Stock 18” on 35s

[BlackTrailBoss]

So I’ve been searching here and haven’t come across…apologies if this is redundant. Has anyone mounted stock TB 18” wheels on Toyo open country m/t 35 x 12.50 R18LT tires? Was wondering if this was even possible to do. And of course, what leveling kit was used if anyone has done this.

 

[SMisfit]

I don't know anyone that has done it. I know there is a few with leveling kits in the group. I would be sketch on mounting them to the factor TB rims. You are adding width into the equation. Could cause rubbing on the inside unless you added spacers. Without spacers you would move the inside of the tire 0.85in closer to suspension and frame. Could rub on upper control arm or somewhere else. as far as leveling kit I would go with the Ready Lift SST. It was made specifically for the Trail Boss. When you lift the front you are changing the angle of the drive line. I have heard people say that you cant use the 4wheel auto with some of the leveling blocks and kits out there. I am not sure about 4wheel hi and low. It was enough to steer me away. I am planning on a 4in lift next spring. Do a lot of research before you buy anything is all i can say. These trucks are not set up like a typical Silverado.

 

[NavyChief]

I have it done and you do rub. You’re gonna have to go readylift kit 2” and spacers 1.5”. I ran 35x12.5x18 ridge grapplers.

 

[NavyChief]

 

[Jmzvet]

Good info from NavyChief

 

[NavyChief]

Good info from NavyChief

Watch how this guy cuts his mud flap because you’re going to have to cut yours. He isn’t on stock wheels though.

 

[NavyChief]

Also take out the bracket that holds the mud flap for more space in the back of your front tires. You’ll see on the video

 

[BlackTrailBoss]

Thank you all for the great info as always. I am currently running 2” Bora spacers on stock wheels/tires..way better stance imo, so I could just keep them on if I get 35s. Plus I have a brand new 1.75” ready lift leveling kit I bought a while back because I got a great deal on it. I have in fact watched lonestar Hawaiians YouTube vid, where he explains trimming the mud flap and removing the bracket to eliminate rubbing. I know there’s also other things to consider when adding huge tires, like speedometer recalibrating, fuel mileage decline, and more. My truck is a work in progress, as I’m trying to recreate one that I missed out on that sold. So far I have replaced the headlights, muffler delete, K&n intake, front window tint, 2” spacers; Mrs Claus is bringing me barricade running boards for Christmas, wink wink lol. The truck I missed out on had aftermarket fuel 18s on toyo 35s, and there was no rubbing. Definitely had ready lift Uca’s. I’ll post some pics

 

[BlackTrailBoss]

Meant t

I have it done and you do rub. You’re gonna have to go readylift kit 2” and spacers 1.5”. I ran 35x12.5x18 ridge grapplers.

How are the ridge grapplers in snow? I heard they are not so great, but wanted your opinion, if they have ever seen snow that is.

I have it done and you do rub. You’re gonna have to go readylift kit 2” and spacers 1.5”. I ran 35x12.5x18 ridge grapplers.

 

[NavyChief]

Yeah they saw snow for a bit. I was stationed in Memphis and I didn’t have a problem whatsoever brother. I had took a day to just have fun on an empty park full of snow. Merry Christmas to you!!! Look into getting the Pulsar LT. Took my truck to the next level for more pep for your step. It’s all about smiles per gallon if you know what I mean. Pulsar also lets you fix that speedometer which isn’t a big issue big homie.

 

[The Raven]

Meant t

How are the ridge grapplers in snow? I heard they are not so great, but wanted your opinion, if they have ever seen snow that is.

They aren't BAD in snow. Just not as good as the Duratracs. Thing is, there aren't many tires that are as good in the snow/rain as Duratracs. That's why so many use them despite the noise and ride quality issues.

If you are looking for a Duratrac alternative, check out the new Territory MT. I'm running them now and so far very happy with my purchase. They seem to have the Duratrac's bad weather ability but with less noise and weight.

 

[BlackTrailBoss]

Yeah they saw snow for a bit. I was stationed in Memphis and I didn’t have a problem whatsoever brother. I had took a day to just have fun on an empty park full of snow. Merry Christmas to you!!! Look into getting the Pulsar LT. Took my truck to the next level for more pep for your step. It’s all about smiles per gallon if you know what I mean. Pulsar also lets you fix that speedometer which isn’t a big issue big homie.

Thanks man! Yea I’ve heard great things about that pulsar lt for sure. How much does that usually cost? And definitely agree about smiles per gallon being important!

 

[BlackTrailBoss]

They aren't BAD in snow. Just not as good as the Duratracs. Thing is, there aren't many tires that are as good in the snow/rain as Duratracs. That's why so many use them despite the noise and ride quality issues.

If you are looking for a Duratrac alternative, check out the new Territory MT. I'm running them now and so far very happy with my purchase. They seem to have the Duratrac's bad weather ability but with less noise and weight.

The duratracs are a good tire indeed as far as inclement weather is concerned; and I even have decent tread life left. But the noise is getting obnoxiously loud especially at that 50-65 mph mark, so I see why so many owners change them out, for their sanity’s sake lol. I figured when the time comes, I’d like to keep the stock wheels and possibly 35s

 

[Transient]

I upgraded my stock size to Duratracs in 285/75r18 and still have the OE wheels. That's more of a 11.25" width tire and not a 12.5". Mathematically that size tire gives out to 34.8", but Goodyear says it's actually a 35.1" tire. I get a little rub on lock, but I haven't installed spacers yet nor a leveling kit. I actually have both in the garage, but been busy. I did initially rub on the mud flaps, so I replaced those with the mud flap delete kit from McGaughy's. That's about $125. I've been told Rough Country makes a mud flap delete kit for about $65.

The advice about leveling kits and recommendations to buy use 4Auto. That's coming from every leveling kit manufacturer. I spoke to ReadyLift and they told me there's a noise with 4Auto. They haven't looked into what the noise is, and won't. They're just covering their butts. Not every truck makes the noise, and some people have said they don't hear the noise. 4 Hi and 4 Lo are not affected.

Pulsar LT is around $600, iirc. If you're only interested in calibrating your speedo, Rough Country to the rescue again, and for several hundred dollars cheaper. I had no desire to do any of the other stuff the Pulsar LT does, so it was one of those rare situations where Rough Country won out. There gave also been issues with the Pulsar when it came to getting the truck serviced. Lonestar Hawaiian did a video on that, too.

As for the noise from the Duratracs, it actually goes away over time. I wrote my original one to 50,000 miles. They weren't bald, but were low on tread life. At that point they were silent.

Biggest reason I got Duratracs and not another tire was weight. The 35s I got are only 10 lbs heavier than the OE Duratrac size, and the 35s are E-rated. Many other tires are a bit heavier. Rotational mass and unsprung weight can add up to issues. Speaking of E-rated tires, these Duratracs corner better because of the stiffer sidewall. However, they ride a little bit more rough, too.

I'm no expert, but I'm willing to share what little knowledge I have. Just ask if you have any questions.

 

[The Raven]

Biggest reason I got Duratracs and not another tire was weight. The 35s I got are only 10 lbs heavier than the OE Duratrac size, and the 35s are E-rated. Many other tires are a bit heavier. Rotational mass and unsprung weight can add up to issues. Speaking of E-rated tires, these Duratracs corner better because of the stiffer sidewall. However, they ride a little bit more rough, too.

Tire weight is HUUUGE. Stay away from E-Rated tires...those are designed for the HDs that are towing and hauling daily. Back before I knew anything about tire load rating I put 33" E-range Duratracs on my Tahoe. The ride quality instantly became crap and I lost 2.5mpg. A few years later when Goodyear released D-range Duratracs in that size I switched immediately and got stock ride quality back and gained 1.5mpg back.

The stock 32" Duratrac on the TB weighs 41lbs which is INCREDIBLY light for that size and type of tire. That makes it really difficult to go larger and not add a bunch of weight. Sticking to C-rated tires is imperative unless you want to really ruin the experience. Our trucks do a pretty great job on efficiency given their size...I'm still seeing 16-17mpg city despite 35's and a high-clearance steel front bumper...but I was really careful to keep rotational weight down as much as I could.