You just installed a leveling kit on your truck and now you are ready to upgrade to bigger tires. But what size should you go with? Choosing the right tire size after a leveling kit is not just about looks — it affects ride quality, fuel economy, speedometer accuracy, and whether the tires actually fit without rubbing. Here is a complete guide to help you pick the right size.
How a Leveling Kit Changes Your Tire Options
A leveling kit typically raises the front of your truck by 1.5 to 2.5 inches, bringing it even with the rear. This extra clearance in the front fender wells opens the door to running larger tires than what came from the factory. Without a leveling kit, most trucks max out around 31 to 32 inch tires before the front tires start rubbing on the fender liner or upper control arm at full turn.
Best Tire Sizes by Truck Model
Every truck is a little different when it comes to how much tire it can handle after a leveling kit. Here are the most common setups we install at our shop:
Ford F-150 (2015 and Newer)
With a 2 to 2.5 inch leveling kit, the F-150 fits 33x12.50R17 or 285/70R17 tires comfortably on most wheel setups. These sizes provide a noticeable visual upgrade and improved off-road traction without requiring any trimming. If you want to go up to a 295/70R18 (roughly 34 inches), you may need minor fender liner trimming depending on your wheel offset.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500
The Silverado and Sierra handle 33x12.50R18 or 285/65R18 tires well with a 2 inch leveling kit. On the stock 17-inch wheels, 285/70R17 is another popular and reliable fit. These trucks have generous wheel wells, so 33-inch tires rarely cause issues.
Ram 1500 (2019 and Newer)
The newer Ram 1500 with its independent rear suspension can fit 33x12.50R17 comfortably with a 2 inch leveling kit. If you want to push to 35x12.50R17, plan on some trimming of the front bumper liner and possibly a small fender modification. The Ram has a lot of room in the wheel wells, but the front bumper corners are the usual trouble spot at full steering lock.
Toyota Tundra
With a 2 to 3 inch leveling kit, the Tundra fits 33x12.50R18 or 285/65R18 without issues. Going to a 295/70R18 (about 34 inches) is possible but may require slight trimming depending on the year and wheel setup.
Jeep Wrangler JL
The Wrangler JL can handle 33x12.50R17 on a 2 inch leveling or spacer lift with no modifications. To fit 35-inch tires, you generally need at least a 2.5 inch lift and may need to adjust the front fender flares.
Why Wheel Offset Matters
The tire size is only half the equation. The wheel you mount the tire on plays a huge role in whether it fits without rubbing. Wheel offset determines how far the tire sits inward or outward relative to the fender.
- Stock offset (typically +25 to +44mm on trucks) — keeps the tire tucked close to the fender. Larger tires may rub on the upper control arm at full turn.
- Lower offset (0 to -12mm) — pushes the tire outward for a more aggressive look and more clearance from suspension components. This is the most popular range for leveled trucks running 33-inch tires.
- Negative offset (-12 to -24mm) — pushes the tire even further out. This can cause excessive stress on wheel bearings and hub assemblies and may require aftermarket fender flares to cover the tire.
As a general rule, a wheel with a 0 to -12mm offset in a 9 to 10 inch width works well with 33-inch tires on most leveled half-ton trucks.
Do Not Forget Load Ratings
When upgrading tire size on a truck, load rating matters. Your stock tires have a specific load rating that matches your vehicle's weight capacity. When going to a larger tire, make sure the new tire has an equal or higher load rating. Most 33-inch light truck tires come in Load Range C (6-ply) or Load Range E (10-ply). For daily driving and occasional towing, Load Range C is usually sufficient and provides a more comfortable ride. If you tow regularly or haul heavy loads, Load Range E offers more capacity and sidewall strength.
Speedometer and Gear Ratio Considerations
Going from a stock 31-inch tire to a 33-inch tire will throw off your speedometer by about 3 to 5 percent. At 70 mph indicated, you will actually be traveling closer to 72 to 73 mph. Most drivers live with this difference on a 33-inch tire, but if you go to 35-inch tires, you may want to have the speedometer recalibrated or consider a gear ratio change to restore lost acceleration and fuel economy.
Our Recommendation
For most half-ton trucks with a 2 to 2.5 inch leveling kit, 33x12.50 tires on a 17 or 18 inch wheel with 0 to -12mm offset is the sweet spot. It gives you a great look, improved capability, and fits without modifications on the majority of trucks. It is the most popular setup we install and it works well for daily driving, weekend trails, and everything in between.
At American Fusion Wheels in Shawnee, KS, we help truck owners find the right tire and wheel combination for their leveled trucks every day. We can show you how different sizes and offsets will look on your specific vehicle before you commit.
Ready to upgrade your tires after a leveling kit? Check out our leveling kit services and browse our tire selection. Call us at 913-291-2027 or visit us at 12310 W 62nd Ter, Shawnee, KS 66216.
