I was only able fit bits and pieces of information about fitting 35" tires on a 2021+ Tahoe / Yukon before purchasing my wheel and tire package, so hopefully this helps someone else make a more informed decision.
I have a 2023 Yukon AT4 with air ride and power steps. While this should be applicable to all 2021+ Tahoes and Yukons (and possibly Escalades), there my be variations in fit between models or even within a model do to manufacturing variation, alignments, etc. Everything about this fitment is very tight.
I was able to fit 315/70R17 Hakkapeliitta LT3 (non-studded) on KMC Technic 17x8.5 +18ET with no lift. As a straight bolt-on the back of the tire would rub the fender liner just past 360* of steering wheel angle, regardless of ride height setting. I drove the truck like this for a week being careful in parking lots. It only rubbed a couple times and left a minor mark on the fender liner. There is roughly 3/8" clearance between the tire sidewall and upper ball joint, which is the closest it gets to any suspension component. The wheel to caliper clearance is also very close but the sick-on wheel weights pass cleanly.
Today I tackled the fender liners. The "mudflap bracket" must be removed and the fender liner has to be tied back just inboard of the bracket. The Westcott Designs video is much more informative than any photos I could post. I did not have to trim the inner part of the "ear" at the rear of the wheel well. In place of the Westcott bracket, I drilled the frame extension (wraps around the body mount) in the small dimple with a 11/64" drill bit and a self tapping #10 screw with fender washer. I did not have to tie the liner back to the front cross member. There was no need to touch the lower bumper or liner at that location, but the tire is extremely close here and it is possible I may have to address this in the future. There is no interferance with the factory power steps.
After today's relatively minor fender modification, I can turn full lock at any ride height, forward or reverse, with no percievable rubbing. This may change while crossing diagonal ditches or braking while turning.
There is almost no difference in tire clearance between minimum and maximum ride heights. This means there is no tire clearance benefit to a moderate lift. I would go so far as to say a 3-3.5" lift does nothing for tire clearance. I purchasd Edgy Mods lift links before recieving my wheels and tires. I have not yet installed them but if I do, it will only be for appearance and ground clearance. IMO, the Yukon with 35's looks better at high or max ride height. The lift link installation (and reverting to stock links) appears to be very straight forward, with the getting the correct length being the most difficult part.
I inquired about Westcott Designs fender liner kit. They were not confident in being able to fit 315/70R17 without a lift. While I'm certain their kit would work with my wheel and tire combination, I understand their hesitation to recommend the combination. A more agressive offset or tire (either a large 315/70R17, more square shoulder or larger side lugs) could change the outcome.
I'll go back to the factory AT4 wheels and tires in the spring and run them until the tires are done. At this point I don't know what I'll for replacements, but I'll be measuring closely and likely modifying the front of the fender liner if I go with an agressive all-terrain in a 35x12.5 or roughly equivalent size. The sweet spot for these trucks likely measures about 34x12.
I have a 2023 Yukon AT4 with air ride and power steps. While this should be applicable to all 2021+ Tahoes and Yukons (and possibly Escalades), there my be variations in fit between models or even within a model do to manufacturing variation, alignments, etc. Everything about this fitment is very tight.
I was able to fit 315/70R17 Hakkapeliitta LT3 (non-studded) on KMC Technic 17x8.5 +18ET with no lift. As a straight bolt-on the back of the tire would rub the fender liner just past 360* of steering wheel angle, regardless of ride height setting. I drove the truck like this for a week being careful in parking lots. It only rubbed a couple times and left a minor mark on the fender liner. There is roughly 3/8" clearance between the tire sidewall and upper ball joint, which is the closest it gets to any suspension component. The wheel to caliper clearance is also very close but the sick-on wheel weights pass cleanly.
Today I tackled the fender liners. The "mudflap bracket" must be removed and the fender liner has to be tied back just inboard of the bracket. The Westcott Designs video is much more informative than any photos I could post. I did not have to trim the inner part of the "ear" at the rear of the wheel well. In place of the Westcott bracket, I drilled the frame extension (wraps around the body mount) in the small dimple with a 11/64" drill bit and a self tapping #10 screw with fender washer. I did not have to tie the liner back to the front cross member. There was no need to touch the lower bumper or liner at that location, but the tire is extremely close here and it is possible I may have to address this in the future. There is no interferance with the factory power steps.
After today's relatively minor fender modification, I can turn full lock at any ride height, forward or reverse, with no percievable rubbing. This may change while crossing diagonal ditches or braking while turning.
There is almost no difference in tire clearance between minimum and maximum ride heights. This means there is no tire clearance benefit to a moderate lift. I would go so far as to say a 3-3.5" lift does nothing for tire clearance. I purchasd Edgy Mods lift links before recieving my wheels and tires. I have not yet installed them but if I do, it will only be for appearance and ground clearance. IMO, the Yukon with 35's looks better at high or max ride height. The lift link installation (and reverting to stock links) appears to be very straight forward, with the getting the correct length being the most difficult part.
I inquired about Westcott Designs fender liner kit. They were not confident in being able to fit 315/70R17 without a lift. While I'm certain their kit would work with my wheel and tire combination, I understand their hesitation to recommend the combination. A more agressive offset or tire (either a large 315/70R17, more square shoulder or larger side lugs) could change the outcome.
I'll go back to the factory AT4 wheels and tires in the spring and run them until the tires are done. At this point I don't know what I'll for replacements, but I'll be measuring closely and likely modifying the front of the fender liner if I go with an agressive all-terrain in a 35x12.5 or roughly equivalent size. The sweet spot for these trucks likely measures about 34x12.
