Wheel and Tire Package

Before I get into the wheel upgrade, let me take a moment to reflect on my 3-year experience with the Kenda Klever tires. These were the first set of tires I installed on my Jeep Wrangler when I launched the Road Rash Off Road YouTube channel, and boy, did they deliver! Over the last 70,000 miles, these tires have seen it all—hardcore off-roading, rock crawling, and countless overlanding adventures.

Despite all the rough terrain, the Kenda Klever tires held up exceptionally well, offering top-tier performance in every situation. If you want to check out my original installation video from three years ago, you can watch it here. To see how these tires performed after years of abuse, check out my full 3-year review here.

Now, after three years of trusting Kenda, I’m excited to take things up a notch with their new 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires—specifically designed for rugged off-road adventures.

With my new 37” Kenda tires ready to go, I needed a set of wheels that could keep up. That’s where Anthem Off-Road comes into play. Anthem is a brand that’s all about breaking the mold. Founded in 2013 by a group of Midwest truck enthusiasts, Anthem set out to challenge the wheel industry’s standards. They’re not just about looks (though their wheels are undeniably good-looking); Anthem wheels are built for performance and durability, whether you’re cruising the highway, heading to a job site, or tackling tough trails.

What’s even better is their commitment to affordability without compromising quality. Anthem’s team worked closely with real off-road enthusiasts to design wheels that perform just as well in the dirt as they do on the road. Each wheel is named with inspiration from American heroes and military icons, which is reflected in the design and purpose of the wheels. The Liberty wheels I installed are named after the Statue of Liberty, representing strength and freedom—exactly what you need when you’re out exploring the unknown.

When it comes to upgrading your Jeep’s wheels and tires, it’s not as simple as slapping on bigger tires. There are several important factors to consider, especially when moving up to 37-inch tires. I teamed up with Bradley Cohron, better known as Jeepin Bubba, over at Black Bear Off-Road in Buford, Georgia, to go through the entire process.

Here’s what we covered:

1. Clearance: One of the first things you need to assess is whether your Jeep has enough clearance for bigger tires. With a 37” tire, your Jeep’s fenders may rub against the tires, especially during off-road flexing. In some cases, you’ll need to install a lift kit to accommodate the larger tire size.
2. Stance: Bigger tires can interfere with the suspension behind the wheel. Depending on your setup, you may need to install wheel spacers or choose wheels with more backspacing to ensure proper clearance.
3. Re-gearing: If you’re upgrading to 37” tires, chances are you’ll need to re-gear your Jeep to handle the extra weight. While you can drive with the stock 3.21 or 3.73 gear ratios, your Jeep will feel more sluggish, and you’ll see a drop in fuel efficiency. Re-gearing ensures that your Jeep’s engine and transmission don’t wear out prematurely, especially when driving on steep inclines or rough terrain.
4. Axle Trussing and C-Gussets: Adding a truss to your Jeep’s axles and beefing up the C-gussets can help strengthen the axle housing, preventing it from bending or breaking when putting your Jeep through extreme off-road situations.

Once the install was complete, it was time to put these new wheels and tires to the test. The first thing I noticed was how great the Anthem Liberty wheels looked on the road. Whether cruising through the city or parked at a downtown spot, these wheels give my Jeep an aggressive yet polished look that turns heads.

But where they truly shine is off-road. I took my Jeep out to a mountain trail, where I splashed through rivers, tackled rocky climbs, and powered through muddy paths—all without a hitch. The 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires handled everything with ease, providing excellent grip and durability on even the most challenging terrain. The Liberty wheels held up perfectly, showcasing their strength while enhancing the overall ride experience.

If you want to see the full transformation, you can watch the video here.

In the end, this upgrade was all about finding that balance between everyday driving and extreme off-roading. The Anthem Liberty wheels and 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires are the perfect combination of performance, durability, and style. I’m thrilled with how they’ve transformed my Jeep Wrangler, and I can’t wait to take them on my upcoming overlanding adventures.

If you’re considering an upgrade for your own rig, I highly recommend checking out Anthem Off-Road for wheels that offer the best of both worlds—whether you’re conquering the city streets or hitting the toughest trails.