Tire upgrade recommendation

mstradford

Hi, I have a 2021 2 door Bronco, Outer Banks edition. I want to upgrade the tires to all terrain 33" size. I'm getting conflicting info about whether or not that size tire rubs against the fenders. I don't do off roading (yet), but spend a lot of time on the highway and city driving. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

AI Overview+9
You can fit 33-inch all-terrain tires on your 2021 2-door Bronco Outer Banks (non-Sasquatch) without a lift, but you will likely need to remove the front crash bars for clearance during tight turns, which is a common and simple modification, and it's best done with slightly narrower 33s or appropriate wheel offset to avoid rubbing the fenders or sway bars. For highway/city driving, consider less aggressive ATs for noise and comfort, but be aware some rubbing might still occur, while some owners fit them fine, making it a toss-up without testing. Key Considerations for Your Setup:Crash Bars: The front crash bars are a common interference point for 33-inch tires on non-Sasquatch Broncos, requiring removal for clearance at full steering lock.Wheel Offset: A positive offset (like +33mm or 0) on aftermarket wheels keeps the tire closer to the hub and generally helps avoid rubbing compared to negative offsets, which push the wheel out.Tire Width: A narrower 33-inch tire (e.g., 285/70R17, around 11.2" wide) is more likely to fit without issues than a wide 33x12.50.Ride Quality: While you want highway comfort, most AT tires add more noise and slightly less crisp handling than stock, but some (like Nitto Recon Grapplers) are praised for being mild. Recommendations:Test Fit: Before buying, ask a tire shop if they can test fit a 33-inch AT tire (like 285/70R17) on your stock wheels, or with a mild aftermarket wheel (e.g., 17x8.5 +30), to see exactly where it rubs (likely the crash bar).Choose Wisely: Look for 33-inch tires with a moderate tread for better on-road manners, like the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure or similar less aggressive options.Plan for the Fix: Be prepared to remove the front crash bars if needed; it's a straightforward process. By taking these steps, you can get that aggressive 33-inch look without significant off-road performance needs, keeping it street-friendly with minimal fuss.

If you are keeping the factory OBX wheel you should have an 18” wheel not a 17” wheel. Crash bars will most likely need to be removed there two bolts on each one and they come right off.