Tundra Tire Questions – Low Pro’s, 33’s, or 35’s?
Dan Murphy | May 16, 2008 | Comments 69
What’s the first upgrade you think of for any aggressive-looking new truck like the Tundra? Wheels and tires, of course! Whether your taste runs to urban chic with a low profile hint of tire peaking over massive wheels or the super-lugged, gnarly off-road tires in search of mud, you want to stamp that truck with your own style, right?
Check out these photos of a featured Tundra (A Prize-winning Tundra) with a 6″ Pro-comp lift and 35″ tires.
A few after-market wheel companies have come out with larger rims mated to low profile tires that maintain the diameter of the stock package. This is pretty exciting considering the fact that Toyota went with an odd bolt pattern for a half-ton – 5 on 150mm. If your favorite roads run to dirt, mud, sand and rocks and you crave the kind of traction gained with monster flotation tires, you’re probably limited to 33-inchers, just about an inch over stock. They’ll do the job just fine, but they lose a little in the gnarly category.
To figure out your max tire size while staying within 10-percent of stock diameter, you have a couple of options. You could simply measure the diameter of the tires on your Tundra and add 10%, but you wouldn’t get the opportunity to use the math you learned in school. The stock tire size for a Tundra is 255/70R18. The 255 represents the width of the tire in millimeters; 70 is the percentage of the sidewall height in relation to the width. Since flotation tires are measured in inches, you have to work the conversion factor into the tire size formula which goes like this:
Tire width (255) divided by a conversion factor (25.4) = width in inches (10.04)
Tire width in inches times percentage (70) = sidewall height in inches (7.03)
Two (2) times sidewall height in inches (7.03) + rim diameter in inches (18) = 32.05 inches overall height of the factory tires.
Hypothetically, you could jump to 35-inch flotation tires and stay within the 10% limit, but since there are some guidelines that recommend staying within 3-percent of factory tire size, conservative tire dealers (read most tire dealers) insist 33-inches is the limit.
Here’s a featured Tundra (Michael’s Trick Doublecab) with a set of 33’s.
There are some downsides to going with bigger tires. First of all, you’ll loose some low-end torque (especially when you go 10% bigger than factory). Fortunately, the Tundra’s 10.5-inch 4.30 ratio is so beefy you could loose a bit of torque and never miss it. Also, a vehicle’s ECU is programmed for shift points, speedometer and odometer readings based on the stock diameter. If you go big, you’re going faster and farther than the system realizes. While most of us can live with misreads on our gauges, you can’t use “I’m over stock diameter, officer” as an excuse to get out of a speeding ticket.
Most premium full-sized truck re-programmers will recalibrate all of the above for over-sized tires, but, you guessed it, none have programmers for the Tundra. Hypertech, however, does offer an in-line speedometer calibration unit that plugs in behind your dash and corrects your gauges. If you go bigger than 33″ on a new Tundra, it might be wise to invest in one.
If you’re feeling deprived by the lack of wheels on the market (no to mention re-programmers) just stand back and look at how nicely the stock wheel or optional 20-inch rims fill up the Tundra’s wheel well. You’ve got tire options and as more new Tundra’s roll out of the showroom, the aftermarket will eventually catch up.
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Filed Under: Toyota Tundra Accessories
What is the biggest tire you can fit under a bone stock 07 up tundra?
Patrick – Without cutting the bumpers or lifting the truck, 33″ tires are as big as you can go. Lift the front end 3″ (and the rear 1″) and you can get to 35″ tires. Lift the truck 6″ and cut a little bit away from the front bumpers, and you can get to 37″ tires. Haven’t seen anything bigger.
i have a 2007 tundra and i was going to lift my truck, but i didnt want to do what everyone else has which is a 6 inch with 35s/37s. so i came to the conclusion that i wanted big and to run 39s or 40s so i did a 6 inch suspension, 3inch spacer, and 3 inch body total of 12 inches and i am running 40s with no trimming did i mention it is 2 wheel drive.
Beau – Sounds awesome. Good point about the body lift – that’s another way to go bigger. Why don’t you send us an email so we can feature your truck? It’s sounds as nice as anything else we’ve featured…
So would cooper ltz 275/06/20 fit without a lift?
sorry i meant 275/60/20
Mike – That’s a 33″ tire, so there’s a good chance you’ll have some fitment issues up front. Adding a simple leveling kit should make it work.
[…] it matter? Check this out, and while you’re at it look for the article they did on my truck! . Tundra Tire Questions – Low Pro’s, 33’s, or 35’s? | tundraheadquarters.com __________________ Greg’s 2007 5.7 Slate DC 12″ Custom Suspension Lift 37″ Toyo Open Country’s […]
Picking up my first Tundra this week and want to add a few aftermarkets including tires. I have been reading that the biggest tire you can put on a stock Tundra is a 33″ but does this allow proper wheel travel and turning?
I went through this many years ago with another truck but found that the bigger tires would rub and even dent the front fenders when they were turned and the suspension compressed.
Terry – You are correct. Without some sort of lift/leveling kit, 33’s are as big as you want to go. Even at 33″ you may have some tire rub.
OK, I’ve been out of the mod game for a while. Lift kit I understand, what’s a levelling kit and would that allow me to run 33″ with no rub?
Terry – No problem. A leveling kit usually just lifts the front end of the truck instead of both front and rear. Since most new trucks come from the factory with a forward lean (or rake), lifting the front 2″ just about levels them out. The issue with tire rub is two fold. Tires can rub on the top because they run into the suspension, body, or frame, or they can rub on the sides in the same ways. The leveling kit reduces or eliminates rub on the top of the tire in all but the most extreme situations (like full travel, something most trucks never experience). The rub on the side of the tire, however, has a lot to do with the tire width and the wheels you buy. Every tire and wheel combo is different, and I can’t say for sure if it will rub or not. However, adding a leveling kit (we recommend Toytec or Low Range Off-Road leveling kits) will eliminate “top rub”.
OK, I checked out some of the leveling kits available and they seem pretty inexpensive and easy to install. Any feedback on vehicle ride, handling, tire wear after an install? Did I also read somewhere that I will need to get a Toyota shop to reset my computer or something like that?
Sorry, last comment was from me too. Also wondering about the easiest way to get the low rumble sound the engine “should” have. I’m coming off a Hemi that sounded great and was a lot of fun to drive. The Toyota is a far superior vehicle but would love to get that V-8 rumble instead of the TRD sewing machine sound.
Terry – For the answer to your first question, check out our ToyTec and Low Range Off Road kit reviews (just search the site for the words “toytec” and “low range” and you’ll find them). As for the rumble, I’m a big fan of visiting your local muffler shop. Here’s a good article about it: https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2007/03/27/toyota-tundra-exhaust-modifications/
My truck came from the factory with BBS 20″ wheels and 275/60/20 Michelins. I do not have any rubbing issues.
I have a 04 tundra, What you guys think is the best size to lift it? 2.5 inches, 3 inches or 4 inches?
And what lift kit?
Michael – I’d like to refer you to TundraSolutions.com – they have some people that are more knowledgeable about the older Tundras. We specialize in the 07+ here. Having said that, ToyTec offers a lift kit for the older Tundras. Based purely on the quality of their product (and not on any actual testing or review), I would suggest you look in that direction as well.
I have 2005 4 door tundra. I have factory 17″ wheels on it. How big can I go with tires? I don’t want to lift it and I can’t afford new wheels.
Joe – No idea. Ask your tire dealer. Usually you can go 1-2″ bigger.
Just installed a 3 inch Toytec kit on a 2005 double cab 4X4. Even before the lift the distance between the upper control arm (UCA) on the front suspension and the inside of the tire was cozy to say the least. With the lift I have a tight inch between the UCA and the inner part of the tire. These are stock wheels with 265/75R16 tires; want to get new tires next, possibly 285’s. Would like to add new wheels, but wonder what the proper fitment as far as backspacing and offset to provide more clearance from the UCA and give the truck that bulldog stance I loved so much with my Tacoma. AIn’t scared about welding spacers on the back of the existing steel wheels and adding longer lug bolts, but I do transport my kids around in this rig, too! Fancy ain’t my bag just function.
Any suggestions on specs for proper clearance with new wheels; backspacing, offset, width, etc.?
Todd – Sorry man – I’m not sure.
If I put a 4″ lift on a my 07 crewmax would I have any problems with 35×12.50×17 rubbing on turing?
Brandonk – No idea, but my guess is that you’ll have a little. However, I think it will be something you can work around easily enough.
If i put a 3in front end leveling kit on my 2010 toyota tundra 2wd dbl cab standerd bed would i be able to put 33in tires on 20 rims with no rub? Or what size tires and wheels would you suggest?
Adam – Tire dealer bro. Not because that combo won’t fit (I’m sure that it will w/o significant rub), but because they can send back whatever you buy if it doesn’t work.
Ok SO I get that I can put 33s on with no lift and with a leveling kit I can go up to 35s. I am putting on a truxxx leveling kit but Im only going with the 33s. My question is can I use the stock wheels or do I have to go aftermarket with that too. I like my stock wheels but I want a bigger meatier tire.
Thanks Rob
I have a 2010 Toyota tundra crewmax limited and I am going to put kore suspension on the front and fox piggy back in the rear and eventually deaver leaf springs… I am curious on if I should go with 18s and 33s Mickey Thompson atz or 20s and 35s Mickey Thompson atz? I want to be able to have enough tire to do some mild pre running… And I want to do the least trimming I have to.. Any suggestions?
Rob – You don’t need to go after-market on the rims…the stock wheels are fine provided you don’t want to go too wide.
BrennanOToole – 35’s sound right, but I don’t know exactly how much lift you’re talking about so I can’t be sure.
It’s a kore front coilover lift, it’s a 2-4 inch lift and it has 12.4inches of travel and the back will be stock unless I notice the front running too high I may put a 1inch block in the rear.
Also I’m looking at the Mickey Thompson ATZ or the Toyo open country mutters… Which last longer?
BrennanOToole – Check out TireRack.com – they have wear info for every tire on the market.
So if 33″ tire are best recommended,What would be the differance in mpg stock vs. 33″ tires? Also if I run aluminum rims rather than steel or alloy this should help with mpg’s?????
Tremendous33 – The additional tire size *might* influence your gas mileage 1% – it’s the tread pattern that really matters. If you get a 33″ tire with a highway/touring/all-season tread pattern, you’ll get better gas mileage than you would if you installed 33’s with all-terrain tread.
If you’re thinking about gas, that’s what I would recommend – get the most highway-like tire you can.
Thanks Jason!
All your info has been a huge help!
Tremendous33 – Awesome – glad to hear it and thank you.
http://www.tundrasolutions.com.....15;600.jpg
Jason had another question or questions, I found this picture online and wondered what would be the downfalls of modding my truck this way? It says it has a 6 inch lift on it but I really don’t see the height based on picture! And does this mean 6″ in the front and 4″ in the back?
I have the exact same truck but 2012 model and don’t want to lose performance, mpg or comfort of the ride. Also is there any any options to get this look without sacrificing the inregrity of the ride? Please help as this is the look I am really looking for my new toy 🙂
Thanks again!
Tremendous 33 – The downfalls of larger bracket lifts are: higher center of gravity and reduced stability while cornering; decreased fuel economy; increased likelihood of suspension component failure; replacement tires are a lot more expensive; reduced ride quality; reduced handling and performance; less hauling and towing ability, and loading/unloading is harder too;
etc.
Overall, 6″ bracket lifts are done to create something “big.” They’re really not about improving performance that much…a long travel kit – like this one https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2009/07/24/total-chaos-toyota-tundra-long-travel-suspension-kit/ – is the best way to increase size AND improve overall performance, and generally speaking a long travel kit rides as well as (or nearly as well as) stock.
If it were me, I’d get a 3″ lift from ToyTec or Low Range Off Road, get a nice set of rims and 33″ tires, and call it a day. Your truck will look good, but it will still ride and handle like a stock truck.
Otherwise, if a 3″ lift isn’t quite enough, the 6″ ProComp kits are OK by me. Good quality, reasonable install, and decent performance.
Thanks again Jason,
I figured the look would compromise the integrity of the ride and having it be a brandnew toy I like your advice and I think my mind has been made. Thanks again,
Oh one last thing when u say 3″ lift are u refering to just the leveling kit or overall with 3″ in the front n 1″ in the back?
Tremendous33 – Yes sir – should have said 3″ leveling kit (3 up front + 1 in back). 🙂
Hello Jason. i’ve recently bought a 6″ pro comp lift kit and now decided on wheels and tires. I’m planning on going with 20″ wheels and 35″. I’m wondering what wheel width to go with. 8, 10 or 12.5 would you have any ideas how much it would stick out of the fender. thanks Eric
Eric – I know of some people running 35×12.5’s – it can be done with the right wheel backspacing without having a lot of tire sticking out. If your wheel/tire dealer suggests the right set of rims, the tires shouldn’t stick out in a noticeable way.
Ok, I’ve read through all the questions and comments and feel like I am getting mixed results. I have an 08 2WD Dbl Cab Tundra with the 3 and 1 leveling kit. I am getting new wheels and tires and want to go as big as possible without any modification needed to be done. I was told a Nitto Terra 305/60/18 would work just fine but then got mixed answers when I looked into a Falken A/T 305/65/18. I was told the difference in those tires was about an inch and a half in sidewall height. Quite simply, with the 3 and 1 leveling kit, could I run a 325/65/18? If those are too much tire then what about the 305/65/18? Like I said, I want as much tire as possible. Is the 325/65/18 a 35″? Sorry this was so long. Thanks!
Kevin – First of all, thanks for reading through the comments first. I wish everyone did that. 🙂
325/65s are 2 inches taller and 2 inches wider than stock. While you can make them fit in terms of height with just a leveling kit, the width is going to be a problem unless you’re getting a set of wheels with a radically different offset than factory. Your wheel dealer should be able to answer this question for sure, but my guess is that 325’s are too much.
305/65’s should fit, however, presuming your wheels have similar specs to the stock rims.
I appreciate your quick response. So I have ruled out the 325’s and still want to go with the 305/65’s. . .the wheels I am looking at are 18×9, with a +12 offset and 5.5″ backspacing. . .currently I have the 18″ base model stock rims and not sure about the specs of them. That being said, if you know the specs of the stock rims, will the 18×9 +12 5.5″ wheels work? Thanks again for any and all your help
Kevin – If the backspacing and offset are the same, the wheels will work just fine with 305/65’s.
I just bought 2007 Tundra 4×4. I have 275/65/18 tires on it. They need to be replaced. Anyone knows if I go to 285/70/18 will it create a problem? should I stick with the size that’s on it now?
Also does anyone have any experience with Nitto tires? Particularly Terra Grapler?
Thanks in advance
I have a Dbl cab 4×4 and want to convert the tire size down to a lower profile tire from the all terrain stock P275/65R18. I want to put P275/55R20 tires on it. I shouldn’t think there should be a prob since Toyota offers this tire on its 2WD Sport model. I want to do this to lower the overall look and I really only do highway driving and it strikes me tht the Trucks center of gravity should be a little lower thus handle better.
Am I way wrong on all of this?
mike – Any factory size Toyota Tundra tire will work on any Tundra, provided you’ve got the right sized wheels of course! 🙂
I purchased some air bags to help the suspension and the company sent me the wrong one. I have a 2011 toy tundra, and the company sent me a kit for a 2005 yukon XL 2500, just wondering if it will fit.
Thanks in advance
TJ
Hey guys, I have a 3 inch front end leveling kit on my 2013 tundra. I have the stock wheels and I am about to change them to BFG All terrains. would a tire that’s 275/70 R18 look too small I think that’s a 33″ tire and I’m not sure if that will lessen the gap in the wheel wells that I have now with the 255/70 R18 tires. Any suggestions?
Simple answer Justin, yes, they will look too small and won’t justify spending that kind of money. I have a 3 and 1 inch level kit on my 08 Tundra and put on 295/70/18 Nitto Terra Grapplers and it looks sick!!! Fills the wheel well, no rubbing at all. With your leveling kit, you can fit those tires. Not sure BFG comes in that size but the Nittos have the perfect aggressive look.
Do the 295/70r18’s fit on the stock trd rim without wheel spacers? I have an 08 tundra with 3″ lift in front 2″ rear. Thanks
Thanks Kevin, I just looked up the terra grapplers and they do look great! I love the aggressive look. Did you have to trim any thing or make any mods for the tire to fit with that size? and what kind of wheels do you have on them? I’m not sure if there is a way but can you send me a link with a picture if you have one?
No problem, the tires look great and will save some serious $$$ compared to the BFG’s. When I say I had to do VERY little trimming I mean VERY little. I literally took out a sharp pocket knife and had to cut about a 4 inch by 4 inch section of the plastic trim of the front wheel wells. I then took a piece of wire and wired that same plastic trim to stop it from being remotely close to the tire. The only time it would initially rub was in reverse and at a full wheel turn, other than that, it wouldn’t touch so I just went ahead and trimmed that plastic to stop it from happening at all. The key is having the level kit, with the level kit, it will fit perfect. I put Fuel Kranks in the matte black on my Tundra. Hopefully they will let me put my email addy but just send me a quick email at kevinshorey22@gmail.com and I’ll forward you a few pictures of the truck so you can see. I researched a lot what size tire to put on and I am beyond glad I went the route I did. A 275 came stock on my 2013 Ram 1500 and the Tundra towers over it. So for the money, the 295 is the way to go.
Thanks for all of your help! I’m sending you an email right now. Again thanks!
I’ve read through the comments but didn’t see anything about 17″ rims on a 2wd ’07 SR5. I’m really considering replacing the 22’s that came with my truck with Method Standards 17×8.5. The problem is I can’t find a good answer on what size tires to match with these. Everything I find on 17s are for the Rock Warrior rims which are 17×8 and have I believe 50mm of offset. If I remember correctly the Methods have zero offset.
I’m looking at the Terra Grapplers in 265/70. I have two concerns. 1 they will look to small. 2. I won’t be able to go bigger without a level. If I go ahead and do the level what size Grapplers can I go to?
Any advice?
Can I fit 35’s on an 05 stepside tundra if i jack it up?
Have a 2010 crewmax limited with a leveling kit installed . Have the stock 20″ wheels looking at putting the nitto mud grapplers 33×12.5×20 . Should this work out with minimal rubbing any suggestions appreciated .
I have a 2010 limited I want to keep the stock 20inch rims and put
325/60 r20 I also have a leveling kit will they fit
Hi Jason. I have some questions. I was wondering into get the new bilstein shocks (I think 5100 series) that will level my Toyota tundra 2013 crewmax 4×4. but do you think it is a good option in leveling also I don’t want to lose the factory warranty. besides that do you think with the leveling will fit with 35’s tires?
Bomie16 – 35’s don’t fit cleanly on a truck unless the front end has been lifted at least 3″. Having said that, I’ve seen Tundras with 35’s that have nothing more than 1.5-2″ leveling kit.
My advice is to run 33’s on a truck with a leveling kit, but if you’re willing to cut/grind and live with some tire rub, you can probably make it work.
As for the warranty, a lift kit can’t really effect your new vehicle warranty. See this article for more info: https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/after-market-accessories-new-warranty/
Thanks Jason… actually I had quoted today the lift kit at my toyota dealer (dont know the brand of the lift kit) and they told me 220..i sad ok not that bad but the labor it is almost 500dlls.. i was like dammm…i guess i rather save for the coilovers
I have a 2010 CrewMax TRD. I’m getting a set of 20″ Ballistic Jesters (+12 offset) on Nitto Trail Grapplers 295/55 r20 wrapped on them. Will I need a leveling kit or can I get away with stock height?
Hello,
Check this link: https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/toyota-tundra-tire-size-guide/
It will better address your questions.
-Tim
I have a 2009 Dbl cab with a leveling kit. I want to keep my stock rims but want to go as big on the tires as I can what is the biggest I can go with out any rub or mods?
thanks again jaime
it a 3 in front and 1 in rear leveling kits
I bought a tundra with 18 inch rims, can i put 20 inch rims without needing a lift kit & without loosing any performance ?
this could be dumb question : Can 20 inch rims be the same height as what i have on the 18 in rims?
thank you