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Can you fit 35 inch tires on a stock F-150?

Yes—only on select F-150 trims does Ford ship with 35-inch tires from the factory, most notably the F-150 Raptor. On most other trims, running 35s is not a stock option and would require modifications such as a lift, proper wheels, and possibly bodywork or recalibration.


Factory-fit 35-inch tires: which F-150s come with them


Some F-150 variants are designed around larger tires and come with them from the factory. Here are the models that typically wear 35-inch tires as part of their stock setup.



  • F-150 Raptor: equipped with 315/70R17 tires, roughly 35 inches in diameter, designed for off-road performance.


In practice, the Raptor line is the primary source of true factory 35-inch fitment on the F-150 lineup. Other trims generally use smaller tires—often around 33–34 inches—and do not come with 35s from the factory. If factory 35s are important, the Raptor family is the primary option.


What it takes to fit 35s on a non-Raptor F-150


If you want 35-inch tires on a non-Raptor F-150, you’ll typically need significant modifications to create enough clearance and maintain safe handling. Here are the main steps and considerations.



  • Suspension lift or leveling kit to gain adequate clearance between the tire and the body/suspension components.

  • Proper wheel backspacing and offset to avoid rubbing on control arms, fenders, and the frame.

  • Potential fender trimming or inner fender liner modification to clear the wider tires at full articulation.

  • Recalibration of the speedometer (and sometimes ABS/traction control) to account for the larger overall tire diameter.

  • Assessment of drivetrain and warranty implications, plus possible impact on braking performance and fuel economy.


Modifying a non-Raptor F-150 to run 35s is a common aftermarket path, but results vary by year, cab/bed configuration, and whether a four-wheel-drive system is in use. Professional installation and alignment are strongly recommended to avoid safety risks.


Bottom line


The straightforward answer is that 35-inch tires are factory-fit only on the F-150 Raptor in most recent years. For other F-150s, 35s require suspension and body modifications, precise wheel sizing, and recalibration—each of which carries cost, risk, and potential warranty considerations. If you want the look and capability of 35s with minimal modification, choose a Raptor; if you already own a different F-150, plan for a full upfit with professional guidance.


Summary


In short, you can indeed run 35-inch tires on certain stock F-150 models (notably the Raptor). For the rest of the lineup, achieving 35-inch tire fitment requires aftermarket modifications, careful planning, and professional installation to ensure proper clearance, alignment, and safety. Always weigh the performance benefits against costs and potential warranty implications.

Will 35x12-50 fit on stock F-150?


No, 35x12.50 tires will not fit on a stock F-150 without modification; you will likely experience rubbing on the control arms, crash bars, or wheel wells. To fit 35x12.50 tires, you will need at least a 2.5-inch leveling kit, but even then, some trimming of the crash bars and valance is often necessary, especially with the wider 12.5-inch width.
 
Necessary modifications for 35x12.50 tires 

  • Leveling kit: A 2.5-inch leveling kit is the minimum requirement to provide enough clearance for the front suspension and wheel well. 
  • Trimming: You will likely need to trim the front crash bars and front valance to prevent rubbing, particularly at full steering lock. 
  • Wheel offset: Stock wheels have a high positive offset (+44) which can cause the tire to rub the upper control arm. Aftermarket wheels with a lower offset will require more clearance, making trimming more necessary. 
  • Tire type: Narrower 35-inch tires or all-terrain tires may fit with less rubbing than aggressive mud-terrain tires with the same width. 

Why 35x12.50 tires don't fit on a stock F-150
  • Factory ride height: The F-150 is designed for a factory height and wheel well clearance, which is not enough to clear a 35-inch tire without rubbing. 
  • Width: The 12.5-inch width is often the primary cause of rubbing, especially on the upper control arm, even with a leveling kit. 



Will 35 fit on a stock F-150?


No, 35-inch tires will not fit on a stock F-150 without modifications due to rubbing. To fit 35s, you will need a leveling kit or lift kit, along with some trimming of the front crash bars and wheel well components, especially if you have a wider tire.
 
Modifications needed

  • Leveling or lift kit: A leveling kit (around 2.52.52.5 inches) is the minimum recommended, but a small lift kit will provide more clearance. 
  • Trimming: You will almost certainly need to trim the front plastic valance, wheel well liner, and potentially the crash bars (on 2015-2020 models) to prevent rubbing. 
  • Wheels: Aftermarket wheels with a negative offset can increase rubbing, so consider keeping the stock wheels or using an aftermarket wheel with a positive offset to minimize issues. 

This video shows a 2024 F-150 with 35-inch tires on factory wheels: 1mChase GentryYouTube · Nov 9, 2024
Fitting 35-inch tires
  • Tire width: A narrower 35-inch tire, such as a 35x11.50, is more likely to fit with minimal rubbing compared to a wider 35x12.50, especially on stock wheels. 
  • Tire type: All-terrain tires are less likely to cause rubbing than more aggressive mud-terrain tires. 
  • Year of F-150: Newer F-150 models (2021 and newer) have more wheel well clearance, but fitting 35s without rubbing will still require some modifications. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of 35-inch tires with and without a leveling kit on an F-150: 54sAmericanTrucks FordYouTube · Feb 9, 2021



What is the biggest tire you can fit on a stock F-150?


The biggest tires you can fit on a stock F-150 without any modifications are typically around 33 inches in diameter, such as a 33x11.5 or 285/70R18, which can fit on 18" or 20" wheels. For some models, a larger 35-inch tire may fit on stock wheels with the factory offset, but larger tires will likely cause rubbing issues with suspension or the front bumper. Fitting 35-inch tires usually requires at least a 2.5-inch lift or leveling kit.
 
For stock F-150s with no modifications

  • 33-inch tires: A popular and common fit is a 33x11.5 inch tire, like on an 18x9-inch wheel with a zero offset, which is unlikely to cause rubbing issues on the front bumper or suspension components. 
  • Tire size examples:
    • 285/70R18 
    • 275/70R18 

For stock wheels (factory offset)
  • Some 2021 F-150 models with stock wheels and factory offset can fit a 34.5x12.5 tire or a 285/75R20 (a 35x11.5 inch tire), but this is often a tight fit and depends on the wheel offset.
  • Maintaining a stock offset is key to preventing rubbing. 

For stock F-150s with a lift or leveling kit 
  • 35-inch tires: A 2.5-inch lift or leveling kit is often the minimum recommended modification to fit 35-inch tires without rubbing. 
  • Other modifications: To fit larger tires (over 35 inches) and maintain proper function, you may need to adjust or replace other suspension components. 



What size lift is needed for 35 inch tires?


A 3.5 to 6-inch lift is generally required for 35-inch tires, although a smaller lift of 2.5 to 3 inches may work with some trimming, especially for lighter off-road use. The necessary lift height depends on the specific vehicle model, its existing suspension (independent front suspension or solid front axle), and how much you plan to modify the fenders and wheel wells. 
Lift size recommendations

  • 2.5 to 3 inches: This is a good option for light off-roading or if you are willing to do some fender trimming. It offers a nice balance for daily driving. 
  • 3.5 to 4 inches: This size offers more clearance, making it a better choice for more moderate trail use and is often sufficient for clearing 35s without extensive modification. 
  • 6 inches: This is a popular option for a more aggressive stance and significant clearance, often for larger tires. 

Other factors to consider
  • Vehicle model: Some newer vehicles, like the Ford Bronco, can accommodate 35-inch tires with minimal to no lift. 
  • Fender and wheel well clearance: You may need to trim the fenders or wheel wells to prevent rubbing, especially with smaller lifts. 
  • Other components: Larger lifts may require additional modifications, such as a differential drop, adjustable control arms, or new driveshafts to maintain proper angles and prevent damage to other components. 
  • Offset: The wheel's offset will also impact clearance, with a more negative offset (moving the wheel further out) potentially requiring more clearance. 
  • Tire width: The actual width of the tire can vary by brand, so check the specific tire's dimensions before purchasing. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.