35 x 12.5 tires on factory Willy's wheels - Costco says NO...

[UnklG517]

I purchased a set of Firestone 35x12.5 from Costco while they were on sale. Initially I was concerned about the tires fitting on the 17x7.5 factory Willy's wheel. 7.5 is the minimum width for a wheel with 12.5 tire per the spec. I did a little research and figured I would be ok; if I didn't like the look I would just get some new wheels...

So in preparation for the 35"s, I installed the Teraflex 1.5" level kit that's been sitting in my garage for almost a year. Although it took me a little longer than the 2hr recommended timeframe, I got it done!! Now it's time to get the tires put on!

Arrived at Costco for my registered appointment time, and they were already anxious about the install. The manager called me out to look at one of the tires he had rolled up along the front tire. His concern was the 12.5 width would not work. It would rub and / or limit turn radius on front, and rub the inner fender on the rear. Ultimately we ended up holding off on the install until I had time to look into it further.

What say you all?!?

Sponsored

 

[Supazuk]

I never bring my vehicle, just the rims and tires, I don't even tell them what it's going on! Fitment and liability are my problem

 

[Pilsner]

I got tires at Costco once. Once. They fought me because the tire size wasn't listed on the door. I'm not arguing with a Costco tire tech about what I do with my vehicle. Go to Discount. They know what they are doing and will price match Costco or anyone else.

 

[Pilsner]

I never bring my vehicle, just the rims and tires, I don't even tell them what it's going on! Fitment and liability are my problem

That is what they wanted me to do. I'm not doing that. WAY easier to go somewhere else.

 

[Okie Gladiator]

Throw one on the front…move that steering wheel around and see what you’re working with. Manager wouldn’t do that? Seems like they’d do that first and then show you and ask ya what ya want to do from there.

anyways…I’ve seen several posts in the forum saying folks have done it and been fine. Maybe air down psi a little for a good contact patch and better wear pattern….maybe a slight rub on LCA at full lock…but if you know that you can avoid that in your driving habits or do a spacer later. Maybe trim a little in the wheel well plastic.

I ran them on stock rubicon and wheels and no issues. Mickey Thompson Baja legends mtz.

 

[UnklG517]

I got tires at Costco once. Once. They fought me because the tire size wasn't listed on the door. I'm not arguing with a Costco tire tech about what I do with my vehicle. Go to Discount. They know what they are doing and will price match Costco or anyone else.

They were real nice about it. He just didn't want to fool with them I think. Looking for an excuse.

I had called Discount to confirm the 12.5 would be ok on the 7.5 wheel. Did not realize they price match. They are closer to me anyways. Might check them out. Thanks!

 

[UnklG517]

Throw one on the front…move that steering wheel around and see what you’re working with. Manager wouldn’t do that? Seems like they’d do that first and then show you and ask ya what ya want to do from there.

anyways…I’ve seen several posts in the forum saying folks have done it and been fine. Maybe air down psi a little for a good contact patch and better wear pattern….maybe a slight rub on LCA at full lock…but if you know that you can avoid that in your driving habits or do a spacer later. Maybe trim a little in the wheel well plastic.

I ran them on stock rubicon and wheels and no issues. Mickey Thompson Baja legends mtz.

Seems logical. Didn't think about that TBH. Factory tire is 10.04" wide; the Firestone's are 12.5". So it should only add an 1" to the inside. I did stick my hand inside the rear factory tire. There's not much room in between factory tire and fender well.

 

[Jefe1018]

As others have said, check out Discount. They just beat an amazing deal I found on Patagonia's for me that was > $100/tire.

 

[Janster]

So, you drove in to Costco?? That’s probably why they were concerned.
Knowing you’d be driving off the lot with **their install** - They don’t want to be held responsible for any issues ’rubbing’ etc.

If the tires were on sale…… throw them in the back of the truck and take them elsewhere for installing. ….Or as others have said…Price match.

I’m sure Costco gets a lot of people who are clueless and try to blame it on them.

 

[shawnebell]

I've got a Sport S (with Max Tow ... if you have Max's Toe you must always announce you've got it; sort of like inserting into every conversation that you went to Harvard if you went there, or alerting everyone you're going to lunch with that you're vegan, not vegetarian. There are rules.) and I put on 35x12.5s no problem, no lift, just the metal bumper with the endcaps removed.

 

[PuddleJumper]

I purchased a set of Firestone 35x12.5 from Costco while they were on sale. Initially I was concerned about the tires fitting on the 17x7.5 factory Willy's wheel. 7.5 is the minimum width for a wheel with 12.5 tire per the spec. I did a little research and figured I would be ok; if I didn't like the look I would just get some new wheels...

So in preparation for the 35"s, I installed the Teraflex 1.5" level kit that's been sitting in my garage for almost a year. Although it took me a little longer than the 2hr recommended timeframe, I got it done!! Now it's time to get the tires put on!

Arrived at Costco for my registered appointment time, and they were already anxious about the install. The manager called me out to look at one of the tires he had rolled up along the front tire. His concern was the 12.5 width would not work. It would rub and / or limit turn radius on front, and rub the inner fender on the rear. Ultimately we ended up holding off on the install until I had time to look into it further.

What say you all?!?

I put 37x12.5 on stock sport OE wheels with no lift. You'll be fine.

 

[DesertDog]

I got tires at Costco once. Once. They fought me because the tire size wasn't listed on the door. I'm not arguing with a Costco tire tech about what I do with my vehicle. Go to Discount. They know what they are doing and will price match Costco or anyone else.

Same. I really like Costco, but they won’t risk an inch on liability. I left and went to Discount and they treated me great for about the same money.

 

[Lukasz]

It’s a liability issue.

Your tire is out of spec for your rim. If you ever get in a major accident, your insurance company may try to blame that. When that happens, you will likely blame the installer.

 

[BennieD]

Well, what you can do and what you should do is two different things. I ran spacers when I had 11.5 inch wide 35s on stock wheels to keep them from scrubbing. When I moved to 12.5 I moved to Method offset beadlocks that do not require spacers and accommodate 12.5 nicely. You may never have an issue and that would be great, but having an issue in the woods is not fun. If you air down, it is more likely not come off with stock wheels etc. So, if you are comfortable going with the minimum width of wheel with them, go for it. If not invest in better wheels!

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I'm surprised Costco will even consider installing a size other than stock.

Sam's Club wouldn't for me.

Sponsored