33’s or 35’s….

Getting new shoes on the truck soon. Would love to go 35’s and understand/willing to do cutting needed to fit em. I have an auto v6 so curious how needed regearing is. Plan is to eventually regear once funds are up, but I’d like to buy the tires first. Should I deal with 35’s with stock gearing or go with some cheap 33’s until I can afford to go all out. Let me know your recommendations aswell as how the process to 35’s is!

 

Go 40s or go home

WONTON FTW




Unless you plan on cutting the firewall, go 33

 

I would first look into what tire you want, are you doing 16" or 17"wheels. 16" options especially in a "C" load are getting pretty slim. But even 17" you will have a lot less options for a "C" load in a 35 but will have more in a 33. Also consider width. Most 35 will be 12.5 wide but some brands do have 35x11.5. Toyo AT3 and two of the Falken's come in both 35x12.5 and 35x11.5 in "E" and "C" load but the "C" loads are only two-ply side walls. BFG's KO3 will be coming in a 35x11.5 in a "C" load with 3 ply sidewall but not until May 2026.

 

Auto on 33s or 35s will probably necessitate a regear, the auto is a power killer

 

35’s with stock gearing with v6/auto will be a dog, especially if you live at elevation or in hilly areas. So plan on regearing soon, if you’re keeping the auto I’d highly recommend 5.29 gears.

That said, if you’re also willing to tub the firewall then 35’s are the way to go. 35x11.5 is an excellent size for our trucks, minimal frame rub without excessive backspacing or wheel spacers. I have Nitto trail grapplers in that size, in C load range.

 

I vote 33s

 

I think that’s the route I’m going. Can always sell the tires if I need more. Coming from 31’s I think I’ll be happy with 33’s

 

Auto on Open Country AT3 LT255/80R17 E-rated (33x10 pizza cutters) and PRO COMP EXTREME ALLOY 69 17x9 didn't necessitate a regear for me. 35s definitely would and after doing everything in 33s, I ended up not feeling the need to jump to 35s.