Last Updated on March 14, 2023
If you’re thinking of adding extra height to your ride with a lift kit, one question that may come up is if bigger tires are needed for it. It really depends on the size of your vehicle’s existing wheels and how high you want to go.
In general, a small lift kit, such as one that adds less than 2 inches in height, does not require bigger tires. But, if you install a larger lift kit of 4 inches or more, then it is suggested to upgrade to larger tires for proper clearance and to avoid rubbing.
You may still consider larger tires even if you only need a small lift because they offer several benefits. Let’s see what bigger tires can do for a vehicle with a lift kit.
Why Do You Need Bigger Tires for a Lift Kit: Good Idea
If you’re thinking of investing in a perfect lift kit, then bigger tires might be an attractive addition, and here’s why. Not only do they provide your vehicle with increased ground clearance, but they also give it that bolder look.
Plus, the added height will amp up performance on off-road terrains. So don’t hesitate to take things up a notch by adding some larger wheels. You won’t regret it. Let’s examine some of the advantages of bigger tires with body or suspension lift kits in more detail.
1. Improved Off-Road Capabilities
Installing larger tires with a lift kit on your vehicle can dramatically improve its off-road capabilities. Having more ground clearance makes it easier to cross big obstacles like rocks and logs.
The increased height also allows for a better approach, departure, and break-over angles while navigating challenging terrain. This means you can make sharper turns and traverse more difficult trails more confidently.
2. Better Traction
Bigger tires with lift kits have a larger contact patch with the ground than regular tires, which gives them improved traction. In rough terrains like mud or snow, this extra grip can help you keep a steady path when maneuvering around hazards.
Also, the larger tire diameter helps reduce slipping and skidding and general wear on the vehicle’s components due to the decreased stress on them. This ultimately helps improve performance when driving off-road.
3. Improved Performance
Adding larger tires for a suspension lift kit improves performance in several ways. The extra grip from having a larger contact patch allows for better vehicle control in off-road conditions such as mud or snow.
Also, the increased ground clearance helps reduce drag from any tall obstacles encountered on the trail resulting in greater fuel efficiency. Your car will have faster braking response times.
All this creates an overall smoother riding experience, enabling you to easily take on more difficult trails.
4. Increased Towing Capacity
With the addition of bigger tires and a lift kit, you can increase your vehicle’s towing capabilities to tackle tougher tasks. The increased tire size strengthens your grip on the road, providing better traction for more demanding terrain.
For larger loads, the lift kit strengthens your vehicle’s suspension and frame, ensuring it can safely carry heavier items without sacrificing performance or stability.
This allows you to transport heavier materials with confidence, knowing that your ride is up for the job.
5. Better Performance In Extreme Weather Conditions
When driving in extreme weather conditions such as snow or mud, having better traction is key for safety and performance. Therefore, adding a leveling kit and larger tires could be an ideal solution if you frequently drive in these areas.
The additional grip that comes with bigger tires helps keep you firmly planted on the road no matter what mother nature throws at you.
Also, the improved ground clearance from the suspension or body lift kit means that there will be less contact between your tires and any potential obstacles, such as rocks or ice patches.
This makes navigating slippery terrain much easier and gives greater control over your vehicle when going through dangerous weather conditions.
6. Improved Overall Driving Experience
Fitting big tires and body lift kits enhance the overall driving experience in many ways. It reduces the severity of bumps and potholes in the roadway, resulting in a smoother ride.
This setup improves both handling and stability of vehicles when driving on difficult terrains such as dirt roads or sand dunes, making off-road adventures hassle-free.
It’s also worth mentioning that these modifications give vehicles an aggressive look, which some people love. All in all, these changes make for an exciting yet comfortable driving experience regardless of where you’re headed next.
7. Increased Ground Clearance
Installing larger tires and a lift kit can significantly increase the ground clearance of your vehicle, making it easier to traverse off-road terrain. With increased ground clearance, you don’t have to worry about scraping your undercarriage on rocks or logs, allowing for greater maneuverability in rough terrain.
The higher ground clearance allows you to drive over obstacles such as deep potholes without worrying about bottoming out. This added protection can save you from costly repairs and damage that would otherwise be inflicted on your car’s suspension system.
8. Improved Stability
Bigger tires and lift kits can also make your vehicle more stable when driving off-road or towing heavy loads. The increased height provided by the lift kit will help keep the center of gravity low and reduce the risk of tipping over in lumpy terrain.
Wider tires provide a wider contact patch with the road, which allows for better grip on uneven surfaces. This improved traction helps keep your vehicle stable even when faced with challenging situations like mud or steep inclines.
When hauling cargo, wider tires also spread out the load more evenly, helping to prevent one side from becoming overloaded due to tire slippage or uneven weight distribution.
How Big Is the Largest Tire That Can Be Fitted Without Lifting?
When fitting larger tires on your truck without a lift, you’ll need to consider a few different factors. The size of the tire is an important factor. On average, with no lift kit, you can fit tires up to 33” in diameter.
You should measure certain components of your vehicle, such as wheel well depth and suspension height, so that the bigger tires will fit properly.
If your suspension height and wheel well depth are too low for the largest available tire size, then you may need to look into getting a lift kit or other modifications in order to accommodate them.
It’s important to make sure that the larger tires are compatible with your particular truck model and year.
Different vehicles have different specifications and requirements when it comes to what sizes of wheels and tires they can accommodate, so be sure to do research before purchasing larger tires.
Will Bigger Tires With Lift Kit Make My Truck Look Lifted?
Bigger tires with a lift kit can certainly make your truck look lifted, but the exact amount of lift achieved will depend on the size of the tires and the quality of the lift kit.
Generally, larger tires increase the overall diameter, meaning they raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and thus add height to your truck. This can give it a more aggressive and powerful appearance, making it stand out from other vehicles on the road.
It’s important to note that not all lift kits are created equally. Low-quality or improperly installed kits may fail to provide enough lift for your needs, leaving you with a truck that looks lower than expected.
Certain tire sizes may not be suitable for your particular truck model. So, it’s important to research what type and size of the tire is best suited for your vehicle before making any final decisions.
What Size Lift Kit Do I Need for 35 Inch Tires?
When deciding on which size lift kit is necessary for 35-inch tires, it is important to consider a variety of factors. First, the type of truck should be noted, as certain models may require specific kits.
Aside from that, the backspacing and wheel offset measurements must be closely examined as they dictate what kit will work best with the vehicle.
The tire width can also vastly alter the size of the lift kit needed. Generally, 3.5 to 6-inch lift kits are recommended as a good starting point when fitting 35-inch tires to your vehicle.
Unlock Optimal Performance With the Right Tires for Your Lift Kit
Adding a lift kit to your vehicle is an exciting alteration that can significantly improve the performance of your vehicle. It is essential to factor in all details when determining whether or not new tires will be necessary after installation.
If your lift kit is under 2 inches, then larger tires are typically unnecessary. But if it is 4 inches or more, then upgrading your tires may be necessary for proper clearance and increased performance.
Ultimately, ensuring that you have the right-sized tires for your specific lift kit setup is critical for a successful outcome.