Im in the process of looking for a new set of tires for my 97 F150 XLT. Its just the regular 2wd, with no lift, and stock wheels, but Im wanting to make it look more rugged by upping the tire size a little with some gnarly tires. Anyone know how big I can do without fit or rubbing problems. Lemme know!
Thanks in advance
Tek

 

before anyone else tells you to use the search function, you can fit a 285/75/16 under the front with no lift

 

so the 285/75/16's will fit all the way around?? How bad is the rubbing? If its bad, what is the next size down from those. With still a gnarly look. Ive still got stock tire size all the way around and its weak. Also, what brand or style of tires would you reccommend. I want something with rugged tread and that should last me awhile.
thanks for the help
Tek

 

285/75-16's are a very tight fit on a stock 4x2. I think you would be better off with a 265/75-16 unless you plan on lifting the truck in the near future.

 

sorry I meant 265, accidently hit the 8. A BFG AT KO or Toyo Nitto Grappler would be my pick, unless you want mud terrain, then I would go with BFG MT's

 

I just posted this about a week ago with my 98 F150 4x2.

I got the 265/75/16's. Don't go any bigger, you will rub and look dumb. My rims and tire combo look AMAZING and I'll get some pics up later. They fill up the wheelwell perfectly.

I went with some BFG's, ATs.


However, my speedo is off by about 6mph (as my stock tires (I think) were 255/75/16). I'll be fixing the spedo soon though.


Hope that helps!

 

265s look good on the 2wd

 

If I upgrade the tire size on all four wheels, would I need to upgrade the size of my spare tire as well? Or does that matter at all?? I know I dont/wont be driving on my spare but should I/do I need to change the tire size on that wheel also???

 

I didn't. You will get different opinions on this. I know if I use mine, it will just be long enough to get to a tire shop.

 

It depends on what your stock tire size is. But on a 2wd its not as big of a deal as on a 4wd.

Most of the 2wds come with 235 or 245 range tires. If you go up to a 265, I would really look at buying a cheap tire thats the same size. You could also look at getting a used tire of the same size.
But again, I dont believe its as important on a 2wd that the tires all be the same size.

 

Your only issue with a 255 spare is making sure it doesn't go on the drive axle. IE- if you have a flat on the rear, you'll need to move a wheel from the front to the back and put the spare on the front. If you put a smaller tire on the rear, you'll run into problems with the axle trying to spin different diameter wheels at the same rate. It's ok for a short time, but I wouldn't do it for more than 5 miles or so. Also, 265's are the biggest you can go without rubbing on a 2wd. Just get the 285's and lift it like I did. You'll thank yourself later . Or in my case, get a nice lecture from She Who Must Be Obeyed on how much money you just spent making your truck look "ghetto". Now don't worry, I corrected her in that they don't lift trucks in the "ghetto" unless they're on cinder blocks. She then called it "redneck", at which point I couldn't argue.

 

Go with the 265-75-16

It is equivilent to at 31 inch tire. Actually its like 31.2 inches. They'll look nice. 285 will fit but any bump you hit will make the tire rub on the top and edge of the fender. Bad for the tires.