Tire rotation means changing the position of all four tires from time to time. The goal is to ensure there’s even wear across all four tires, which translates into an increased lifespan.

But if you’re driving a 4×4 truck, it’s a little different because there’s a particular pattern you should follow when shuffling or moving the tires during rotation.

This is because tires fitted on four-wheel drive (4WD) are powered by the engine evenly.

In the rest of this post, you will learn the correct rotation pattern for 4-by-4 truck tires, how to do it yourself, how often you should, and the cost of having a tire shop do it for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The 4WD tire rotation patterns for non-directional tires are rearward cross (rear to front — same side and front to rear — switch side) or X-pattern (rear and front swap and switch side).
  • A side-to-side pattern is for staggered tires, and a front-to-back is for directional ones.
  • To do it yourself, you’ll need a lug wrench or impact wrench, wheel chocks, a jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench. However, expect to pay between $24 and $50 for a mechanic to do it.
  • Check out our collection of Black Rhino Wheelsif you want an upgraded look to pair with your newly rotated tires—ideal for off-road and 4×4 trucks.
  • Look out for bald spots or disappearing tread patterns, which indicate the need for replacements, not rotation.
  • Find high-quality truck tires at Discounted Wheel Warehouse.

There are two main schools of thought for rotating tires on 4×4 trucks. Some truck owners like to move the front tires to the back, crossing them as they go.

Others think it’s better to not only cross the tires but also take them off the rims and flip them so the inside becomes the outside.

However, the right method depends on the type of tire you’re dealing with. For example, tires can be either directional or non-directional.

In some 4WD trucks, the front tires aren’t the same size as the rear tires. All these factors will determine what position you move them to.

In the sections below, we’ll go over the correct pattern for each situation and explain why it works.

The Correct Rotation Pattern For 4×4 Truck Tires

For Tires That Are the Same Size and Non-Directional

ROTATION PATTERN INSTRUCTION
X-Pattern All tires move diagonally. Each tire goes to the opposite axle and switches sides.

For Tires That Are the Same Size and Non-Directional With a Full-Size Spare

To keep all tires wearing evenly, you should rotate the full-size spare tire along with the other four.

This is especially important for trucks with all-wheel or four-wheel drive, as slight differences in tire wear can strain the drive train.

ROTATION PATTERN INSTRUCTION
Rearward Cross The rear tires move to the front, the spare tire goes to the back on the right side, and the front right tire moves diagonally to the left rear. The front left tire becomes the new spare.

For High-Performance and Directional Tires

ROTATION PATTERN INSTRUCTION
Side-to-Side (for Tires That Are Different Sizes in the Front and Back—staggered) The rear tires switch sides with each other, and the front tires do the same, but they stay on the same axle.
Front-to-Back (for Directional Tires) Each tire moves to the same side on the opposite axle. For example, the front left tire goes to the rear left, and the rear left tire goes to the front left.

How to Know the Type of Tire on Your 4×4 Truck

  • Directional: Directional tires have a tread design that allows them to spin in only one direction.

If you look at the tire from the front, you’ll notice the grooves and channels on the tread all point forward and downward.

The channels on both sides of the tread flow toward each other, similar to two waterfalls coming together, like this: .

  • Non-directional: A non-directional tire has a tread pattern that can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical, but it doesn’t have the pointed “arrowhead” shape that directional tires have.

They can rotate in either direction with equal performance, regardless of the road conditions.

  • High performance: Typically, tires with low or ultra-low profiles (aspect ratios of 30-45) are high-performance tires due to the already stiff nature of the sidewalls. Check out our guide on how to read your tire sidewall codeif you want to know how to check the aspect ratio of your truck tire.
  • Staggered: A staggered setup means that the rear wheels are wider or larger than the front wheels.

Step-By-Step Guide: Rotating the Tires on Your 4×4 Truck

You can definitely rotate vehicle tires yourself as long as you have the right tools and know how to do it. The entire process will only take an hour to complete.

Tools You’ll Need:

  1. A lug wrench or impact wrench
  2. Wheel chocks
  3. Jack
  4. Jack stands
  5. Torque wrench

With all these available, you follow these steps:

Want to learn how to rotate your tires at home in your garage or driveway? Just follow these six easy steps:

Step 1: Set your parking brake.

Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels, but don’t take them off completely. This makes it easier to remove the wheels once the car is lifted while still keeping them secure until it’s safely raised.

Step 3: Use a car jack or lift to raise the car.

Step 4: Take off each tire, one by one.

Step 5: Check if your tires need more air, then rotate them based on the correct pattern for your tire type and drivetrain.

Step 6: After that, put the tires back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

Step 7: Lower the car and finish tightening the lug nuts with a wrench in a star pattern to make sure they’re evenly tightened.

Quick Tips:

  • Check for any misalignment or imbalance before rotation. If you’re not experienced in this, it’s better to take your car to a technician for tire rotation.

What is the Cost of Rotating Tires?

Rotating your tires can cost between $24 and $50, though it can sometimes go as high as $120.

However, you can find places that offer free tire rotation if you buy your tires or other services from them.

How Often Should You Rotate Your 4×4 Truck Tires?

Most car makers suggest rotating your tires every 5,000 miles or about every six months. But some vehicles are different, so it’s always a good idea to check your owner’s manual.

Also, the way you drive can affect how often your tires need to be rotated.

For example, if you drive off-road or put a lot of miles on your car, your tires will wear out faster, so you’ll need to rotate them more often.

Know When It’s Time to Replace the Tires

If you see bald spots where the tread pattern is below 2/32nds of an inch or completely gone, it’s a clear sign your tires need to be replaced, not just rotated.

“At Discounted Wheel Warehouse, we’re proud to be America’s go-to online shop for tires and rims.

You can browse through our collection of affordable, top-quality all-terrain tires for 4×4 vehicles and, if you’re also in the market for new wheels, be sure to check our wheels and tire packages to help you secure the best deals..

With over 850+ brands to choose from, there’s more than enough variety to meet any budget. We guarantee the lowest prices and fast shipping on authentic rims and tires.”

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