Can I run a larger wheel diameter on my truck?

One of the most common questions when upgrading to aftermarket wheels is whether a larger diameter wheel will fit and what changes to expect. The short answer is yes in most cases, but there are some important things to consider before making the switch. Here is everything you need to know.

Can I run a larger diameter wheel on my truck?

In most cases, yes. Running a larger diameter wheel than your factory setup is one of the most popular aftermarket modifications for trucks and SUVs. However, there are a few factors that will determine how large you can go and what modifications may be needed. Here is what to consider:

• Tire clearance: A larger diameter wheel requires a lower profile tire to maintain a similar overall diameter to your factory setup. If the overall diameter increases significantly, you may experience rubbing against your fenders or suspension components
• Brake caliper clearance: Larger diameter wheels provide more room for brake components, which is generally not an issue. However, switching to a significantly smaller diameter than your current setup could cause clearance issues with larger aftermarket brake calipers
• Suspension and lift height: Your current suspension setup and ride height will determine how much room you have for a larger wheel and tire combination. A lifted or leveled truck will generally have more clearance for larger setups than a stock height vehicle
• Offset and backspacing: When changing wheel diameter, your offset and backspacing requirements may also change. Make sure your new wheels have the correct offset to maintain proper clearance with your fenders and suspension components

Is wheel diameter or width more important?

Both diameter and width play important roles in how your truck looks and performs, but they affect different things. Here is how to think about each one:

Diameter affects:

• Overall appearance and how much of the wheel well is filled
• Tire sidewall height and ride quality
• Speedometer accuracy when changing from factory size
• Brake component clearance
• Ground clearance when combined with the right tire size

Width affects:

• Stance and how far the wheel sits in or out from the fender
• Traction and contact patch with the road
• Handling and cornering stability
• Whether the setup requires fender trimming or modification
• The range of tire sizes that will properly fit the wheel

For most truck builds, diameter is the first decision that shapes the overall look, while width is the secondary decision that fine tunes the stance and stance. If you are building a show truck or a street build focused on appearance, both diameter and width are equally important. If you are building an off-road focused truck, diameter tends to be more critical as it determines how much sidewall your tires will have.

What size jump is reasonable when upgrading diameter?

Here is a general guide for how much of a diameter change is reasonable without requiring significant modifications:

• Going up 1 to 2 inches in diameter: Generally straightforward on most trucks, especially with a lift or leveling kit. For example, going from a factory 18 inch to a 20 inch is a common and relatively simple upgrade
• Going up 3 to 4 inches in diameter: May require additional suspension modifications, trimming, or a lift kit to maintain proper clearance. Going from a factory 18 inch to a 22 inch is achievable on most full size trucks with a proper lift
• Going up 5 or more inches in diameter: Typically requires more significant modifications and careful attention to overall diameter, offset, and clearance. Best discussed with our sales team before purchasing

What should I watch out for when going to a larger diameter?

Here are the most important things to check before upgrading to a larger wheel diameter:

• Make sure the overall diameter of your new wheel and tire combination does not cause rubbing against your fenders, suspension components, or wheel wells
• Always do a proper test fit before finalizing installation to check clearance at full steering lock in both directions
• Have your speedometer recalibrated after installing a significantly larger diameter wheel and tire combination
• Check that your new wheels have adequate clearance for your brake calipers before purchasing

Not sure if a larger diameter will fit your truck?

Use our guided fitment tool on our homepage to find correctly sized options for your specific year, make, and model. You can also reach out to our sales team and we will help confirm whether a larger diameter will work for your specific setup and what modifications may be needed!