Installation Guide

Learn how to safely install wheels and tires at home, and understand when professional installation is required for your safety and our peace of mind.

Wheel & Tire Packages: Install-Ready Option

We Make It Easy

When you purchase a wheel and tire package from Legendary Fitment, we can ship them install-ready—mounted, balanced, and ready to bolt on. This eliminates the need for tire mounting equipment and ensures proper balance from the start.

Benefits of Install-Ready Packages:

  • Professionally mounted and balanced
  • Ready to install immediately upon delivery
  • No need for tire mounting equipment
  • Proper balance ensures smooth ride and even wear
  • Saves time and hassle

Simply bolt them on following our safe installation guide below, and you're ready to roll.

Safe Wheel & Tire Installation (DIY-Friendly)

Installing wheels and tires is one of the most straightforward automotive tasks and can be done safely at home with the right tools and precautions.

Tools You'll Need:

  • Floor jack (rated for your vehicle's weight)
  • Jack stands (never skip these)
  • Torque wrench (calibrated)
  • Lug wrench or impact wrench
  • Wheel chocks
  • Safety glasses and gloves

Step-by-Step: Safe Wheel Installation

1. Prepare Your Workspace

  • Work on a level, stable surface (concrete or asphalt—never gravel or dirt)
  • Engage parking brake
  • Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will stay on the ground
  • Gather all tools before starting

2. Loosen Lug Nuts (While on Ground)

  • Loosen lug nuts 1/4 turn while the vehicle is still on the ground
  • Do NOT remove them yet—just break them loose
  • This prevents the wheel from spinning when you try to remove lug nuts later

3. Lift the Vehicle Safely

  • Position floor jack under the manufacturer-recommended lift point (check your owner's manual)
  • Raise the vehicle until the tire is just off the ground
  • Immediately place jack stands under the frame or designated support points
  • Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands
  • Shake the vehicle gently to ensure it's stable on the stands
  • Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack

4. Remove the Old Wheel

  • Remove lug nuts completely and set them aside in a safe place
  • Pull the wheel straight off the hub
  • Inspect the hub surface for rust, debris, or damage

5. Clean the Mounting Surfaces

  • Use a wire brush to clean the hub face (remove rust and debris)
  • Clean the wheel mounting surface
  • Ensure both surfaces are flat and free of dirt or corrosion
  • Clean mounting surfaces prevent vibration and ensure proper seating

6. Install the New Wheel

  • Align the wheel with the hub (if using hub-centric rings, ensure they're seated properly)
  • Hand-thread all lug nuts onto the studs to prevent cross-threading
  • Tighten lug nuts by hand in a star pattern (not in a circle) until the wheel is snug against the hub

7. Lower and Torque

  • Raise the vehicle slightly to remove tension from the jack stands
  • Remove the jack stands
  • Lower the vehicle completely to the ground
  • Torque lug nuts to your vehicle's specification using a torque wrench in a star pattern
  • Common torque specs: 80-100 ft-lbs (cars), 100-140 ft-lbs (trucks/SUVs)—verify in your owner's manual

8. Final Check

  • Double-check that all lug nuts are torqued properly
  • Re-torque lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
  • Check tire pressure and adjust to recommended PSI
  • Test drive at low speed and listen for unusual noises or vibrations

Critical Safety Reminders

Always Use Jack Stands

A floor jack can fail. Jack stands are mandatory for your safety. Never rely on a jack alone to support the vehicle.

Torque Lug Nuts Properly

Under-torqued lug nuts can loosen and cause wheel separation. Over-torqued lug nuts can strip threads or warp rotors. Use a calibrated torque wrench and follow the star pattern.

Re-Torque After Driving

Lug nuts can settle after initial installation. Re-torque after 50-100 miles to ensure they remain secure.

Work on Level Ground

Never attempt wheel installation on an incline, soft ground, or unstable surface.

When Professional Installation is Required

While wheel and tire installation is DIY-friendly, certain modifications require professional installation for your safety and to protect our business from liability.

Professional Installation Strongly Recommended or Required:

Suspension Modifications:

  • Lift kits (any size)
  • Leveling kits
  • Coilovers
  • Air suspension
  • Lowering kits or springs
  • Control arms, shocks, or struts

Why Professional Installation?

Suspension work involves critical safety components, precise torque specifications, alignment requirements, and potential liability. Improper installation can result in handling issues, component failure, or accidents. We strongly recommend—and in some cases require—professional installation for suspension modifications.

Wheel Spacers & Adapters:

While some experienced DIYers can install spacers, we recommend professional installation to ensure proper torque, hub-centric fitment, and safety.

Tire Mounting & Balancing:

If you did not purchase an install-ready package, tire mounting and balancing require specialized equipment and should be performed by a professional tire shop.

Post-Installation: Alignment is Critical

After Any Suspension Modification:

Professional alignment is mandatory after installing lift kits, leveling kits, coilovers, lowering springs, or any suspension components. Skipping alignment causes:

  • Premature and uneven tire wear
  • Poor handling and steering response
  • Potential safety issues

Alignment is not optional—it's a required part of the installation process.

Our Recommendation

DIY-Friendly:

  • Installing wheels and tires (especially our install-ready packages)
  • Basic maintenance and cleaning
  • Wheel spacer installation (if experienced and comfortable)

Leave to the Professionals:

  • Suspension lift kits
  • Leveling kits
  • Coilovers and air suspension
  • Lowering springs
  • Any modification that affects vehicle geometry, handling, or safety
  • Tire mounting and balancing (unless you purchased install-ready)

Why We Recommend Professional Installation for Complex Work

At Legendary Fitment, we care about your safety and the integrity of your build. Suspension modifications involve critical safety systems, precise specifications, and potential liability. While we provide guidance and quality products, we cannot assume responsibility for improper installation.

Professional installers have the experience, tools, and insurance to perform complex work safely and correctly. We strongly encourage you to invest in professional installation for suspension work—it protects you, your vehicle, and our business.

Questions About Installation?

If you're unsure whether a job is within your skill level, or if you need recommendations for professional installers in your area, contact us. We're here to guide you toward the safest and best outcome for your build.