt everyday, hot rod garage, finnigans garage, etc. I'm set

[@AutoEdits]

+Tyler Christiansen Ha! thanks!

[@VisualOverland]

That tire rub was painful! Awesome videos!

[@mahdey]

I want more videos. I really enjoyed all your videos.

[@adamteel8443]

Love your videos! they are are great and super entertaining. What did you do with the stock tires??

[@MarkFisch]

Love ur videos keep them coming!! Still love the way the exhaust sounds can't wait till I can buy one(I messaged u about that a while back) I'm lifting my jeep next week with the rancho 2 inch lift and 5000x shocks. Hope to get bigger tires soon after but only 33!

[@AutoEdits]

+Mark Fisch Thanks Mark! Your 33" tires and a lift will add so much capability to your Jeep that you won't "need" bigger tires for a while.

[@backcountryexplorer552]

Great first outing. Try using the sway bar disconnect next time you're on a road such as this. You'll find your ride will be smoother and the tire bite will be even better.

[@jpyka4x4]

Great vids man

[@AutoEdits]

+jpyka4x4 Thanks dude!

[@daviddow3260]

Hey Jason, looks like an interesting area to explore. I'm nearby (Bakersfield) and have a similar setup (I really like the stock Rubicon wheels). I have the two door version with Teraflex leveling kit (1-1/2") and 1-1/4" spacers. Then I put the Toyo AT2 in 285-75-17 which gives me about a 34 inch tire (but a little narrower). I wound up putting adjustable lower control arms so I could adjust the caster (was a little too squirrely for me otherwise). It looks good on my Jeep and rides close to stock.

[@bismarckromero4453]

Awesome Video Bro!! Love the Jeep. Glad you jump straight to 37’s. Next. You’ll be looking at 40’s haha.

[@AutoEdits]

I hope not... but they are awesome

[@davekinninger3360]

Perfect Love the video !

[@CarGuy5141]

I really want to run 35” KM2s on my H3. Nice video!

[@johnnyrogers8943]

I really really love you videos men, but I'm waiting for the one that you finally decide to put a lift on it

[@codingmechanic8954]

I think it looks pretty sweet at that stance rocking 37's/ no fenders. Awesome vid btw

[@AutoEdits]

+king pra Thanks so much!

[@UncleFesterBond]

How lucky can you be to have trails like that so close home!

[@AutoEdits]

I'm very thankful for that!

[@SLICKW1993]

You should check out the Rock Krawler 3.5 lift, the articulation of that lift is amazing. My buddy installed it on his 15 JKUR and it flexes like crazy. I do like the look of the Jeep with the stock height and big tires though.

[@zxtuner4lyfe]

Hey buddy great video I need the conquere that hill too..I got my jeep finally set up it's time soon lol. nice video

[@tomd1939]

"The more I do the more I wanna do more" that could be on a jeep shirt

[@jbatacan2]

Makes me want to hop in the cj and hit the trails now that finals are over and the heap is running like a top. Wish i had AC though

[@nomad753]

what exhaust do you have? just removed muffler?

[@andyd3790]

Jason, what kind of Flowmaster exhaust are you running? Sounds awesome!

[@lvmybears]

killer vid

[@BadAssEngineering]

Airing the tires down to 15 or 20 psi really helps a lot

[@codybonvillain8834]

Nice videos man

[@pedintx]

That was cool. Now I need to get me a jeep and some BFGs. I can't let you have all the fun!!

[@Supradrew]

Great video Jason. It looks like the Jeep loved that trail. Kinda interesting that you mentioned the St. Francis Skee Do damn. I just watched a documentary on William Mulholland. What a horrible tragedy that was. In addition to the Suspension and Brake upgrades you have planned I'd like to see some LED lighting upgrades too. I think a nice light bar across the front would not only look great but work well after dark. ttyl -Drew

[@AutoEdits]

+Supradrew™ Thanks Drew, Yeah lights are in the plan for sure!!!

[@ianstropus]

It looks awesome even with no lift! Ahh, jeep.

[@diablocell]

Awesome, high quality videos, brother. I watched all the jeep ones. The only thing I would say is: speeding over rocky terrain, particularly with no fenders, is a great way to throw rocks into your paint. But it's your jeep man, you do whatever you want to do.

[@AutoEdits]

+Sparks 1013 It totally did! At first I thought it was gun fire but it was just rocks being flung on the roof and hood.

[@foothills4x4]

Well, it’s the same guy that put 37’s on a JKU with spacers and no lift… lol

[@EliBlogs]

Good lord this truck is badass, amazing video man waiting more Mustang videos

[@AutoEdits]

+TheGamerBro Thanks! I'm waiting for a few parts to arrive for the Mustang and when they do... Boom, more Mustang videos!!!

[@EliBlogs]

+autoedit got it bro, waiting the ups guy mode on

[@ognaysayer]

Looked like a lot of fun. That trail is not to far from were I live either, I have to check it out some time.

[@AutoEdits]

+ognaysayer For sure! That whole area is filled with cool stuff.

[@thedominicanway9682]

can't wait the day I'll buy me one

[@brianadams1862]

Ur spacers are actually helping your jeep corner better. It widens your stance by 3inch. Which in handling is night and day especially on a top heavy hard top.

[@Crackedpothead]

That exhaust sounds great and im envious you have a trail so close to where you live

[@AutoEdits]

I appreciate it a bunch!

[@oscar_romero]

Great video... Did you do the re-gear yourself?

[@jasonjohnson3713]

❤❤❤ love you're videos

[@AutoEdits]

Hey thanks, I love your comments!

[@claudioherrera9153]

So fun, thanks

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

awesome video! What exhaust are you running it sounds just right.

[@autodidact9122]

Super cool video

[@mrsmith1056]

thanks for the video dude

[@juliusten6225]

Great video!

[@AutoEdits]

Thank you!

[@bonniethejeep431]

Dig your videos. Love your enthusiam

[@AutoEdits]

+Bonnie the Jeep Thanks so much for watching and taking a moment to say a nice word! Much appreciated.

[@ScottsJeepVideos]

Great vid... Love those tires. I would love to do that but need a Dana 44 up front like you got already with the Rubicon. Good to see how that worked for you.

[@AutoEdits]

+Scott McNairy Thanks!

[@TheUnorthodoxx]

What do you have in mind for brake upgrades, that is very important for those 37s! I just picked up the Dynatrac ProGrips!

[@jonathangrubbs2329]

nice jeep man I have the same tires and live them!

[@bradleyhightower6849]

Rumor has it , he's still going up 🤣

[@AutoEdits]

😂