I have some important decisions to make in the next 24 hours. History first. I have a 05 Supercrew FX4. I ordered a 2 inch front lift and some 18x8 aftermarket wheels for my truck. The plan was to run the Rugged Terrains that came on the truck for a while. I dropped the truck off Friday to have the lift and wheels installed. Well the wheels were 6-4.5 which does not fit my truck. The wheel distributer is going to make it right. In a whay it was a blessing because when I went to pick up my truck with the lift only installed I could see that the R/T's looked very small and I decided I better get the A/T's and not mount the R/T's. Now to the questions. My wheel distributer has offered to upgrade me to some 20's for 50 bucks. If I run the 285/55-20's that only gives me a 1/2 taller tire. Will the 325/60-20 fit under my truck with just the 2 inch front lift? BFG says these tires are 35.5" tall. Second I have not been overly impressed with power of my 300hp 5.4. How much power can I expect to loose with the 35.5" tires? One other history fact. I pull a 4000lb motorcycle race trailer. Will any of these modifications have any effect on that? Thanks for your help. I really want to make the right decision. I have until Monday to make up my mind.
Bruce

 

Well, you are gonna notice a difference with a 36 inch tire if you are already unhappy with the stock performance. I think I would go with a wide 33 inch tire like a 325/60-18 (actually close to a 34 inch tire). Even though it is only a little taller than you stock tire, the added width and the wider aftermarket wheel are gonna make the tire look a lot bigger. Also, I am not even sure you are gonna be able to fit a 36 inch tire on an aftermarket wheel with only a leveling kit. Another thing, even thought you can get the wheels at a great deal, four 20 inch off road tires are gonna cost a good deal of money.

 

Thanks for your help. I had BFG A/T's on my F-250 and really liked them. I don't see 325/60-18 listed for them on the BFG site. Who makes that tire? I am leaning towards staying with the tire you recomended to me earlier 285/65-18. ( I already ordered it and would have to ask to change my order. I didn't know about the 20" upgrade option when I ordered the tires) I like the extra sidewall of the 18 over the 20. Better ride and if you get into a little mud you wheels are further from the grit. The next thing I have to wonder about is rear end sag when I put my tounge heavy race trailer on. My local shop has recomended air bags. I am hoping to get a CAI for my birthday in Oct and a XCal 2 from Santa to help my power problems.

 

BFG only makes the AT KO in 285/65-18. The Nitto Terra Grappler, Toyo Open Country AT, Pro Comp X Treme AT and I believe the new Mickey Thompson ATZ are available in 325/60-18.

 

I decided to stick with the 18inch wheels that I orignally ordered. I just have to get them shipped to me in the correct polt pattern. UPS picked up the incorrect wheels today. I should have my correct wheels by week's end. Now the BFG's A/T's are back ordered for at least 4 weeks. Just my luck I may have to consider one of these other tires you mentioned. Will the 325/60-18 fit on an 8 inch wheel?

 

Yes.

 

As usual, Wandell hit the nail on the head. He is definitely the wheel/tire guru around here. I defnitely agree. 35's look great on 20's. 33's look great on 18's. I have 325/50R20's on 20x10's and wish I had either gone with an 18" wheel or gotten 35's to put on my 20's. Once I get a lift, I will upgrade to the Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ's in size 35x13.5x20.

 

I considered 20's. Knowing that I also was not willing to give up a lot of power I took Wandell's advice and stuck with the 18's. Man I can't wait until the morning to my to get my BFG A/T KO's monuted on my new American Eagle Boss 315 wheels.

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