Ford F-150 35 Inch Tyres: Which ORI GVM Upgrade Stage Do You Need?
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Running 35-inch tyres on a Ford F-150 in Australia isn’t just about the look — though on an F-150 it’s hard to argue with the result. The bigger question is doing it properly: the right lift height, the right GVM to keep it legal, and a setup that actually drives well once it’s all done.
There are three ORI GVM upgrade stages that put the F-150 on 35s: Stage 3, Stage 4, and Stage 5. They all get you to the same tyre size from the same 2-inch lift, but the GVM result and shock package are different across each. Here’s how to work out which one suits your build.
Ford F-150 running 35 Inch Tyres: Which GVM Upgrades Make It Happen?
Stages 3, 4, and 5 all run 35x12.5R18 or 35x12.5R20 tyres on a 2-inch lift. The lift height is consistent across all three — the difference is in how much GVM you end up with and which shock package is doing the work.
Stage | GVM | GCM | Payload | Lift | Shock Package |
Stage 3 | 4,300 kg | 8,800 kg | 1,819 kg | 2 inches | Fox 2.5 Performance Elite |
Stage 4 | 4,300 kg | 8,800 kg | 1,819 kg | 2.5 inches | Fox 3.0 Bypass Race Series |
Stage 5 | 4,000 kg | 8,000 kg | 1,509 kg | 4 inches | Fox 2.5 Performance Elite |
Stages 3 and 4 both hit the full 4,300kg GVM — the maximum available for the F-150. Stage 5 gives you 4,000kg GVM with a bigger 4-inch lift. The tyre size stays the same across all three, so your choice comes down to how much GVM you need and whether you want the premium shocks or race shocks.
Can You Legally Run 35s on a Ford F-150 in Australia?
Yes — and running 35-inch tyres on the F-150 requires the GVM upgrade to do it properly. The wheel and tyre specifications for 35s push the vehicle outside what the factory GVM certification covers, which means the GVM upgrade isn’t a bonus add-on — it’s the part that makes the whole setup ADR compliant and legal on Australian roads.
All three stages are federally approved under VTA-064837 and installed pre-registration as a Second Stage of Manufacture (SSM) upgrade at BAW Automotive in Brisbane. That means your 35s, your lift, and your upgraded GVM are all covered from day one — no state engineering to chase after the fact.
Stage 3 vs Stage 4 vs Stage 5: Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the simplest way to break it down:
If you want the maximum GVM of 4,300kg and the most versatile shock for mixed Australian conditions — Stage 3. Fox 2.5 Performance Elite handles touring, towing, and off-road use across the board without compromise.
If you want the maximum GVM of 4,300kg and you’re regularly running hard on corrugated outback tracks with a heavily loaded truck — Stage 4. The Fox 3.0 Bypass Race Series is built for exactly that use case. If that’s not how you drive, Stage 3 is the smarter spend.
If you want the most lift height — 4 inches instead of 2 — and you’re comfortable with a 4,000kg GVM result rather than 4,300kg — Stage 5. Ground clearance and stance are the headline here.
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite vs Fox 3.0 Bypass Race: What’s the Actual Difference?
Both shocks are more than capable for the vast majority of F-150 builds. The difference matters for a specific type of use.
The Fox 2.5 Performance Elite is the better all-round shock. It handles mixed conditions exceptionally well — touring loads, highway towing, dirt tracks, daily driving. It doesn’t ask you to compromise anywhere. For 90% of F-150 builds in Australia, this is the right shock.
The Fox 3.0 Bypass Race Series is built for sustained high-speed off-road use. The internal bypass design means it stays controlled under repeated heavy impacts at speed — the kind of punishment a long desert run or extended corrugated track puts on a suspension system. If you’re not regularly covering that kind of terrain, the performance advantage of the 3.0 over the 2.5 won’t be something you feel day to day. If you are, it’s the right tool for the job. See the full F-150 GVM upgrade stage breakdown for the complete comparison across all six stages.
Important Notes Before You Buy
This package suits Ford Australia XLT, Lariat, and Platinum models (SWB and LWB). Load-rated aftermarket wheels and tyres are not included.
35-inch tyres require aftermarket flares, minor body modifications and a minimum 1,250kg wheel load rating. Additional charges apply — contact us for a full quote.
Ford F-150 on 35s: Frequently Asked Questions
Do all three stages run the same tyre size?
Yes. Stages 3, 4, and 5 all run 35x12.5R18 or 35x12.5R20. The tyre size is consistent — the differences are in lift height, GVM result, and shock package.
Do I need a GVM upgrade to run 35-inch tyres on an F-150?
Yes. Running 35-inch tyres on the F-150 requires the lift height and wheel specifications that come with these stages. That takes the vehicle outside its factory GVM certification — meaning the GVM upgrade is what keeps the setup ADR compliant and legal on Australian roads. Without it, you’ve got a modified vehicle that’s no longer properly certified.
Is a 2-inch lift enough to clear 35s on an F-150?
Yes the 2-inch lift on Stages 3 and 4 (and 4-inch lift on Stage 5) provides the necessary clearance for 35-inch tyres, but all three stages require aftermarket flares and minor body modifications to run 35s properly. The BDS Upper Control Arms correct geometry at these lift heights, so the truck drives properly without compromising steering or stability under load.
Running 35s on an F-150: Final Thoughts
The Ford F-150 on 35s is a properly capable setup — not just a look. Whether you go Stage 3 for the maximum GVM with an all-round shock, Stage 4 for the same GVM with a premium suspension package, or Stage 5 for maximum lift height — all three are federally approved, professionally installed, and ADR compliant from day one.
If you’re not sure which stage suits your build, the team at BAW Automotive in Brisbane will work through it with you. Book a free quote and we’ll figure out the right setup for how you actually use your truck.
