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What Wheels and Tires Best Fit A Third Generation Dodge Ram 3500?

January 2, 2025


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2005 Dodge Ram 3500 with Pro Comp wheels

2003-2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Wheel, Tire & Suspension Fitment Guide

Known as the workhorse of the Dodge Ram pickup family, the 3500 was made for the jobs that were just too big for the 1500 or 2500. Descended from the Dodge Ram 350, the 3500 was one of the pickups of the brand, along with the 2500 that had the engine upgrade option of the Cummins diesel starting in 1998, which still continues to this day. The 2001 model that was equipped with the Cummins turbocharged diesel with a six-speed transmission was capable of pulling up to 15,000 pounds, which is incredible.

When it comes to building an off-roader, few trucks will be as powerful of a choice as the Dodge Ram 3500. With the right choice of wheels, tires and suspension combined with its unparalleled strength, there won’t be any terrain you can’t conquer. But if you aren’t sure what wheels and tires would be a good fit for your 3500, this fitment guide should be able to shed some light in that regard. Take a look and see what would fit best for your very own Dodge Ram 3500!


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Stock Wheel & Tire Fitment On The Third Generation (2003-2009) Dodge Ram 3500

When coming off the line, the third generation Dodge Ram 3500 came in a stock tire sizing of either 245/70 or 265/70 and wheel sizes of 17x8 or 17x7.5. The bolt pattern found on the 3500 is an 8x6.5 pattern, so you’ll want to make sure that any wheel you want to use on your build fits that particular pattern, otherwise you’ll have to make sure you have an adapter in order to get it to fit properly.

When it comes to choosing the right wheels and tires for off-roading, we’d recommend tire sizes typically between 33-35”, with a recommended maximum of 37 inches. Similarly for wheels, 17 or 18 inches in diameter is best suited for off-roading, although you can make 20 inches work, but won’t want to go any bigger than that. For lift kits, it’s best to stick between 4-5” in general. With suspensions, it’s important to keep suspension geometry in mind. If your suspension isn’t in proper balance, you can cause massive damage to your rig.

2005 Dodge Ram 3500 with BDS Suspension Lift and Moto Metal MO970 wheels

Favorite Third Generation Dodge Ram 3500 Builds From Our Gallery

2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie with Arkon Off-Road Alexander wheels and Nitto Ridge Grappler tires

Example 1: 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie

WHEELS: Arkon Off-Road Alexander 20x12 -51

TIRES:35x12.5 Nitto Ridge Grappler

SUSPENSION:Thuren Suspension Lift 3”

2006 Dodge Ram 3500 with Ultra Hunter wheels and Superlift Leveling Kit

Example 2: 2006 Dodge Ram 3500

WHEELS:Ultra Hunter 18x9 -12

TIRES:35x12.5 Patriot Torque MT

SUSPENSION:Superlift Leveling Kit

Dodge Ram 3500 with Kanati Trail Hog tires and Street Dirt Track Suspension Lift

Example 3: 2004 Dodge Ram 3500

WHEELS:V-Tec Raptor 18x9.5 -12

TIRES:315/70 Kanati Trail Hog

SUSPENSION:Street Dirt Track Suspension Lift 3”

2006 Dodge Ram 3500 with Raceline Throttle wheels and Open Range All Terrain wheels

Example 4: 2006 Dodge Ram 3500

WHEELS:Raceline Throttle 17x9 0

TIRES:35x12.5 Open Range All Terrain

SUSPENSION:Rough Country Leveling Kit


Check Out All Dodge Ram 3500 Builds In Our Gallery!


Find the Perfect Wheels, Tires, Suspension & More For Your Third-Gen Dodge Ram 3500 at TrailBuilt Off-Road

If some of these custom build examples have you fired up to get your own going, then you should check out our huge inventory at TrailBuilt Off-Road and don’t forget that we offer quick delivery, free shipping, not to mention financing. Plus if you bundle any set of in-stock wheels and tires we also include free mounting and balance to top it all off. What more could you need? Your new custom build Dodge Ram 3500 is ready to get started!

Once your new Ram 3500 build is ready for its first off-road adventure, please add it to our gallery so we can help inspire other enthusiasts with their very own builds as well. See you out on the trails!

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