Wheel & Tire Fitment FAQs | SSD Motorsports

Common Questions About Wheel & Tire Selection

What size wheels and tires fit my vehicle?

Proper wheel and tire fitment depends on several factors:

• Vehicle year, make, and model
• Current suspension setup (stock, lifted, leveled, or lowered)
• Intended use (daily driver, off-road, show, etc.)
• Personal preference for stance and appearance

For the most accurate recommendation:

• Use our Vehicle Fitment Guide to browse compatible options
• Contact our fitment experts at (661) 310-2661
• Visit our Bakersfield shop for a personalized consultation

What's the difference between wheel offset and backspacing?

Wheel Offset is the distance from the wheel's mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel, measured in millimeters:

• Positive offset: The mounting surface is toward the outside face (common on newer vehicles)
• Zero offset: The mounting surface is even with the centerline
• Negative offset: The mounting surface is toward the inside face (creates a more aggressive stance)

Backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface to the inside lip of the wheel, measured in inches.

Both measurements are critical for proper fitment, clearance, and appearance.

Will I need wheel spacers or adapters?

You might need spacers or adapters if:

• You're keeping factory wheels but want a wider stance
• You need additional clearance for larger brake calipers
• You're using wheels designed for a different bolt pattern
• You want to adjust the offset of your current wheels

Spacers and adapters should be:

• High quality with proper materials
• Correctly sized for your application
• Professionally installed with proper torque specifications
• Used only when necessary for proper fitment

Can I run larger tires with my stock suspension?

Limited tire size increases are possible with stock suspension, typically:

• 1-2" larger than OEM on most trucks
• Often requires minor trimming or level kit
• May affect speedometer accuracy

Factors that limit tire size on stock suspension:

• Fender clearance during compression
• Clearance during full steering lock
• Rubbing on suspension components
• Factory backspacing and offset limitations

For significant tire size increases, we recommend appropriate suspension modifications.

How do I choose the right wheel width and offset?

The ideal wheel width and offset depend on:

• Vehicle type and suspension setup
• Desired tire width
• Intended use (street, off-road, show)
• Desired stance (flush, tucked, aggressive)

General guidelines:

• Wider tires need wider wheels for proper support
• More negative offset increases track width
• Excessive negative offset may stress suspension components
• Too much positive offset may cause rubbing on suspension

Our fitment experts can help determine the perfect specifications for your specific setup.

Do I need new TPMS sensors with new wheels?

When purchasing new wheels:

• Factory TPMS sensors can often be transferred to new wheels
• Some specialty wheels may require different sensor types
• Sensors typically need new valve stems and service kits when transferred
• Sensors have battery life limitations (usually 5-7 years)

We offer:

• TPMS sensor transfer services
• New OEM or aftermarket TPMS sensors
• Programming and synchronization with your vehicle

Will aftermarket wheels affect my vehicle's handling?

Wheel changes can affect handling based on:

• Weight difference from factory wheels
• Width and offset changes
• Center of gravity changes
• Unsprung weight effects

Properly selected wheels can:

• Improve responsiveness (with lighter wheels)
• Enhance cornering stability (with proper width and offset)
• Provide better traction with appropriate tire selection
• Maintain or improve ride quality

Our experts ensure your wheel selection optimizes both appearance and performance.

What's the largest tire I can fit with a 2" lift?

Typical maximum tire sizes with a 2" lift:

• Full-size trucks: 33-34" tires
• Jeep Wrangler: 33-35" tires
• Mid-size trucks: 32-33" tires
• SUVs: Varies by model

Factors affecting maximum tire size:

• Vehicle make/model and generation
• Wheel offset and backspacing
• Fender trimming availability
• Bumper and suspension design
• Intended use and articulation needs

For the most accurate recommendation for your specific vehicle, contact our fitment specialists.

Do I need special lug nuts for aftermarket wheels?

Most aftermarket wheels require specific lug nuts:

• Factory lug nuts are typically designed for factory wheels
• Aftermarket wheels may have different seat types (conical, flat, etc.)
• Chrome wheels often require chrome lug nuts to prevent galvanic corrosion
• Proper length is essential for safety

We include appropriate lug nuts with complete wheel packages and ensure proper torque during installation.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Recommended tire rotation intervals:

• Standard highway tires: Every 5,000-7,000 miles
• All-terrain tires: Every 5,000-8,000 miles
• Mud-terrain tires: Every 4,000-6,000 miles
• Performance tires: Every 5,000-7,000 miles

Factors affecting rotation needs:

• Driving conditions and style
• Vehicle alignment
• Suspension modifications
• Tire type and design

Regular rotation ensures even wear, maximum tread life, and optimal performance.

What's the proper tire pressure for my vehicle?

Proper tire pressure depends on:

• Vehicle manufacturer recommendations (door jamb sticker)
• Tire size and load rating
• Vehicle loading conditions
• Driving conditions and terrain

For most modified trucks and Jeeps:

• Street driving: Follow door jamb recommendation adjusted for tire size
• Off-road use: Often reduced by 5-15 PSI depending on terrain
• Towing/hauling: Typically increased to handle additional load

We provide specific pressure recommendations with all tire purchases based on your vehicle and usage.