Do I Need a Suspension Lift to Fit 35s on Chevy Silverado?

Why Would I Need a Suspension Lift?

We’ve done some trawling of the interwebs and have gleaned that the maximum tire you can comfortably fix to a stock Silverado is a 32-inch one. Some users have reported fitting 33s with no issues, but those who regularly load their truck near its maximum payload have reported that a leveling kit was required. This is usually done to prevent the tires from rubbing and interfering with the wheel arches, as well as suspension components. Naturally, none of these things are good for the tire, and if they occur, can result in a blowout.

Of course, that means that a suspension lift is a must when fitting 35-inch tires to your Chevy Silverado. Again, our internet detectives have found that a 4-inch lift has been reported to be the best place to start. They’ve also found that some trimming was still required in order to obtain full articulation of the axles. Articulation is important when you’re in tricky off-road situations that see the wheels at extreme angles. Your Silverado can handle it with stock tires, but when you upsize to 35s, there’s a chance that they will catch on the wheel arches. And the last thing you want is a blown tire while driving across some rocks or in a thickly wooded area.

Some people say that a 6-inch suspension lift will negate the need for any trimming. However, bear in mind that your truck will be sitting quite high off the ground. Of course, you’ll gain ground clearance, which is great for off-roading. But, when you’re tooling around in town, you’ll suddenly have to climb into your truck rather than easily ease into it. Therefore, some side steps may be in order. Your family will not be pleased either. And if you’ve got small children or elderly parents, you might want to buy a minivan or a regular, unmodified SUV for them to travel in. So, if a lift kit is your chosen path, here’s our selection for you to pick from.

Will I Need to Do Some Trimming of the Wheel Arches?

As per the answers above, most likely, yes, you will, unless you go for a suspension lift of at least 6 inches. Trimming wheel arches isn’t a trivial job, so it’s always best to get a competent workshop to do it.

Will I Need New Wheels?

Most likely, yes. Your existing wheels may not be able to accommodate 35s. But you can rest easy, because we’ve got some great wheel and tire packages for you to peruse. We’ve got packages with 32-inch and 33-inch wheels as well, just in case you change your mind.

Should I Re-Gear My Silverado When I Fit 35s?

Yes you’ll definitely need to re-gear your Silverado. Larger wheels mean that your engine will have to work harder to turn them. This will result in lower acceleration, poor fuel economy, and increased powertrain temperatures. Re-gearing ensures that your engine can operate within its powerband again and at the most efficient level.

What About My Speedometer?

You’ll definitely need to recalibrate your speedometer. That’s because for each revolution of the larger tire, your Silverado will travel further. So, your speedometer will actually read lower than the actual road speed of your truck. That means your truck won’t be roadworthy. More critically, you could easily get a speeding ticket because your vehicle is traveling faster than your speedometer indicates. Nobody likes that unpleasant surprise.

Will I Need to Change My Driving Style?

Yes, you will, on the road. Bear in mind that your truck will now sit higher and have more momentum too. So, you’ll need to anticipate your braking accordingly, as well as be aware of your blind spots.

What Are the Alternatives to Avoid These?

Thankfully, there are some useful alternatives towards fitting 35-inch tires, that do away with, or minimize many of the above effects. These include:

• Choosing smaller tires. Our research shows that a 32-inch tire is the safest avenue if you don’t want to dabble in suspension lifts or leveling kits. If you don’t load your truck to levels near its payload capacity, you might be able to install 33-inch tires.
• Installing extra underbody protection. If you can’t clear obstacles, you can at least protect your vehicle’s undercarriage from their effects. This is where skid plates and rock crawlers can be very useful.
• Knowing your limits. Your Silverado isn’t an SUV. It’s got a fairly long wheelbase and decent overhangs at the front and rear. So, your approach, departure and break-over angles aren’t going to be top dog. Knowing this, and choosing your trails is the smartest thing to do.

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Here at AmericanTrucks, as the name suggests, we’re all about trucks. Whether it’s a Chevy, Dodge, Ford, GMC or RAM, we’ll have something exciting for it. Whether it’s accessories, wheels, suspension, brakes, performance or anything else relating to trucks, we’ve got it. You can also talk to our experts and find out what’s best for your truck. Oh, and we offer any applicable warranties, for maximum peace of mind.