Using bigger tires has been subjected to all the hype recently. I mean why not since it provides improved traction with a better apperance. But a bigger tire isn’t always compatible with all vehicles.
So, is it possible to fit 20×12 on 37s tires?
Yes, it’s possible to fit 37s tires to a 20×12 wheel. This combination is commonly used on off-road vehicles and trucks, as it provides increased ground clearance and a more aggressive stance. However, note that tire and wheel sizes can vary depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle and isn’t always compatible.
This is just a short overview of the entire discussion on whether these tires fit the designated wheel size or not. There are more information present below.
So, let’s dive right in!
Is a 20×12 Wheel on a 37s Tire a Good Choice?
Just like figuring out whether a 33 inch tires is ideal for 16 inch rims, determining the compatibility of 20×12 wheel with 37s tires is hard. Generally, fitting a 37s tire on a 20×12 wheel is overall a good choice if the exact make and model of your car allows it.
“20×12 on 37s” typically means a wheel size of 20 inches in diameter and 12 inches in width, paired with a tire size of 37 inches in diameter. Numerous benefits can be gained from fitting your 20×12 wheels with 37s tires.
However, before fitting the tires, make sure that your vehicl is capable of fitting these sorts of large tires. Often times vehicles cannot possibly fit a 37s tire. So, make sure to check the user manual of your car before fitting the 37s tires.
Moreover, sometimes modifications like the suspension lift, body lift, extended brake lines and much more are needed to actually fit the 37s tires to your 20×12 wheels.
What Modifications Do You Need for Fitting 37s Tires on 20×12 Wheels?
Whether it be pairing a 37 inch tires with 16 inch rims or pairing 37s tire with 20×12 wheels, it’a important to conduct proper research beforehand. It’s because you may need some modifications to actually get the job done.
When fitting 37-inch tires on 20×12 wheels, some modifications may be required to ensure proper fitment and prevent rubbing or clearance issues. Here are some potential modifications that may be necessary:
- Suspension Lift: A suspension lift may be required to increase the distance between the vehicle’s body and the ground, providing clearance for the larger tires.
- Body Lift: In addition to a suspension lift, a body lift may be necessary to provide additional clearance between the body and the tires.
- Fender Trimming: Depending on the vehicle’s make and model, trimming the fenders may be necessary to prevent rubbing against the tires.
- Wheel Spacers: If the 20×12 wheels have a high offset, wheel spacers may be needed to push the wheels outwards, providing additional clearance between the tires and the vehicle’s body.
- Extended Brake Lines: A suspension lift may require extended brake lines to accommodate the increased distance between the wheels and the body.
- Steering Upgrades: Larger tires can put additional strain on the vehicle’s steering system, so upgrades such as heavy-duty tie rods, steering stabilizers, or a larger steering box may be necessary.
Remember that these modifications can be very expensive and may require professional installation to ensure proper fitment. So, go forward with the fitting only when you’re properly prepared.
How to Fit a 20×12 Wheel on a 37s Tire?
By this point you’ve probably already decided that you want to fit 37s tires to your 20×12 wheels. If that’s the case then start by gathering few important tools to start the process.
Necessary Tools:
- Tire mounting machine
- Tire balancing machine
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Tire pressure gauge
- 3.5” Lift or jack kit
- Wheel spacers or adapters
Now that you have your tools, you can begin the fitting process.
Step 1: Check Clearance
Start by checking the clearance of the vehicle. To check any clearance issues turn the wheel and check for rubbing against the fenders or other parts of the vehicle. Adjust the suspension or body as necessary to ensure proper clearance.
Step 2: Mount the Tire
After that use a tire mounting machine and a proper tire mounting lubricant to mount the tire onto the 20×12 wheel. Just like determining the maximum tire width that can fit on a 17×9 inch rim, determining the rim of your vehicles is important.
Step 3: Balance the Wheel and Tire
After mounting the tire, balance the wheel and tire using a wheel balancing machine to ensure smooth and safe operation.
Step 4: Install the Wheel
Once the wheel and tire are balanced, install the wheel onto the vehicle using the appropriate lug nuts or bolts and torque specifications.
Step 5: Check for Rubbing and Alignment
After installation, check again for rubbing against the fenders or other parts of the vehicle. Then adjust the suspension or body as necessary.
Also, ensure that the vehicle’s alignment is properly adjusted to ensure safe and optimal performance.
The entire process is described in more detail in this video by Custom Offsets –
What Happens When You Fit a 37s Tire on a 20×12 Wheel?
When you fit a 37-inch tire on a 20×12 wheel, several things may happen ranging from increased traction to changes in handling and ride quality. Some of the things that may happen to your vehicle after installing a 37s tire is given below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Increased Ground Clearance | Clearance Issues |
| Improved Traction | Reduced Fuel Efficiency |
| Better Appearance | Changes to the Speedometer Reading |
| Enhanced Performance | Increased Cost |
It’s important to note that these changes are not applicable for all types of vehicles. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle these changes can vary.
Advantages of Using a 37s Tire on a 20×12 Wheel
Installing a 37s tire on a 20×12 wheel can upgrade your vehicle in more ways than you can imagine. Some of the benefits of this upgrade are givel below.
Increased Ground Clearance:
The larger diameter of the 37-inch tire raises the overall height of the vehicle. This subsequently increases the ground clearance.This can be particularly helpful for off-road enthusiasts who need to navigate rocky or uneven terrain.
Improved Traction:
The wider tire footprint and aggressive tread pattern of the 37-inch tire can provide better traction and grip. So, upgrading to a larger tire is ideal when you plan on particularly driving in off-road conditions.
Better Appearance:
The combination of a 20×12 wheel and 37-inch tire can give a truck or off-road vehicle a more aggressive and eye-catching appearance.
Overall, fitting a 37-inch tire to a 20×12 wheel can give the vehicle a more commanding and imposing appearance. This is specially true when paired with other modifications like a lift kit or fender flares.
Enhanced Performance:
Larger tires can provide improved off-road performance and stability. You can pair it with an appropriate lift kit and suspension upgrades for an even more enhanced performance.
Disadvantages of Using a 37s Tire on a 20×12 Wheel
It’s not always a good idea to use a 37s tire with your 20×12 wheel. Some of the problems you may run into while fitting a 37s tire to a 20×12 wheel are mentioned below.
Clearance Issues:
Depending on the vehicle’s make and model, the wheel’s offset and backspacing, and the tire’s width, the 37-inch tire may rub against the fenders or other parts of the vehicle. This can be particularly noticed when turning or going over bumps. This can cause damage to the tire or the vehicle and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stability.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency:
The larger and heavier 37-inch tire may increase the vehicle’s weight and rolling resistance. This can result in reduced fuel efficiency and increased wear on the drivetrain components.
Changes to Speedometer Reading:
The larger diameter of the 37-inch tire can affect the vehicle’s speedometer reading causing it to read slower than the actual speed.
Increased Cost:
As you’ve read earlier, fitting a 37-inch tire on a 20×12 wheel may require additional modifications to the vehicle’s suspension and body to accommodate the larger tire size. These modifications can be costly. So, only go through with the fitting if your budget allows you to.
The cost can vary from vehicle to vehicle but make sure to quote an average budget for a performance upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the Required Size of a Lift Kit for 37-Inch Tires?
To run the 37s tires, you need more than 3.5” or more of a lift kit. The kit is similar to the 2.5″ kits in terms of contents, except that it doesn’t include top and bottom control arms for both the front and rear. These kits are specifically designed for off-road enthusiasts.
What Size Rims Do You Need for 37″ Tires?
A 37-inch tire can be accommodated well with an 18-inch wide rim, although some individuals might still prefer to use a 17-inch wide rim. It’s important to note that 37-inch tires are wider compared to 35-inch tires. This should be taken into consideration when selecting the appropriate rim width.
What Size Tires Fit 20×12?
A variety of tire sizes can fit on a 20×12 wheel, depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the desired tire performance characteristics. However, some of the most common tire sizes that can fit on a 20×12 wheel are: 33×12.50, 35×12.50, 37×12.50, 38×13.50, 40×13.50.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, fitting 20×12 on 37s tire can be a great choice for off-road enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle’s performance and appearance. With the right modifications, a 37s tire on a 20×12 wheel can provide increased performance.
Lastly, it’s important to maintain proper tire pressure when fitting 37s tires on 20×12 wheels, as this can affect the tire’s overall performance, wear and lifespan.
