Ram 1500 35/11.50r17 With -12 Offset: To start, let’s decode what “35/11.50R17 with –12 offset” means, and why it matters for a Ram 1500.
- 35/11.50R17 means the tire is nominally ~35 inches in overall diameter, with a width of ~11.50 inches, and fits on a 17-inch wheel.
- Offset of –12 mm means the mounting face of the wheel is shifted 12 mm outward (toward the fender) relative to the wheel’s center plane — this is an aggressive negative offset, pushing the wheel + tire further out.
- On a Ram 1500 (especially newer “DT” generation) the stock wheel sizes are typically 18, 20, or 22 inch versions.
- Because these 35-inch tires are much larger than stock, a lot of clearance, suspension, and fender geometry must be considered.
So combining a wide tire + aggressive negative offset = a setup that will likely push the tire out from the fender quite a bit — which can create rubbing, stress, and require modifications.
Fitment Challenges & Required Modifications
Putting 35/11.50R17 tires on a Ram 1500 with –12 offset is ambitious. Here are the major fitment issues and what you’ll likely need to address:
1. Fender & Wheel Well Clearance
The increased tire width and outward offset will push the tire lips closer to (or beyond) the fender edges. You may need to trim, roll, or flare the fenders to prevent rubbing when turning or under suspension compression.
The factory inner liners or liners behind the wheel wells could interfere—some trimming or removal might be necessary.
2. Suspension / Lift / Leveling
- Most Ram 1500s will need a lift or leveling kit to gain vertical clearance (front or rear) so the 35s don’t hit control arms, sway bars, or shocks.
- Depending on how aggressive the lift is, you may need extended control arms, differential drop kits, or custom components.
3. Backspacing & Wheel Width
With a –12 mm offset, the wheel will likely have aggressive backspacing (the distance from the mounting face to the inside of the rim). You’ll have to choose a wheel width that works with –12 offset without making the tire stick too far out or interfering with brake components or suspension.
The inner contact (steering components, hub, calipers) must be checked — some wheels might hit strut housings or brake lines.
4. Alignment & Steering Geometry
- The large tire diameter changes final drive ratio, speedometer calibration, and geometry.
- You’ll want a proper alignment (camber, toe) to manage tire wear and handling.
- Steering components (tie rods, ball joints) will see additional leverage and stress — ensure they are strong, possibly upgraded.
5. Load & Handling Concerns
- A 35/11.50R17 will be heavier than stock tires, increasing unsprung weight. This affects ride quality, braking, acceleration, and handling.
- Consider upgrading brakes, suspension bushings, and shock absorbers to handle the extra mass and maintain control.
Performance Effects & Pros / Cons
Using 35/11.50R17 with –12 offset on a Ram 1500 will bring both gained advantages and trade-offs. Here’s a balanced look.
Potential Advantages
- Aggressive stance / off-road aesthetic: This setup produces a bold, wide look and an aggressive flush stance.
- Traction & footprint: The wider tire contact patch can improve off-road grip, especially in mud, rocks, or uneven terrain (assuming proper suspension and clearance).
- Tire options: There are tire models that support 35/11.50R17 size, like Nitto Ridge Grappler (listed for 35×11.50R17)
- Articulation & sidewall flex: On rough trails, large tires can help absorb bumps and allow more articulation with proper setup.
Trade-offs / Disadvantages
- Fuel economy drop: Larger, heavier tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder.
- Speedometer / gearing discrepancies: Your speedometer will read slow relative to true speed unless recalibrated.
- Acceleration & braking: The heavier weight reduces acceleration, and brakes must work harder to slow down the load.
- Handling / body roll: More unsprung mass can worsen body roll, especially in fast cornering.
- Potential for rub / interference: Without adequate clearance or modifications, rubbing on fenders, control arms, or inner wells is likely.
- Wear & durability: Tires may wear unevenly if alignment isn’t perfect. Also, wheels with extreme offsets endure stress at the bead or hub mounting points.
Real-World Examples & Community Insights
What do real Ram 1500 owners say about running 35×11.50R17 tires and aggressive offsets?
- On Reddit, one user claimed: “I’ve got 35/11.50R17 on my 2014 stock height, no rubbing anywhere.”
- Others caution that you may need “at least a 3 inch suspension lift to get 35s under there comfortably.”
- Forums also discuss use of wheel spacers or negative offsets to push wheels out, but warn about hub stress, vibration, and load on bearings. For example, in a thread about 35×11.50×17 tires on a Ram 3500, users debated whether spacers or offset changes were necessary.
These real-world stories suggest that while it is possible in some setups, it often requires careful adjustment, modification, and acceptance of trade-offs.
How to Choose Wheels & Tires for This Setup (Recommended Specs)
If you plan to build this setup, here’s what to aim for when selecting tires and wheels:
| Component | Recommended Specification / Consideration |
|---|---|
| Wheel Width | Typically 8.5″ to 10.5″ rims accommodate 11.50″ widths; choose one that gives enough clearance inner & outer |
| Offset / Backspacing | –12 mm is aggressive; ensure inner clearance and outer fender alignment |
| Bolt Pattern & Hub Bore | Must match Ram 1500’s pattern (e.g. 5 × 139.7 mm on DT generation) and hub bore |
| Tire Load Rating | Look for E or greater load rating at highway speeds |
| Tire Models | Nitto Ridge Grappler is a known option in 35×11.50R17 size |
| Spacer / Adapter Use | If required, use hub-centric, high-quality spacers to maintain alignment and reduce vibration |
| Clearance Verification | Mock up before final installation: test full lock, body compression, articulation |
Before committing, modeling the tire + offset using a fitment tool or app (3D mockups) is highly recommended.
If you like, I can find actual wheel + tire packages that are available in the 35×11.50R17 size with –12 offset, and show you best options (brands, prices) you could order.
