Hey,

I've got 16" rims on my 97 XLT 4X4. Does anybody out there know what the biggest tire I can put onto this truck is without making any modifications? I've checked a few websites for prices and happened to notice that they will not offer anything over P255/70-16. I had LT265/75 tires on 16" rims on my Chevy and was basically wondering if there was some obstruction, either in the suspension or the truck body itself that would prevent me from running LT265/75/16. Thanks

 

I know lots of people are running 305's with a 3" body lift and even 315's with some flare trimming but I'm not sure what will fit stock. I just lifted and I don't have any clearance problems. That is until I get the 38's....

Bob

 

If you mean the stock 16x7 wheels, the largest recommended would be the 265/75R16 for that rim/wheel size. That diameter matches the "off road package" stock 265/70R17. Any bigger and you need a wider wheel. No tire manufacturers spec sheet avises wider than 265mm on a 7" wide rim. Going wider would void any manufacturers warranties. Yes, many mount 285's on the stock 7" rims with out issue ... but against tire manufacturers recommendations.

 

Thats not true... i have a stock 2001 and i put 285/75/16 on my rims and they work perfectly

 

I got 37 X 13.50s on mine with 16in rims. I know some people have 38 X 14.50s on theres.

 

305/70/16 on 16x10 with 4.5" backspacing. no lift.[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

 

I have 265/75R16s on my 97 4x4, and while its a good size, I still want a little bit more tire under there.
You can put a 285/75R16 on the stock wheels and not modify the suspension or valence any. If you go much wider/taller than that, you start having to crank torsion bars and/or trim valence. Also, this is the largest tire I personally feel safe recommending on the stock rim (only a 7" wide rim).

 

I would go with the 285 as the biggest. that is what I have with 4.25 backspacing on 16x10 wheels. They are almost the same height as a 305/70 and one inch narrower I considered the 305's but couldn't justify the 250 bucks extra and with the 4.25 back spacing I didn't think they would fit. If you are running you stock wheels they are 7.5 to 8 wide and on coopers website they recomend a 8 wide for the 285 http://www.coopertires.com/us/en/Pro...ht+Truck+Tires

 

CFL4RAT how do you like your Mastercraft Courser Mt's?? I have a set of them in 315 75 r16's and I really like them, they wear great and are awesome in the mud.

 

I have 285-75-16 on my 97 4x4 on stock rims, they fit just fine no rubbing. you may want to consider something a little smaller since you have the 4.2 v6. Whatever you do don't get the stock recomended size of 235-70-16 (thats the tire size listed in my door jam) those pizza cutters look ridiclous. Also you will want to match your spare tire so you can go home after off-roading, not limp home on mis-matched tires.

 

I run 285/75/16 on stock rims and love how they fit, no lift, no rub and they look great definetly go with em if you can find some at a decent price. I run bfg ta ko and love em. the v-6 wil work a lil harder but be nice to the truck and you'll fo fine. FORD TOUGH!!

 

My Truck is 99 4x2. So what is the Recommended "Largest Look Good" Tire size for the Stock 16x7 Rims Please Oh Experts?