We’ve written extensively about the GMC Sierra and numerous questions you can have about this car. Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your GMC Sierra. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
All generations of the GMC Sierra made from 1999 onwards have a bolt pattern of 6×5.5 inches (6×139.7mm), a center bore of 2.64 inches (78.1mm), and six lug nuts with a thread size of M14 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 139.7 lb-ft (190nm) of force.
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation.
We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub and the torque specifications of the bolts. Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!
And if you want learn more about the Sierra 1500, check out this article.
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your GMC Sierra, you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the GMC Sierra. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.
We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The GMC Sierra, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.
Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.
2019-Present
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 2.7 Turbo, 3.0TD, 4.3i, 5.3i, or 6.2i engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: 255/70R17
- Rim size: 8Jx17 ET24
2014 -2018
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 4.3i engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: LT245/75R17, LT255/70R17, LT265/70R17, LT265/65R18, or LT275/55R20
- Rim size: 7.5Jx17 ET31, 7.5Jx17 ET31, 8Jx17 ET24, 8Jx18 ET24, or 9Jx20 ET24
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3i engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: LT255/70R17, LT265/70R17, LT265/65R18, LT265/70R18, or LT275/55R20
- Rim size: 7.5Jx17 ET31, 8Jx17 ET24, 8Jx18 ET24, 8Jx18 ET24, or 9Jx20 ET24
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.2i engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: LT265/70R17, LT265/65R18, LT265/70R18, LT275/55R20, or LT285/45R22
- Rim size: 8Jx17 ET24, 8Jx18 ET24, 8Jx18 ET24, 9Jx20 ET24, or 9Jx22 ET24
2007-2013
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 4.3i, 4.8i, 5.3i, 6.0i, or 6.2i engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/70R17, 265/70R17, 265/65R18, or 275/55R20
- Rim size: 7.5Jx17 ET31, 7.5Jx17 ET31, 8Jx18 ET31 or 8.5Jx20 ET31
2005-2006
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 4.3i (4WD), 4.8i (4WD), or 5.3i (4WD) engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/75R16 or 265/75R16
- Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET25 or 7Jx16 ET31
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 4.3i or engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: 235/75R16 or 255/70R16
- Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET25 or 6.5Jx16 ET25
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 4.8i or 5.3i engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: 255/70R16
- Rim size: 7Jx16 ET31
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3i or 6.0i engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/70R17 or 265/70R17
- Rim size: 7Jx17 ET31 or 7.5Jx17 ET31
1999-2004
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 4.3i (4WD), 4.8i (4WD), or 5.3i (4WD) engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: 245/75R16 or 265/75R16
- Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET25 or 7Jx16 ET31
GMC Sierra 1500 with a 4.3i, 4.8i, or 5.3i engine have the following specifications:
- Tire size: 235/75R16 or 255/70R16
- Rim size: 6.5Jx16 ET25 or 7Jx16 ET31
Retightening The Bolts
As said before, the GMC Sierra generations that we discussed have six lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again. This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. GMC advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.
In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or Nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the newest generation of the GMC Sierra needs to have the bolts tightened to 139.7 lb-ft.
It’s expected that your wheel also has a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.
It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.
When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires
Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period, they need to be replaced. Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.
Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the GMC Sierra, it’s said that this needs to happen every 5,000 – 7,500 miles (8,000 – 12,000 kilometers) for FWD or RWD vehicles. For AWD vehicles, it´s recommended to do this every 3,000 – 5,000 miles (5,000 – 8,000 kilometers). It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.
Sources
- https://www.wheel-size.com/size/gmc/sierra-1500/
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/gmc/2021-sierra1500.pdf
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!