1988 GMC R3500 Wheels & Rims
Shop Wheels for 1988 GMC R3500
Showing 8 of 8+ wheels compatible with the 1988 GMC R3500
The 1988 GMC R3500 is a heavy-duty diesel workhorse popular for both work and show. Upgrading your wheels is the single biggest visual and performance improvement you can make. At ThreePiece, we carry thousands of aftermarket wheels verified to bolt directly onto your 1988 GMC R3500 — no guesswork, no adapters.
Every wheel we sell for the R3500 is cross-referenced against the factory 8x165.1 bolt pattern and 117mm hub bore. The stock wheel is a 16x6 at +13 offset. All orders ship free within the continental US.
1988 GMC R3500 Wheel Fitment Guide — What Works & What to Avoid
Your 1988 GMC R3500 uses an 8x165.1 bolt pattern with a 117.0mm hub-centric center bore. The truck rolls on 16x6 wheels at 13mm offset from the factory. You can upgrade to 16x6.5, 16x7, 16x7.5, 16x8, or 16x8.5, and step up to 17-inch or even 20-inch sizes depending on your suspension and fender clearance goals.
Only wheels with an 8x165.1 bolt pattern will fit your R3500—no exceptions on this classic GMC truck. Because your hub bore measures 117.0mm, use hub-centric rings if you choose a wheel whose center bore exceeds that diameter. Aggressive offsets or excessive widths can cause rubbing against fenders or suspension components, so verify fitment before ordering.
Every wheel we list for your truck has been verified to bolt on safely and ships free across the lower 48 states. In stock now are Carolina Forged, Vision, WELD Off-Road, American Truxx, Black Rhino, Fuel 1PC, American Racing, and Tuff—all ready to upgrade your classic.
1988 GMC R3500 Wheel Fitment Specifications
The 8x165.1 bolt pattern determines which wheels physically bolt onto your truck, while the 117mm center bore ensures a hub-centric fit. The factory equips this truck with 16x6 wheels at a +13 offset.
Lug Type
nut
Thread Size
M14x1.5
Torque Spec
89 ft-lbs
TPMS
No
1988 GMC R3500 Compatible Wheel Sizes
| Wheel Size | Offset Range | Compatible Tires | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16x6 | -6 to +25 | 215/85R16, 7.50-16 | — |
| 16x6.5 | -6 to +25 | 215/85R16, 235/85R16, 7.50-16 | — |
| 16x7 | -6 to +25 | 215/85R16, 245/75R16, 225/75R16 | — |
| 16x7.5 | -6 to +25 | 215/85R16, 245/75R16, 225/75R16 | — |
| 16x8 | -6 to +25 | 225/75R16, 245/75R16, 215/85R16 | — |
| 17x8 | -6 to +25 | 265/70R17, 30/10.00R17, 31/10.50R17 | — |
| 16x8.5 | +null to +25 | 225/75R16, 245/75R16, 215/85R16 | 2. Body Modification Required |
| 17x8.5 | +null to +25 | 265/70R17, 31/10.50R17, 31/12.50R17 | 2. Body Modification Required |
| 20x8.5 | +null to +25 | 285/50R20, 31/12.50R20 | 2. Body Modification Required |
| 17x9 | +9 to +26 | 265/70R17, 31/10.50R17, 31/12.50R17 | 2. Body Modification Required |
Best Wheel Brands for the GMC R3500
- Fuel Forged — FF12, FF19, FF41
- Fuel 1PC — Maverick, Assault, Blitz
- Method Race Wheels — MR305, MR701
- American Racing — AR924, VN507
- Heritage Wheel — Bushido, Ebisu
Complete Your 1988 GMC R3500 Build
- GMC R3500 suspension upgrades — pairs well with a wheel upgrade
- GMC R3500 exhaust systems — pairs well with a wheel upgrade
- GMC R3500 suspension — pairs well with a wheel upgrade
- GMC R3500 brakes — pairs well with a wheel upgrade
- Wheel & tire packages — pre-mounted, balanced, shipped ready to bolt on
- Installation accessories — hub rings, extended studs, TPMS kits, spacers