• Written by Jay Ryan

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We need to talk. I have some bad news. This is a difficult subject for me and I’ve been trying to find the best way to tell you. I’ve gone over and over in my mind of how to explain such a simple concept that people have an emotional and visceral reaction to. Alright, I’m just gonna rip the band-aid off. Here we go. YOU CAN’T FIT AS BIG A TIRE AS YOU THINK YOU CAN ON A LIFTED TRUCK. Wow, that was easier than I thought it would be. Let me elaborate. 

Our example truck for today is going to be a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71. Do other trucks have different tire fitments that correlate with lift kit sizes? Yes! But we’re not talking about that so chill the truck out. Let’s say we put a 2” leveling kit on that unit. The recommended tire size for that setup is either a 285/55R20 or a 295/55R20, depending on wheel setup. Those heights measure just shy of 33” tall. But you say, hey man, that’s damn near the size that’s on it now. And I say, you’re absolutely right buckaroo! Then you go, why can’t I get a bigger tire than that on there? And I say, because the people have spoken and truck manufacturers have listened by gettin’ all ‘Merica and putting the biggest tire on at the factory. FURTHERMORE, there’s a ton of shit hanging down in the bumper/fender/splash guard area that simply gets in the way. Fun fact, two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. 

What if you want to go a little bit higher in the lift department to clear a big bad super manly tire that shows everyone how badass you are? Surely you should be able to clear 35” tires on a 3.5” lift on that truck? Right? RIGHT??? That’s gonna be a naw fam. And before you come at me with a “I saw it on the internet”, you try that argument with your old lady and see how far it gets you. Ya see, there’s a term in the business called “trimming required.” Trimming required means a couple hours with a sawzall. Trimming required means it don’t fit ‘til you make it fit. It’s easy to get caught up in the circular logic of it fits vs. it can be made to fit. I’m of the mind that if you have to remove a substantial amount of factory installed components to run a tire approximately 1” taller than what you have, then it doesn’t fit. Others will disagree but I don’t care, it is what it is and a spade is a spade.

I know it looks awesome putting a giant tire on a lifted truck and that’s one of the main reasons if not THE main reason folks lift their trucks, to put a bigger tire on. But to truly clear a wheel and tire without rubbing, scrubbing or scraping you just have to go with a bigger lift. I also know it looks kinda stupid running a 33” tire on a 6” lift but when you run a wide ass wheel that’s kinda what you’re stuck with. Don’t get me wrong, we do it all the time. We cut and chop and “make it fit” to the best of our ability because there’s only so much material that can be removed before you get into stuff like A/C lines and washer reservoirs. So there you go, a mad man’s opinion on tire size fitment. I only know this stuff because we have to do it every day and Cody frickin’ loves using a sawzall on brand new vehicles. Don’t believe everything you see on the internet kids. K love you bye.