Comparison pics of OEM and Modified Badlands

[delm]

Example of real-world testing exist on the interwebs. At this link, a Honda NSX owner performed acceleration testing on heavier vs lighter wheel/tire combos.

Here's a video where the producers test acceleration for a minivan:



The bottom line is you may or may not notice the difference in acceleration going to heavier tires. It depends heavily on your driving style and how finely tuned your butt dyno is.

The more important impact of heavier tires for me is handling, ride quality, and suspension component life. On butter-smooth roads you will likely notice no difference. On bumpy, pothole-filled roads, a heavier tire will not handle as well, will not ride as smoothly, and will place greater demand on other suspension components. A heavier wheel/tire will move up and down farther than a lighter equivalent, and more movement equals more vibration transmitted to the cabin. In addition, more movement equals more wear and tear on other suspension components.

How much additional wear? Who knows? These cars haven't been around long enough for owners to provide long-term reports on modified vehicles. I suspect, however, if you're putting heavier tires on your car you are willing to accept the downsides to meet whatever requirement prompted the change in the first place.

Exactly - I think you are spot on. The ride difference is readily noticeable. It rides very differently, if we’re talking about things other than acceleration/power.

The Bronco Sport has a very car-like drive, from the factory. Smooth and easy. This set up changes that driving experience completely. It’s now very truck-like. Road noise is louder, vibrations and bumps in the road are far more noticeable. It’s not a change that my wife would prefer, but my son loves it.

This is definitely not something I would recommend if gas mileage, smoothness of the ride, a silent cabin, and to your point, probably even longevity of parts, are what you are after.

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[delm]

What’s ironic about these last few posts about these tires creating a performance hit is that of the two Badlands in the family, the one with the lift and heavier tires is the more peppy of the two. The added weight of the tires is truly negligible. But the K&N air intake system added a handful of horses to the engine for a net positive power gain.

 

[Jrl]

From what I have learned from Eric as soon as you step out side of 235/70/17 dimensions with stock rims that is the problem zone . I have changed nothing to my suspension and have stayed with in the specs that ford has stated and Eric has agreed with that you can fit 30 inch and no more , I went with Goodyear wrangler at 30 inch exactly with not a issue , now I must say that I am no rock climber but that was never my goal. I do know that myself and a few others on this forum have kept to the same formula with out issues, I have 1/2 inch clearance front and back of the front tires , is it close hell yes , one thing that I have learned from Eric’s detailed build is that one thing is constant and that is the front to back dimensions they remain constant, if you are having rub problems look at the exact dimensions and diameter of the tires example good year 30. (Not 30. Something. ). My spin .

 

[Goinbroke2]

I’m running 1.5” RC lift and 245/65/17’s (29.5)
Had to do some digging to find before/after pics.
Ride is same or better, power is NOT reduced in a noticeable way. (I DO drag race and have for about 40+ years.) step on it and it merges in traffic . Do I use 7/8’s of throttle instead of 13/16’s pedal? Who knows. I also towed my mustang with a 85 f250, 6.9 with a slide in camper… no problem. Heck my 93 f350, 4 door, 8’box had a 7.3 IDI and I towed everything everywhere and it has 175hp and 320tq. My point is, the only way to actually test anything is at the track, seat of the pants is not accurate.
That and I don’t believe in “what ifs” and “I think”, I only trust proof.
I would recommend a lift and AT tires for every BS!