How big can I go?

[SlammaJamma]

'99 F-150, 2wd. Going to put the coil spacers in the front to level it out. How big of tire can I run on my stock 16" rims without worrying about rubbing issues? Can I go as big as 285's? I know my truck isn't a 4x4 but I like the look of it plus the tires/level kit will help when I go on camping trips etc. that are in backwoods areas.

[wandell]

Yes, you can fit 285/75-16's (33x11.50) using the oem 16x7 wheels

[CountryPunk]

You're going to need 3" minimum up front to run 285's without problems.

My old truck, 3" spindle on 285-75-16:



The front is a little lower than the full 3" because of the brush guard, but here you can see what the size looks like on a 2wd.

[SlammaJamma]

Thanks guys.

Country, what kit did you use up front? Did you install yourself or did it require shop installation?

[CountryPunk]

I used a 3/2 lift kit from an eBay company. Suspension max or something along those lines. They constantly have kits on there. I don't remember what I paid for the kit, not much at all. (like $300 or less) I had a shop install it for me because I had never messed with a lift before. I'd imagine you and some friends could figure it out over a weekend though. As with all spindle lifts, your front wheels/tires are going to stick out about an inch further, it drove me nuts but no one else noticed. I don't know if he's on here or not, but you need to speak to Alomar, he knows everything about the 2wd's in that body style. I know he's on a certain Other Ford forum for sure... I think he used a combo of a spindle, spacer, And coil springs from a V8 2wd to lift his truck. Look him up.

Josh

[wandell]

Keep in mind that lift spindles increase your front track width (some more than others). So you are gaining lift, but the increased track width can lessen the tire clearance the lift created. Also, the wheel width and backspacing plays a huge part in tire fitment also.