The wire
Straight answers to the questions you search before you buy — what tires fit, what wheel offset does, why bigger tires rub, and whether you need a level or a lift. Every guide is backed by the same documented builds that power the rest of GarageWire.
Fitment guide
On most half-ton trucks and mid-size 4x4s, 35-inch tires will physically bolt on without a lift — but whether they clear without rubbing depends on your exact trim, wheel offset, and how you drive. Here's the platform-by-platform breakdown.
Jul 19, 2026 · 11 min read
Fitment fundamentals
Wheel offset is the distance from a wheel's mounting face to its centerline, measured in millimeters. It controls how far your tire sits in or out of the wheel well — which decides rubbing, stance, and whether a bigger tire fits at all.
Jul 19, 2026 · 12 min read
Platform guide
On a 3rd-gen Tacoma, 33-inch tires (265/70R17 to 285/75R17) are the realistic upgrade on stock or a leveling kit, while true 35s require a lift, offset wheels, and cab-mount and fender trimming. Here's exactly what fits and what it takes.
Jul 19, 2026 · 12 min read
Fitment fundamentals
Bigger tires rub because they swing into places the stock tire never reached — the fender liner and control arm at full steering lock, and the pinch weld or crash bar under suspension compression. Here's every contact point and how to fix it.
Jul 19, 2026 · 11 min read
Buyer's guide
A leveling kit raises the front to match the rear (about 1.5–2.5 inches) and clears up to a 33 or a 35 on many trucks. A lift kit raises the whole truck (3 inches and up) for 35s and 37s, but costs more and needs supporting parts. Here's how to choose.
Jul 19, 2026 · 11 min read
These guides give you the fundamentals. For your exact truck, park it in the garage and get a straight answer backed by real builds running the parts you want.
