I am looking at upgrading my 35 X 13's to a 37 X 12.5. Would like to keep the same wheels but they are only 7.5 and the 37's suggest an 8.5-11 wheel.


How set in stone is that recommendation?

My current 35's suggest a 8.5-13 wheel and I've never had a problem in 3 years w/the 7.5 wheels but these tires are bigger......

 

Very set in stone!

I tried to up size my tires at 3 different shops and they all said NO!

A nice set of cheap black steel wheels shouldnt set you back much if you are going to do it. If you are going to do it that expensively, DO IT RIGHT

 

I understand that the wheel height is crucial to match to the tire but the wheel width seems to be more of a recommendation. They had no problem putting my 35's on the 7.5 wheels even though they are rated for 8.5-13 wheels...

 

You can do it but you want to be carfull that you dont bow the center of the tire and wear it out. they may want to wander also.

 

NOT RECOMMENDED!!! but possible

 

...that may pose a problem is backspacing. Many factory, and some oddball aftermarket wheels in widths less than 8" actually have more backspacing (up to 5") than typical aftermarket aluminum wheels in 8" widths (which have between 4" and 4 5/8" for the most part). This seemingly insignificant anount of backspacing difference can play havoc with turning radius, as the larger tire contacts the frame, leafsprings and/or steering box bolt, depending on 2 or 4WD. I would be just as wary of this as I would be of crowning the tire.


Tim