Can you put 33 inch tires on a stock Silverado?
Yes—it's often possible to fit 33-inch tires on a Silverado, but not without caveats. Most stock trucks will either rub or require changes such as leveling or a small lift, and you may experience changes to speedometer accuracy and braking performance.
The feasibility depends on the exact model year, trim, wheel size, and suspension setup. This article explains what to expect, how to determine your Silverado’s readiness, and practical steps to fit 33-inch tires safely if you choose to proceed.
Fitment Realities by Model Year
Generational differences and practical outcomes
Chevrolet Silverado trucks from recent generations typically ride with overall tire diameters in the low 30s of inches, depending on wheel size and tire width. Moving up to 33 inches can be feasible for many trims, but often requires some modification—most commonly a leveling kit or a small lift—to prevent rubbing at full steering lock and during suspension compression. The exact clearance and need for modifications vary by year, drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), and the factory wheel/tire package.
Checklist Before You Buy
Here’s a quick checklist to assess whether 33-inch tires can fit on your stock Silverado without unexpected issues.
- Confirm your stock wheel size, width, and offset for your exact year and trim.
- Measure clearance at full steering lock and with the suspension at its typical ride height to anticipate rubbing points (front fenders, inner wells, control arms).
- Evaluate whether a leveling kit (often 1–2 inches) or a small lift is likely needed for sufficient front clearance.
- Check brake caliper and rotor clearance with the intended tire width, especially on larger-diameter wheels.
- Consider the impact on the speedometer, gearing, and transmission tuning; taller tires can skew readings and performance.
- Plan for a professional alignment after any tire/wheel change or suspension adjustment.
- Understand potential impacts on warranty and insurance coverage; some modifications may affect factory warranties.
In short, feasibility hinges on wheel offset, fender clearance, and the ability to accommodate a taller tire without rubbing, plus the potential need for suspension adjustments and software recalibration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting 33-Inch Tires
If you decide to proceed, follow these steps to maximize the chances of a safe and durable fit.
- Choose the tire diameter and width carefully (for example, 33x10.5 or 33x12.5) and select wheels with appropriate width and offset to fit inside the fenders.
- Assess whether a leveling kit or a small lift is necessary to provide adequate front clearance and maintain suspension geometry.
- Source wheels that match the desired tire size and offer the correct offset to avoid rubbing with the steering and suspension components.
- Install the leveling kit or lift if required, then mount the tires and wheels and perform a test fit at full steering lock and with the suspension compressed.
- Recalibrate the speedometer and, if needed, consult a tuner/programmer to compensate for the change in overall tire diameter.
- Have the vehicle aligned by a qualified shop to ensure proper toe and camber settings after the change.
- Check for rubbing in all driving conditions, including rough roads and steep climbs; re-evaluate wheel offset or trim if necessary.
- Review warranty and coverage implications with your dealer or the manufacturer, especially if you plan further modifications.
- Test drive and monitor for changes in braking response, steering effort, and overall ride quality; adjust as needed.
With careful planning and proper components, a 33-inch tire setup can be accomplished on many Silverado models, but not all configurations are guaranteed to fit without some modification or compromises.
Summary
Bottom line: You can often fit 33-inch tires on a stock Silverado, but it usually requires attention to wheel size and offset, potential leveling or a small lift, and a few ancillary changes such as speedometer recalibration and a professional alignment. Always verify clearance on your exact model year and trim, and consult a qualified shop to confirm feasibility and safety before purchasing tires.
Will 33x12.5 fit stock Silverado 1500?
Yes, 33x12.5 tires will fit on a stock Silverado 1500, but they will likely cause some rubbing, especially at full turn, and may require minor modifications. The fitment can also depend on the specific year, trim level, and wheel offset.
Potential fitment issues
- Rubbing: Expect some rubbing, particularly on the upper control arm at full lock and on the front fender liner or pinch weld under articulation or full-lock turns.
- Tire width: The 12.5-inch width is wide and can be the primary cause of rubbing with stock wheels.
- Wheel offset: The wheel's offset can affect clearance. A wheel that sits more flush or slightly outside the fender can increase the chance of rubbing.
Possible solutions
- Minor trimming: Some drivers report needing to trim the front fender liner or perform minor "pinch weld" work to eliminate rubbing.
- Adding spacers: Small wheel spacers can push the tire out, creating more clearance from the control arm, but this can also increase the rubbing on the fender liner.
- Installing a leveling kit: A 1-2 inch leveling kit provides the necessary clearance to significantly reduce or eliminate rubbing, even with 33x12.5 tires.
- Consider narrower tires: If you want to avoid any modifications, a narrower tire, such as a 33x10.5, is less likely to cause rubbing.
Will 33 inch tires fit on a stock Silverado?
Yeah. Stock is basically 33s anyways.
How much lift do I need for 33 inch tires in Silverado?
A 2.5 to 3-inch leveling kit is typically sufficient to fit 33-inch tires on a Silverado, especially with a 2WD model, and some users report fitting them even on stock suspension with minor rubbing. For 4WD models, a 3-inch front lift is a common choice to prevent rubbing, especially with a wider tire or aftermarket wheel offset. For a guaranteed fit with more clearance or to avoid trimming, a 4-inch or larger lift kit is the most reliable option.
Lift size guide
- 2.5-3 inch leveling kit: This is often enough for 33-inch tires, especially with stock wheels or a low-offset wheel.
- Considerations: You may encounter minor rubbing at full lock, particularly when reversing, depending on your specific truck model and wheel offset. A 2.5-inch leveling kit will provide enough clearance for most 33-inch tires without rubbing, but some trimming might be needed.
- 4 inch or larger lift kit: This is a very safe option that will ensure 33-inch tires fit without rubbing and provides good clearance for both street and off-road driving.
- Considerations: This is the best option if you have wide tires or an aggressive wheel offset. It will also allow you to fit even larger tires like 35s.
Other considerations
- Wheel offset: A more negative offset can cause the tire to rub more, even with a lift.
- Tire width: A narrower tire (e.g., 10.510.510.5-inch wide) is more likely to fit with a leveling kit than a wider one (e.g., 12.512.512.5-inch wide).
- Upper control arms: If you choose a lift kit over 2 inches, consider upgrading your upper control arms to improve alignment and suspension performance.
- Model year: Check with the lift kit manufacturer to ensure compatibility with your Silverado model year.
What is the biggest size tire for a stock Silverado 1500?
The biggest tire you can fit on a stock Silverado 1500 without modification is approximately a 33-inch tire, such as a 285/70R17285 / 70 cap R 17285/70𝑅17 or a 305/60R18305 / 60 cap R 18305/60𝑅18. Some users report minor rubbing on a 33-inch tire at full lock, while larger tires, like a 343434-inch tire (275/65R20275 / 65 cap R 20275/65𝑅20), may require minor trimming of mud flaps or the inner fender liner.
Tire sizes to consider
- ~33-inch tires: These are generally considered the largest size that can be fitted to a stock Silverado 1500 without rubbing.
- For 17-inch wheels, a 285/70R17285 / 70 cap R 17285/70𝑅17 is a popular option, measuring about 32.8 inches in diameter.
- For 18-inch wheels, a 305/60R18305 / 60 cap R 18305/60𝑅18 is a good choice, measuring about 32.4 inches in diameter.
- Larger tires (34-inch or more):
- A 343434-inch tire, such as a 275/65R20275 / 65 cap R 20275/65𝑅20, may fit but could cause minor rubbing at full lock, especially on the mud flaps or the inner fender liner.
- Some users have fit these larger tires by making minor modifications like trimming the mud flaps.
- A 35-inch tire typically requires a lift or leveling kit to avoid significant rubbing.
What to consider
- Trim levels: The exact tire size that fits will vary slightly depending on the truck's trim level and wheel size, according to sources like RealTruck and Goodyear Tires.
- Wheel offset: The offset of your wheels can affect tire clearance. Using stock wheels is recommended for the largest possible fit. Using wheels with a negative offset could increase the risk of rubbing.
- Tire type: A heavier-duty or more aggressive all-terrain tire might have a wider tread and be more likely to rub than a less aggressive tire of the same size. It's a good idea to stay within the recommendations of the tire manufacturer to ensure proper fit and clearance.
