Anyone Tried 35s on 18 Inch Rims with a Chevy?

Chevrolet Models Chevrolet Silverado
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Seeking Advice on Tire Size Compatibility

I’ve been considering upgrading my Chevy Silverado (or whatever model you have) to 35-inch tires but I’m curious about running them on 18-inch rims. It’s becoming quite popular among many truck owners, especially with brands like Ford and Jeep, but I haven’t come across much info specifically about Chevys.

Questions I’m Trying to Answer:

  • Fitment: Will 35s fit well on my 18-inch rims without any issues? What about fender clearance?
  • Performance: How do these tires affect speed, acceleration, and fuel efficiency?
  • Ride Quality: Does anyone have experience with ride comfort when using this setup?
  • Modifications Needed: Will I need to do any modifications on my truck to support larger tires?

Pros and Cons to Consider:

  • Pros:
    • Better off-road performance
    • Improved aesthetics and ground clearance
  • Cons:
    • Potential for increased wear on drivetrain components
    • Possible impacts on steering and handling

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience running 35s on 18-inch rims or has done similar upgrades on their Chevys. Any insights, recommendations, or advice would be greatly appreciated! Let’s help each other out in navigating these tires upgrades.

Thanks in advance for your contributions!

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I’m really interested in this too! I’ve been considering 35s on 18s for my Silverado. What do you think about the clearance issues?

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I’ve run 35s on my Ram with 18-inch rims for a year now. You definitely want to make sure the gearing matches, or it can kill your MPG.

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For my GMC, I had to trim some plastic from the fender wells to avoid rubbing. It can get tricky!

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Good point! What gearing did you go with? I have 3.73s, and I’m worried about losing power.

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Honestly, I’ve seen lots of mixed reviews about gear ratios with 35s. Some swear by a regear, while others find it works fine without. Testing is key!

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7

I can’t resist! 35s on 18s? That’s like putting roller skates on a bull! But seriously, if you do it, ensure you have a solid lift kit.

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Haha, I love that analogy! What lift kit do you recommend for a Chevy?

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For my Tahoe, I used a ReadyLift leveling kit which was great! It really helped with the fitment of my 35s without any rubbing.

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Interesting! I’ve heard that some manufacturers recommend a specific tire model for 35s to ensure compatibility. Anyone have experience with that?

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I’ve gone with Nitto Trail Grapplers, and they worked out well with my setup!

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I’m just worried about mpg! I drive a lot, and a decrease in fuel efficiency with 35s could hurt my wallet. How has it impacted yours?

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For me, it’s been about 2-3 mpg loss, but I love the look and feel of my ride! It’s worth it!

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I get it; I feel the same way. Just make sure to check offsets and backspacing for your wheel setup. That can be a real game changer.

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Totally agree! I got lucky with my setup, but others have had to modify their wheels.

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In retrospect, researching tire specs before purchasing 35s would have saved me some headaches. Make sure to do your homework!

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I’m currently running 35s on 18 inch rims with my Chevy, and I can say that it definitely changes the handling. The truck feels a bit more sluggish in turns but smooths out on the highway.

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The ride quality is surprisingly good, definitely more cushy than I expected! But fuel efficiency took a hit, around 2-3 mpg loss.

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That’s a bummer! But if you’re mainly off-roading, I guess it’s worth it. What kind of off-road performance have you noticed?

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Off-road is where the 35s really shine! They grip well and provide a solid cushion over rough trails. You do lose some torque, but it’s manageable.

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