How to Fit Bigger Tires on Your Truck Without Rubbing or Breaking Things
How do you fit bigger tires on your truck without rubbing?
To fit bigger tires on your truck without rubbing, you need to evaluate suspension clearance, wheel offset, and tire size compatibility—because “just sending it” can break stuff. Whether you're after a tougher look, more ground clearance, or better off-road traction, knowing how to get bigger tires the *right way* is essential. At RSG Offroad, we specialize in helping trail-driven rigs roll bigger, beefier, and better—without breaking components or your daily drivability.
Fitting bigger tires on a truck is about more than just aesthetics—it impacts your suspension geometry, steering, fuel economy, and handling. Our team at RSG Offroad sees it every day: someone throws 35s on their Tacoma without proper planning, and boom—rub city. This guide walks you through how to fit bigger tires on your truck while avoiding costly mistakes.
We’ll break down clearance issues, lift kits, wheel offset, trimming tips, and everything else that comes with the territory when sizing up. By the end, you’ll know how to get bigger tires on your truck safely, smartly, and without sacrificing performance—or warranties.
Common Reasons Off-Roaders Want Bigger Tires
- Increased ground clearance for trail obstacles
- Improved traction in mud, snow, sand, and rocks
- More aggressive stance and aesthetic appeal
- Higher ride height and visibility
- Ability to run lower PSI for off-road performance
What modifications are needed to fit bigger tires on your truck?
If you're wondering how to get bigger tires on your truck, you'll need to consider several key modifications. At the top of the list is ensuring your suspension and wheel wells provide enough clearance. You might need a lift kit, aftermarket control arms, body mount chops, or even fender trimming. Each mod plays a part in reducing tire rub and preserving your ride quality.
Let’s break down the options RSG Offroad typically recommends when outfitting trucks like Tacomas, 4Runners, and Tundras with larger tires:
1. Choose the Right Tire Size Before anything else, determine your stock tire size and how much larger you want to go. Here’s a general guideline:
- +1 to +2 inches = Mild lift or leveling kit
- +2.5 to +3 inches = Suspension lift required
- +3.5+ inches = Fender trimming, BMC, re-gearing may be needed
Use a tire size calculator (like this one from TireSize.com) to compare diameter, width, and sidewall height.
2. Install a Lift Kit or Leveling Kit Most trucks can’t fit bigger tires without a little boost. A leveling kit can add 1–2 inches of height, while a suspension lift (like our RSG Stage 2 Kit) gives you up to 3 inches or more. Internal Link: Check out our most popular lift kit here
3. Adjust Wheel Backspacing and Offset Bigger tires need more clearance from the inner fender and suspension components. This is where backspacing and offset come into play. RSG recommends wheels with a more negative offset or spacers to push the wheels outward slightly—just enough to avoid rubbing, but not enough to strain bearings.
4. Perform a Body Mount Chop (BMC) Toyota trucks like the Tacoma and 4Runner often need a BMC to clear 33s or 35s. This process involves cutting and plating the body mount near the wheel well to eliminate contact with the tire at full lock. RSG Offroad performs clean, weld-in BMCs that retain structural integrity while gaining room.
5. Trim Fender Liners or Remove Mud Flaps If you’re committed to fitting bigger tires on your truck, some minor fender trimming may be necessary. Removing factory mud flaps and pushing back or trimming plastic liners can stop rubbing in wheel wells without affecting performance.
6. Re-Gear for Performance Once you jump from 31s to 35s, expect your truck’s gearing to feel sluggish. Bigger tires affect torque, speedometer accuracy, and MPG. Re-gearing your differentials (e.g., from 3.91 to 4.88) can restore that powerband and performance, especially if you’ve got a mid-size truck loaded with armor and gear.
Can you fit bigger tires on a stock truck?
You *can* fit bigger tires on a stock truck, but only up to a certain size—typically one inch larger than OEM. Trying to go beyond that on factory suspension often results in rubbing or worse: damaged inner fenders, cracked plastics, and limited turning radius. For example, you might squeeze 32s on a stock Tacoma, but 33s will likely rub under articulation. That’s why it’s critical to understand how to fit bigger tires on your truck by combining modest tire upsizing with thoughtful upgrades like leveling kits or new UCAs (upper control arms).
At RSG Offroad, we’ve dialed in the exact limits for most Toyota platforms. If you're unsure what fits, hit us up—we’ll spec your rig based on use case and goals, whether it's overlanding, rock crawling, or snow trails.
What are the downsides of bigger tires, and how do you manage them?
Big tires bring big benefits—but also some tradeoffs. Heavier tires can lead to decreased MPG, slower acceleration, and extra strain on brakes and steering. However, these effects can be mitigated with the right upgrades. At RSG, we often recommend upgrading to **Bilstein shocks**, adding brake upgrades, or even fine-tuning your alignment post-install. These steps help preserve comfort and safety without sacrificing off-road capability.
Summary Checklist: How to Fit Bigger Tires on Your Truck
- Measure current tire size and clearance
- Choose the ideal tire size for your goals
- Install lift or leveling kit
- Check wheel offset and backspacing
- Trim fender liners and consider a BMC
- Re-gear if going to 35s+
- Upgrade suspension and brakes as needed
External Resource: Explore Tacoma tire fitment calculators on TacomaWorld Final Thoughts from the RSG Crew If you're ready to fit bigger tires on your truck but aren't sure where to start—reach out. We’ve lifted, chopped, trimmed, and tuned hundreds of rigs for every kind of terrain. Whether it’s a full 35” fitment for Moab or just enough boost to look good at the grocery store, we’ll help you build it right the first time. Need Help Choosing Tires or Lift Kits? Get in touch with our crew at RSG Offroad and let’s size up your truck the right way.