We’ve written extensively about the Toyota Tundra 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 Toyota. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
Toyota Tundra manufactured from 2007 onwards have a bolt pattern of 5×5.9 inches (5x150mm), a center bore of 4.33 inches (110.1 mm), and five lug nuts with a thread size of M14 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 96.6 lb-ft (131Nm) of force.
Toyota Tundra manufactured between 2000 – 2006 have a bolt pattern of 6×5.5 inches (6×139.7mm), a center bore of 4.18 inches (106.1 mm), and six lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 83 lb-ft (113Nm) 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!
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your Toyota Tundra, 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 Tundra. 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 Tundra, 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.
2014-2021
- Toyota Tundra 4.0 VVT-i (270 hp), Toyota Tundra 4.6 VVT-i (310 hp), and Toyota Tundra 5.7 VVT-i (381 hp) have standard tire sizes of 255/70R18 and standard rim sizes of 8Jx18 ET60.
2011-2013
- Toyota Tundra 4.0 V6 (270 hp), Toyota Tundra 4.6 V8 (310 hp), and Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8 (381 hp) have standard tire sizes of 255/70R18 and standard rim sizes of 8Jx18 ET60.
2007-2010
- Toyota Tundra 4.0 V6 (236 hp), Toyota Tundra 4.7 V8 (276 hp), and Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8 (381 hp) have standard tire sizes of 255/70R18 and standard rim sizes of 8Jx18 ET60.
2006
- Toyota Tundra 4.0 V6 (236 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET15.
- Toyota Tundra 4.7 V8 (271 hp) has a standard tire size of 265/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET15.
2005
- Toyota Tundra 4.0 V6 (245 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET15.
- Toyota Tundra 4.7 V8 (282 hp) has a standard tire size of 265/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET15.
2000-2004
- Toyota Tundra 3.4 V6 (190 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET15.
- Toyota Tundra 4.7 V8 (240 hp) has a standard tire size of 265/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET15.
Retightening The Bolts
As said before, most generations of the Toyota that we discussed have five 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. Toyota advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.
You do this by tightening all the nuts with a wheel wrench first. Please make sure only to tighten them halfway; otherwise, you’ll run into problems.
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 Toyota Tundra needs to have the bolts tightened to 96.6 lb-ft.
It’s expected that your wheel also have 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 which is just a fraction of the miles that you can expect your Tundra to last. 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 Tundra, it’s said that this needs to happen every 7,500 miles or 12,000 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.
Closing Thoughts
We’ve delved deep into lug nuts and bolts of tire selection for your Tundra. It’s just a piece of our Toyota Tundra coverage and we’ve covered everything from the types of fuel that works best to the most common issues you can expect from your Tundra’s transmission.
We have also provided information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size, thus providing a clear understanding of the tire and rim options suitable for your vehicle. Furthermore, we’ve discussed the process of properly retightening the bolts, crucial information for safe and correct tire installation.
One must also be aware of when and why to change or rotate the tires to maintain optimal vehicle performance and safety. Typically, tires need replacement every 60,000 – 75,000 miles or after 4-5 years, but keep an eye on the tread wear indicators for more precise monitoring. That’s roughly true for many Toyota vehicles including the Highlander Hybrid and RAV4.
For tire rotation, the recommended frequency is every 7,500 miles or 12,000 kilometers.
The information in this article should empower Toyota Tundra owners to make well-informed decisions about tire and rim selection, installation, maintenance, and replacement. As always, make sure to refer to your vehicle’s manual and consult with a professional if you’re unsure about any aspects of your vehicle’s maintenance.
Sources
- https://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/tundra
- https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners-manuals
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.
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