Tag Archives: Rims

Modifying your pickup truck with a lift kit or leveling kit opens up a world of possibilities for performance and style. However, these changes also demand a new set of tires to match. Choosing the right tires (Däck) is crucial not just for aesthetics, but for safety, performance, and preserving your vehicle’s mechanics. This guide will walk you through the key considerations for selecting the best tires for your modified pickup.
What should I consider when choosing tires for a lifted truck?
When you modify your truck’s height, you change its center of gravity and suspension geometry. Therefore, selecting the right tires involves more than just picking a larger size.
• Tire Size and Fitment: The most obvious change is the need for larger tires to fill the new space in your wheel wells. It’s essential to ensure the tires have enough clearance to avoid rubbing against the fender, suspension components, or frame, especially during turns and suspension compression. Check your lift kit’s recommendations for maximum tire size.
• Load Rating: Modified trucks, especially those used for hauling or towing, need tires with an appropriate load rating. A larger tire isn’t automatically stronger. Always verify that the tire’s load index meets or exceeds your truck’s requirements to ensure safety under heavy loads.
• Tire Type: The best tire for you depends on how you use your truck. The main categories are:
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o All-Terrain (A/T): This is the most popular choice for modified pickups. A/T tires offer a great balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. They have a more aggressive tread than highway tires, providing solid traction on dirt, gravel, and light mud, without being too noisy on pavement.
o Mud-Terrain (M/T): If you spend a significant amount of time in serious off-road conditions like deep mud or rocky trails, M/T tires are the way to go. They feature large, deep tread blocks for maximum grip in extreme environments. The trade-off is often more road noise and faster wear on paved surfaces.
o Hybrid-Terrain (H/T or R/T): A newer category, hybrid or rugged-terrain tires bridge the gap between All-Terrain and Mud-Terrain. They offer more off-road prowess than a standard A/T tire without the on-road compromises of a full M/T tire, making them an excellent all-around option.
How do larger tires affect my truck’s performance?
Upgrading to larger, heavier tires will impact your truck’s performance and handling. You may notice slower acceleration and longer braking distances due to the increased rotational mass. Your speedometer and odometer will also become inaccurate unless recalibrated for the new tire diameter. Furthermore, fuel economy will likely decrease. Some of these effects can be offset by re-gearing your truck’s differentials, which is a common next step for many owners of heavily modified pickups.
Final Thoughts on Your Tire Selection
Choosing the right tires is a critical final step in modifying your pickup. By balancing size, load capacity, and the type of terrain you’ll be driving on, you can ensure your truck not only looks great but also performs safely and reliably. An All-Terrain tire is often the best starting point for most drivers, offering versatility for both daily driving and weekend adventures.