Let’s agree on something. There’s nothing that transforms the look and capability of an ATV quite like a massive set of tires. The idea of putting your Can Am Renegade on 35s is probably what led you here, and it’s a goal that promises unmatched ground clearance and a beastly stance on the trail.
But we promise you this isn’t just a simple bolt-on affair. Getting it right involves a system of upgrades to prevent catastrophic failures and keep you riding instead of wrenching. It’s about building a balanced machine that can handle the massive stress of those big tires.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll preview everything you need to know. We’ll cover the essential lifts, the non-negotiable drivetrain upgrades like clutching and axles, the common problems you’ll inevitably face, and the best practices to keep your monster Renegade dominating the trails safely and reliably.
Why Go Big? The Real-World Benefits of a Can Am Renegade on 35s
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, let’s talk about the “why.” Upgrading to 35-inch tires is a serious commitment, so understanding the payoff is key. This isn’t just for looks, although the aggressive aesthetic is a huge plus.
The primary benefits of a Can Am Renegade on 35s are all about performance in extreme conditions.
- Unmatched Ground Clearance: This is the most obvious advantage. Larger tires physically lift your differentials, A-arms, and frame higher off the ground. This allows you to crawl over obstacles like rocks, logs, and deep ruts that would hang up a stock machine.
- Superior Mud Performance: In deep mud pits, tire size is king. A larger tire has a bigger footprint and a taller sidewall, allowing it to paddle through thick mud more effectively instead of digging down and getting stuck.
- Improved Approach Angles: With the entire ATV sitting higher, you can tackle steeper inclines and drops without your bumper or undercarriage hitting the obstacle.
These advantages create a more capable and confident machine, turning your already-potent Renegade into a true top-tier mud and trail weapon. This is the core reason enthusiasts chase this popular and highly effective modification.
Before You Begin: The Non-Negotiable Upgrades
Here’s the hard truth: you cannot just buy 35-inch tires and expect them to fit or your ATV to survive. The increased weight, rotational mass, and leverage will destroy stock components in short order. This section is your essential how to can am renegade on 35s checklist for parts.
The Foundation: Choosing the Right Lift Kit
You need significant clearance to run 35s. You have two primary options, each with its own pros and cons.
- Bracket Lift (Suspension Lift): This is the more traditional style. It uses brackets to relocate your shock mounting points, lifting the chassis. It’s generally less expensive but puts extreme stress on your CV joints and axles because it forces them to operate at severe angles. For 35s, a bracket lift alone is not recommended.
- Portal Gear Lift: This is the best practice for a build of this size. A portal lift is a gearbox that mounts to the end of your hub, lifting the machine and providing a gear reduction right at the wheel. This corrects axle angles and the gear reduction helps turn the heavy tires, taking immense stress off your transmission and differential. Brands like SuperATV (GDP Portals) and High Lifter are industry leaders here.
Power to the Ground: Why Clutching is Mandatory
Your Can-Am’s stock clutch is calibrated for stock-sized tires. When you add the massive weight and diameter of 35s, the engine has to work much harder to spin them. This leads to a sluggish response, belt slippage, and eventually, a shredded drive belt on the trail.
A clutch kit is essential. These kits, from companies like Dalton or EPI, come with different springs and weights for your primary and secondary clutches. They recalibrate the clutches to engage more effectively with the heavier tires, restoring lost low-end power and preventing belt burn. Don’t even think about skipping this step.
Beefing Up the Drivetrain: Axles, Ball Joints, and Tie Rods
The final piece of the puzzle is reinforcing everything that connects your power to your new tires. Stock parts will snap under the load.
- Heavy-Duty Axles: Stock axles are the first thing to break. You will need to upgrade to heavy-duty aftermarket axles designed for big lifts and tires. Brands like Rhino 2.0, Turner, or RCV are popular choices that can handle the abuse.
- Upgraded Ball Joints: The leverage from 35-inch tires puts incredible strain on your ball joints. Upgrading to heavy-duty versions from brands like Keller or All Balls Racing is cheap insurance against a catastrophic failure on the trail.
- Stronger Tie Rods: Your steering components will also be under pressure. Beefier aftermarket tie rods will prevent them from bending or breaking when you’re turning those heavy tires in rough terrain.
Common Problems with a Can Am Renegade on 35s (And How to Fix Them)
Even with all the right upgrades, running a build this extreme comes with challenges. Being aware of the common problems with a Can Am Renegade on 35s helps you prepare and troubleshoot effectively.
Broken Axles: The #1 Culprit
Even with upgraded axles, they remain the “fuse” in your drivetrain. A sudden shock load, like landing a jump with the throttle on or getting a tire wedged between rocks, can still cause a break. The fix is carrying a spare axle and the tools to change it on the trail. Learning this skill is a crucial part of owning a big-lifted machine.
Premature Wear on Bushings and Bearings
The increased weight and leverage will wear out your A-arm bushings and wheel bearings faster than normal. There’s no way around it. The solution is proactive maintenance. Inspect them regularly for play and replace them with high-quality aftermarket parts (like those from Garage Products) before they fail completely.
Overheating and Belt Issues
If your clutch isn’t set up perfectly or you’re riding hard in thick mud, you can still overheat your CVT system and damage the belt. Some riders install a CVT temperature gauge to monitor belt temps and know when to back off. Always carry a spare belt and the tools to change it.
Your Long-Term Can Am Renegade on 35s Care Guide
Once your beast is built, keeping it reliable requires a more rigorous maintenance schedule. Think of this as your essential can am renegade on 35s care guide. What used to be an occasional check is now a pre-ride ritual.
The Pre-Ride Inspection is Now Your Best Friend
Before every single ride, you need to do a thorough walk-around. Check for:
- Tire Pressure: Ensure it’s set correctly for the terrain you’ll be riding.
- Lug Nut Torque: Big tires can work lug nuts loose. Always check them.
- Axle Boots: Look for any rips or tears in the CV boots. A torn boot lets in dirt and water, which will quickly destroy the joint.
- Fluid Levels: Check your engine oil, coolant, and differential fluids.
- Play in Components: Grab each tire and try to wiggle it. Any excessive play could indicate a worn ball joint, tie rod end, or wheel bearing.
Regular Greasing and Torque Checks
Your suspension bushings have grease zerks for a reason. Grease them frequently to push out water and dirt. Additionally, after the first few rides, go back over every single nut and bolt you touched during the lift installation and re-torque it to spec. Things can settle and loosen up.
Sustainable Off-Roading: Best Practices for Big Rigs
With great power comes great responsibility. Running 35s means your machine can cause more trail damage if used improperly. Adopting sustainable can am renegade on 35s practices is about preserving our riding areas for everyone.
An eco-friendly can am renegade on 35s approach isn’t about emissions; it’s about impact. Follow Tread Lightly! principles. Stay on marked trails, avoid creating new bypasses around obstacles, and be mindful of your throttle in wet or sensitive areas to minimize rutting.
When performing maintenance, always use a drip pan to catch fluids and dispose of used oil, coolant, and parts at an authorized recycling center. Protecting our environment ensures we have places to ride for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Running 35s on a Renegade
Can I put 35s on a Can Am Renegade without a lift?
Absolutely not. A stock Renegade has nowhere near the fender clearance required for a 35-inch tire. Attempting to do so would result in the tire immediately hitting and destroying your plastics, and it would be completely unrideable.
What is the best clutch kit for 35-inch tires?
The “best” kit depends on your specific model (850 or 1000), tire weight, and typical riding elevation. However, brands like Dalton Industries and EPI Performance are highly regarded and offer kits specifically designed for oversized tires. It’s best to call their tech support to get a recommendation tailored to your exact setup.
Will installing a lift and 35s void my factory warranty?
Yes, almost certainly. Any failure related to the drivetrain, suspension, or frame will likely be denied by the manufacturer once they see these extensive modifications. This is a “pay to play” modification, and you should be prepared to cover your own repairs.
How much power will I lose with 35s?
You will lose a significant amount of “felt” power and acceleration without the proper supporting mods. However, a portal gear lift and a correctly tuned clutch kit work together to get that power back. The gear reduction in the portals acts like changing the gearing in your differentials, making it easier for the engine to turn the tires, while the clutch kit ensures the power is applied efficiently. When done right, the machine will still feel incredibly strong.
Building a Can Am Renegade on 35s is a rewarding project that creates an absolute monster of a machine. It’s a system of parts that must work together: the lift provides the clearance, the portals provide the gear reduction and strength, the axles handle the load, and the clutch delivers the power. Take your time, use quality parts, and perform diligent maintenance.
Now get out there, stay safe, and have a blast conquering those trails!
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