Tundra 35s With Leveling Kit – FITMENT GUIDE
When doing a big tire upgrade on your Tundra you need to determine what the main purpose for the upgrade is. Ask yourself the following questions: Do you off-road often with your Tundra? Are you simply doing an aesthetics (looks) upgrade? Is your Tundra used for hauling, commuting, or towing? Your intention for the upgrade will determine what the biggest tire size you SHOULD fit for your desired application, rather than what you can get away with. Bigger is not always better in all scenarios.
With that being said, let’s see what’s required to fit 35s on a Tundra.
You can fit 35” tires in the form of 285/75R18 tires on the stock 18×8″ Tundra wheels if you fit a minimum 2-inch front leveling kit.
As you can see, there is no need for expensive 4” or 6” suspension upgrades when opting for 35s and a simple 2” front leveling kit should do the trick if you choose to stick to the OE wheels/rims.
Let’s look at the fitment options for various wheel sizes in more detail.
Table of Contents
Tundra 35s With Leveling Kit – Your Options
So as mentioned above, if you decide to stay with the OEM wheels/rims then things are slightly less complicated when running 18s. All that is required from a modification point is to pull the interior arch protectors off and push the plastic slightly forward to accommodate the wider tires. You will, of course, need to redo your wheel alignment as well. Make sure you use a reputable wheel alignment shop that knows its story.
Also, if your truck is still under warranty, make sure you understand the implications of a possible claim.
GOOD TO KNOW: Does a Lift/Leveling Kit Affect My Warranty?
Will You Need UCAs?
This setup will bring the tires very close to the UCA. It, therefore, comes highly recommended to invest in some aftermarket UCA (Upper Control Arms) to realign the suspension geometry and caster angles. If you are prepared to fit a 3” lift or higher, then, of course, you will have more clearance from the UCA.
What About Wheel Clearance?
Wheel clearance is directly proportioned to wheel offset, the brand of tire, and the brand of wheel. These factors all determine what kind of rubbing you’ll potentially have.
Let’s see what’s required if you opt for something slightly wider
Option #1 – 285/70/18
As mentioned from the outset, when you run 18s and want to fit 35s you do not need a 6″ or 4″ lift to fit 35″ tires. You can fit an LT285/75R18 (35″) tire on OE 18×8″ wheels if you raise the front about two inches.
For example, many owners report the Nitto Exo Grapplers on OE 18×8″ wheels with a 2.5 coil-over set which offers about 2″ of lift works beautifully. If you combine that with decent aftermarket upper control arms it helps with alignment a lot and offers a lot more travel for off-road applications.
Option #2 – 35X12.5X18
Straight off the bat, you need to be aware that 35X12.5X18 tires will definitely rub. Of course the bigger you go, for e.g. ’20s could result in even more trimming needed.
Would You Need A BMC? (Body Mount Chop)
Again a BMC in this instance largely depends on the type (HT vs AT vs MT) as well as the brand of tires. Not all tires are created equal and each manufacturer uses its own molds which could differ substantially. More aggressive threads will make them closer to the body which means more rub.
If you want to avoid the body mount chop, try to stay with a max of 9-inch wide wheels with 30 or 35 mm offset (in addition to the lift). Your wheel offset is a huge factor to consider if you want to avoid a BMC.
Many owners running this setup report that, as long as you properly push in or trim the fender liner in the front, you will still get a little rubbing when turning at full lock or when reversing.
For this job, you will need a decent heat gun and Dremel Cutting tool. If you don’t already own one then I would recommend you check out this Top-Selling Infrared Thermo gun on Amazon with almost 17000 good ratings. Also, for trimming fender liners I recommend investing in this Dremel Variable Speed Cutting Tool (Amazon) It will give you better control than an aggressive grinder leaving your trimming looking a lot more professional and neat.
Fitting a custom front bumper will solve a lot of these problems though.
Let’s now look at another tire option in the form of 295s
Option #3 – 295/70/18
This option of 295s isn’t necessarily a true 35” tire, however, they are very close just slightly narrower to the 35X12.5X18. Yeah, they are skinnier but they will give you much fewer problems with rubbing. If you have a coil-over kit installed, you simply adjust it to the top setting and this should raise the front by 2.50-2.75″.
In this instance, a BMC won’t be necessary but would be a requirement if you decide to fit 35/12.50/18s on. Most owners recommend sticking with 295/70/18 as it’s less complicated and still looks good.
What about a +25 offset wheel?
If you opt for an aftermarket wheel with a more positive offset e.g. +25, you will need to pull all the mud flaps on the front and tuck the bumper liner on the inside. It will be close but shouldn’t scrub.
What about 20s? Let’s find out!
Option #4 – 295/65/20s with a 20×9″ Wheel
Remember, the size and diameter of the tire largely depend on your application. Fitting 35s to a 20” wheel is not the best setup for off-road applications.
Why Not 20s For Off-road Applications?
Well, simply because the 20” tire has a lower sidewall profile which doesn’t offer a lot in terms of deflating, which is required for off-road to lengthen the tire footprint. In many cases, owners who want to off-road will opt for a 17” wheel with a tall sidewall like a 285/70/17 or even 295/70/17. In this instance, 70% of 295mm is more than that of 285mm which will create a longer footprint offering more rubber for off-roading.
If you want to avoid any BMC you will need to spend a bit more.
A typical setup like this will look like this, 4/2 lift running 20″ rims with a +20mm offset, 12.5× 34.8 tires, requires no BMC. You might need to push the front fender lining forward slightly. This can be achieved with a heat gun to remold and massage the wheel-well plastic to push it forward about 1/4″ to 3/8″ to prevent rub.
This setup will offer a slightly firmer ride upfront with this lift and will affect the way the truck handles on the road.
With a +12mm offset wheel, be prepared for it rub EVERYWHERE!
If you opt for a 295/65/20s with a 20×9″ wheel and only a +12mm offset wheel, be prepared for it to rub all over. You will need to massage those arches quite a bit more and you’ll have your work cut out simply because the wheel offset is less positive pushing the tire outwards more. Again, you will need to modify the clearance of the front splash guard, and bumper and body mount chop are necessary.
WATCH – Tundra Transformation with a leveling kit on 35s
Biggest Tires on a Stock Tundra
Remember when fitting aftermarket rims with bigger tires your main concern should be the wheel offset and the tire width since diameter doesn’t affect the fitment. So what is the max tire size you can fit on a 2014-19 Toyota Tundra?
The Maximum size on the Tundra is 295/70/R18 or 295/60 in a 20-inch with a +18 to +20 wheel offset, on a 9-inch wide wheel.
Now that we know the max tire size on a stock Tundra, let’s dive deeper into the actual fitment and later look at the biggest tire size you can fit with a 3” and 6” lift kit!
Max Tire Size on a Stock 2014-19 Tundra – No Lift
The Tundra has a very positive wheel offset from the factory so you won’t be able to fit a 0 offset or negative 12 offsets. This means the wheel hubs are pushed further outwards, which limits you somewhat to a more positive offset rim. Stick to +18-20 and you’ll be good. There might be some minor plastic trimmings, depending on how aggressive the tire tread pattern is, however nothing too complex, and no advanced tools or skills required.
You need to remove the front mud flaps located in the front of the tire which is mounted on the front bumper and held securely by 2x 10mm bolts.
Fitting 33s to a Stock Tundra
33” tires are compatible with a Tundra on a factory stock suspension provided the tire choice is not too wide with an overly aggressive tread pattern. Not all 33” tires are created equal and certain brands vary in width.
In short yes, you absolutely can fit 33’” tires on stock Tundra with no additional suspension modifications. A tire size of 275/70/18 is slightly bigger than 33″ and still fits perfectly on the stock suspension. Remember, the diameter of a tire doesn’t matter that much but the width and offset that has the potential to cause issues.
Tundra Owner’s Feedback/Experiences
Tundra Owners Feedback/Experiences #1
I have 35×12.50 on my stock TRD Pro. My wheels have a +25 wheel offset. No rubbing, clearances are really close though.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/leveling-kit-for-35-tires.12618/
Tundra Owners Feedback/Experiences #2
Shouldn’t be a problem as long as you properly push in or trim the fender liner in the front. I still get a little rub sometimes when turning full lock and moving. I’m having a custom sinister bumper built that will solve all problems though.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/will-35×12-5r20-fit-on-a-3-1-level-kit.21076/
Tundra Owners Feedback/Experiences #3
You do not need a 6″ or 4″ lift to fit 35″ tires. You can fit a LT285/75R18 (35″) tire on OE 18×8″ wheels if you raise the front about two inches. I’m currently running LT285/70R18 Nitto Exo Grapplers on OE 18×8″ wheels with some King 2.5 coilovers set for about 2″ of lift and SPC Light Racing upper control arms (you don’t actually “need” these but it helps with alignment a lot and has more travel).
https://www.tundras.com/threads/wanting-to-run-35-tires.14070/
Tundra Owners Feedback/Experiences #4
I was able to get 35″x12.5″ BFG KO2s on 20x10s with -18 offset to fit on my 3″ coilovers. Had to do the BMC and do some heavy trimming on the front liner and bumper caps. There is still a slight rub against the frame at full reverse lock. If I did it again, I’d get 34.5″ tires…probably eliminate the rubbing.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/wanting-to-run-35-tires.14070/
