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Lifting your truck opens up a world of possibilities — from clearing bigger obstacles on the trail to making a bold statement on the streets of Kansas City. But one of the most important decisions you'll make after installing a lift kit is choosing the right tires. The wrong set can compromise your ride quality, fuel economy, and even your safety. The right set? It transforms your truck into exactly the machine you envisioned.

At American Fusion Wheels, we've been fitting lifted trucks with premium tires for years. Whether you're running 35-inch tires on a daily driver or 37-inch mud-terrains on a weekend warrior, we know what works — and what doesn't. In this guide, we'll break down the best tire options for 33, 35, and 37-inch setups so you can make an informed decision.

Why Tire Choice Matters on a Lifted Truck

When you install a lift kit, your truck's center of gravity shifts upward. That change alters handling dynamics, braking distances, and ride comfort. Tires are the single point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so the compound, tread pattern, and construction you choose directly affect every aspect of performance.

Here's what's at stake when you pick tires for a lifted truck:

• Traction and grip: Lifted trucks often see more demanding conditions — gravel roads, mud, snow, and rocky trails. Your tires need to match those conditions.
• Ride quality: Larger, heavier tires can introduce vibration and road noise. High-quality tires with proper balancing minimize these issues significantly.
• Fuel economy: Bigger tires increase rolling resistance. Some designs manage this better than others, and the difference between a well-engineered tire and a budget option can be 1–2 MPG.
• Load capacity: Lifted trucks are frequently used for hauling and towing. Your tires must support the load rating your truck demands, especially when you add the weight of aftermarket bumpers, winches, and accessories.
• Safety: Braking distances increase with larger tires. Premium compounds and tread designs help mitigate this, keeping you and your passengers safe on Kansas City highways and beyond.

Choosing the right tire isn't just about looks — it's about building a truck that performs as good as it looks.

Best 33-Inch Tires for Lifted Trucks

33-inch tires are the entry point for lifted truck builds. They're ideal for trucks with a 2–3 inch leveling kit or a modest suspension lift. They deliver a noticeable visual upgrade without drastically changing your truck's driving characteristics. Here are our top picks in this size class:

1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

The KO2 is arguably the most popular all-terrain tire in America, and for good reason. Its CoreGard technology resists sidewall splits and punctures, while the interlocking tread design delivers confident grip in mud, snow, and loose gravel. In the 33-inch size (like 285/70R17), the KO2 is a perfect match for trucks that split time between daily driving and weekend adventures.

• Best for: Daily drivers who occasionally go off-road
• Tread life: 50,000+ miles typical
• Road noise: Moderate — quieter than most AT tires

2. Falken Wildpeak AT3W

The Wildpeak AT3W has earned a loyal following thanks to its exceptional wet and snow performance. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, meaning it meets the severe snow traction standard. The heat-diffusing technology in the lower sidewall makes it a strong choice for trucks that tow regularly.

• Best for: Year-round driving in variable weather
• Tread life: 55,000-mile warranty
• Road noise: Low — one of the quietest AT tires available

3. Toyo Open Country AT3

Toyo's latest all-terrain offering combines a long-wearing compound with aggressive shoulder lugs for off-road bite. The Open Country AT3 features a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty in the 33-inch size range, making it one of the best values in the segment. Its open tread channels clear mud and snow efficiently while maintaining a composed on-road demeanor.

• Best for: High-mileage daily drivers seeking value and performance
• Tread life: 65,000-mile warranty
• Road noise: Low to moderate

4. Nitto Ridge Grappler

Sitting between a pure all-terrain and a mud-terrain, the Ridge Grappler in a 33-inch size gives lifted trucks an aggressive look without the mud-terrain penalties on pavement. The variable-pitch tread pattern reduces road noise, and the reinforced sidewall construction adds durability for light trail use. It's one of our most requested tires here at American Fusion Wheels.

• Best for: Truck owners who want aggressive looks with civilized manners
• Tread life: 40,000–50,000 miles typical
• Road noise: Low for its class

Best 35-Inch Tires for Lifted Trucks

The 35-inch tire is the sweet spot for most lifted truck builds. It's big enough to dramatically change the look and capability of your truck, but manageable enough that most half-ton trucks can run them with a 3–6 inch lift and minor trimming. Here are the best options in this popular size class:

1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (315/70R17 or 35x12.50R17)

The KO2 scales beautifully to 35 inches. At this size, you get even more sidewall protection thanks to the larger CoreGard zones, and the deeper tread grooves handle mud and debris with ease. For trucks that do it all — commuting, hauling, trail running, overlanding — the 35-inch KO2 remains the gold standard.

• Approx. weight: 55–60 lbs per tire
• Load range: Available in E (10-ply)
• Standout feature: Proven durability in the harshest conditions worldwide

2. Nitto Ridge Grappler (35x12.50R17 / 35x12.50R20)

In 35-inch trim, the Ridge Grappler truly shines. The hybrid tread design pairs deep center grooves for highway stability with aggressive shoulder blocks for off-road traction. The dynamic hybrid tread pattern uses alternating shoulder grooves to reduce harmonic noise — a feature you'll appreciate during your daily commute on I-35 or K-10.

• Approx. weight: 57–65 lbs per tire
• Load range: Available in E (10-ply)
• Standout feature: Quietest hybrid tire in the category

3. Toyo Open Country AT3 (35x12.50R17 / 315/70R17)

Toyo engineered the Open Country AT3 for longevity. At 35 inches, the wear-resistant compound and optimized tread pattern deliver a tire that can handle 50,000+ miles even on a heavy, lifted truck. The snow and wet performance are excellent, and the aggressive sidewall design options let you choose between a more subdued or more rugged look.

• Approx. weight: 56–62 lbs per tire
• Load range: Available in C, D, and E
• Standout feature: Outstanding tread life warranty at this size

4. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT (35x12.50R17)

Mickey Thompson's Baja Boss AT borrows technology from their championship-winning off-road racing program. The PowerPly XD construction uses a three-ply sidewall with an extra layer of Kevlar-like material for puncture resistance. The asymmetric tread design provides excellent water evacuation on one side and aggressive rock-gripping lugs on the other.

• Approx. weight: 60–66 lbs per tire
• Load range: Available in E (10-ply)
• Standout feature: Race-derived sidewall protection

5. Falken Wildpeak AT3W (35x12.50R17 / 315/70R17)

The Wildpeak AT3W at 35 inches doesn't sacrifice any of its legendary all-weather capability. The silica-enriched compound stays pliable in freezing Kansas City winters and resists heat buildup during summer towing. It remains one of the few aggressive all-terrain tires to carry the 3PMSF severe snow rating at this size, making it a year-round confidence builder.

• Approx. weight: 55–60 lbs per tire
• Load range: Available in C and E
• Standout feature: 3PMSF severe snow certification

Best 37-Inch Tires for Lifted Trucks

Going to 37-inch tires is a serious commitment. You'll typically need a 6-inch or larger suspension lift, upgraded gearing (4.56 or 4.88 ratios are common), and possibly aftermarket axle shafts on some platforms. But for the truck owner who demands maximum ground clearance and trail capability, 37s deliver an unmatched combination of presence and performance.

1. Nitto Trail Grappler M/T (37x12.50R17 / 37x13.50R20)

The Trail Grappler is a mud-terrain tire that refuses to be pigeonholed. Its unique tread design uses wide lateral voids to evacuate mud and debris while maintaining enough center rib contact for stable highway cruising. In 37-inch form, the Trail Grappler gives your truck an imposing stance while delivering surprisingly civil road manners for a mud-terrain tire.

• Approx. weight: 70–80 lbs per tire
• Load range: E (10-ply)
• Best for: Trucks that see serious mud and rock crawling but still need to commute
• Road noise: Moderate — well-managed for an MT tire

2. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss (37x12.50R17)

The Baja Boss is Mickey Thompson's flagship mud-terrain tire, designed for extreme conditions. The Sidebiters on the sidewall provide additional traction when aired down on rocks and in deep ruts. The directional tread pattern channels mud out aggressively while maintaining stability at highway speeds. If your lifted truck sees competition-level trail abuse, this is the tire to run.

• Approx. weight: 75–82 lbs per tire
• Load range: E (10-ply)
• Best for: Dedicated off-road machines and competition builds
• Road noise: Noticeable — typical of aggressive MT tires

3. BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 (37x12.50R17)

BFGoodrich's KM3 represents decades of off-road racing expertise distilled into a consumer tire. The Krawl-TEK compound is specifically engineered to conform to rock surfaces for maximum grip. The linear flex zones in the tread allow the tire to envelope obstacles, maintaining contact where other tires would slip. At 37 inches, the KM3 is a beast on the rocks and a surprisingly composed highway cruiser.

• Approx. weight: 72–78 lbs per tire
• Load range: D and E available
• Best for: Rock crawling enthusiasts who want proven race pedigree
• Road noise: Moderate to high

4. Toyo Open Country MT (37x13.50R20)

Toyo's Open Country MT is an underrated performer in the 37-inch class. The open-scallop design and deep siping deliver tenacious grip in mud, while the hook-shaped blocks grab at rocky terrain. The high turn-up polyester construction adds sidewall toughness without excessive weight, making it one of the lighter options in the 37-inch MT category.

• Approx. weight: 68–76 lbs per tire
• Load range: E (10-ply)
• Best for: Balanced off-road performance with weight consciousness
• Road noise: Moderate

All-Terrain vs Mud-Terrain: Which Is Right for Your Lifted Truck?

This is one of the most common questions we hear at our Shawnee, Kansas shop. The answer depends on how you actually use your truck — not how you wish you used it. Be honest with yourself about your driving habits, and you'll end up with the right tire.

All-Terrain Tires (AT)

All-terrain tires are designed to perform well in a wide range of conditions. They have moderate tread depth with a balance of open voids and solid center ribs. Modern all-terrain tires have become remarkably capable off-road while maintaining good road manners.

Choose all-terrain if:

• Your truck is your daily driver (commuting, errands, school runs)
• You drive on dirt roads, gravel, and light trails regularly
• You value ride comfort and low road noise
• You need good wet and snow traction year-round
• You tow a trailer or haul heavy loads frequently
• You want maximum tread life (50,000+ miles)

Mud-Terrain Tires (MT)

Mud-terrain tires feature deep, widely-spaced tread lugs designed to claw through soft, loose, and muddy terrain. They sacrifice some on-road refinement for dramatically improved off-road capability.

Choose mud-terrain if:

• You hit the trails or go off-road at least monthly
• You regularly encounter deep mud, sand, or rocky terrain
• You don't mind higher road noise on the highway
• You can accept 30,000–40,000-mile tread life
• Your truck has a secondary role as a daily driver (or you have another vehicle for commuting)
• Maximum off-road traction is your priority

Hybrid Tires: The Best of Both Worlds?

Tires like the Nitto Ridge Grappler and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT sit between pure AT and MT categories. They offer more aggressive tread patterns and sidewall protection than a standard all-terrain, but with lower road noise and longer tread life than a full mud-terrain. For many lifted truck owners in the Kansas City area, a hybrid tire represents the ideal compromise. If you need help deciding, our tire comparison guide can help you weigh the options.

Road Force Balancing: Why It Matters for Oversized Tires

Here's something most tire shops won't tell you: standard spin balancing isn't enough for 35 and 37-inch tires. These larger, heavier tires can develop vibrations that standard balancing equipment simply cannot detect or correct. That's where Road Force Balancing comes in.

A Road Force balancer uses a loaded roller that presses against the tire with approximately 1,200 pounds of force — simulating the weight of the vehicle on the tire. This reveals radial force variations (stiff spots) and lateral force variations that cause steering pull. The machine can then calculate the optimal mounting position for the tire on the wheel, minimizing vibration at the source.

Why is this critical for oversized tires?

• Greater mass amplifies imbalance: A 70-pound tire spinning at highway speed generates significantly more centrifugal force from even a small imbalance compared to a 30-pound passenger car tire.
• Tire uniformity varies: Larger tires can have greater variation in sidewall stiffness. Road Force balancing identifies and corrects for these variations.
• Wheel-to-tire matching: The balancer can determine the optimal position to mount the tire on the wheel, matching the tire's high spot with the wheel's low spot to minimize runout.
• Vibration-free ride: Lifted trucks already contend with altered driveline angles. Adding tire vibration on top of that leads to an uncomfortable, even unsafe driving experience.

At American Fusion Wheels, we perform Road Force Balancing on every oversized tire we install. It's not an upsell — it's a necessity for a proper build. If you've had 35s or 37s installed elsewhere and experience vibration, bring your truck to our Shawnee location for a Road Force balance. The difference is night and day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size lift do I need for 35-inch tires?

Most half-ton trucks (F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500) need a minimum 3-inch suspension lift to clear 35-inch tires. Some trucks with more wheel well clearance, like the Jeep Wrangler, can fit 35s with a 2.5-inch lift. You may also need minor fender trimming and aftermarket upper control arms for proper alignment geometry. Visit our shop for a free fitment consultation — we'll measure your truck and recommend the exact lift kit needed.

Do bigger tires hurt fuel economy?

Yes, but the impact varies by tire type and size. Going from stock tires to 33-inch all-terrains typically costs 1–2 MPG. Moving to 35-inch tires can reduce fuel economy by 2–3 MPG, and 37-inch tires may cost 3–4 MPG depending on the vehicle, tire weight, and tread pattern. Re-gearing your axles to match the larger tire diameter helps recover some of that loss by keeping your engine in its optimal RPM range.

How long do oversized tires last on a lifted truck?

Tread life depends heavily on the tire compound, driving habits, alignment, and whether you rotate regularly. Quality all-terrain tires in 35-inch sizes typically last 40,000–60,000 miles. Mud-terrain tires in 35 or 37-inch sizes usually deliver 25,000–40,000 miles. Proper alignment — which is critical on a lifted truck — and regular rotation every 5,000–7,500 miles will maximize your tread life.

Can I run 35-inch tires without a lift kit?

On most trucks, no — not without rubbing issues at full lock or over bumps. Some vehicles like the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon or Ford Raptor can accommodate 35s with a leveling kit or minor spacer lift. However, for a proper, rub-free fitment with full steering travel and suspension articulation, a suspension lift is strongly recommended. Learn more about lifted truck tire fitment or stop by for a free evaluation.

Get Your Lifted Truck on the Right Tires

Choosing tires for a lifted truck is one of the most impactful decisions you'll make for your build. The right tires transform your truck's capability, comfort, and appearance. The wrong tires leave you dealing with vibration, poor handling, and premature wear.

At American Fusion Wheels, we stock and install a full range of 33, 35, and 37-inch tires from BFGoodrich, Nitto, Toyo, Mickey Thompson, Falken, and other premium brands. Every tire we mount gets Road Force Balanced for a vibration-free ride, and our experienced technicians ensure proper fitment with your lift kit and wheel setup.

Ready to upgrade your lifted truck's tires?

• Call us: 913-291-2027
• Visit us: 12310 W 62nd Ter, Shawnee, KS 66216
• Free consultations — we'll measure your truck, discuss your driving needs, and recommend the perfect tire setup

Whether you're running 35-inch all-terrains for the daily commute or 37-inch mud-terrains for the weekend trails, American Fusion Wheels has the expertise and inventory to get you rolling right. Stop by our Shawnee, Kansas shop today — we're just minutes from Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, and the greater Kansas City metro.