I have a 99 F150 4x4 stock height. I posted a couple of different type of threads so I can get the correct tires for me and I appreciate all the feedback. This should be the last one. Currently I am probably going with the Nitto TG LT285/65/18 (33). I would like to step up the width to 305/60/18 (33" tall and 12.24" wide). I think I may have a problem with the extra 1" width rubbing the the suspension and it is actually 1.5" wider than the current stock tire. I am told a can turn a bar and that resolves the problem but gives a stiffer ride and I don't know of any of the other side effects of doing this.
I guess they are considered a 33x12.5. Will these fit without any modifications? If I need to make a suspension mod, is it something a novice can do and how much will it cost? I hope in the future to do a lift kit, but not anytime soon.

 

You have good timing, I have an 02 4x4 and am running 325/60r18's (33x13)right now with Nitto Terra Grapplers. On the Pro comp 1023's I had to raise the torsion bars 6 turns. The combo of the Heavy tire and the torsion bars twist made the truck ride hard in the front, I mean every rock could be felt. After 25K on the tires I had them turn down 3 turns. It made the ride better but it still rubs when backing, turning and on uneven turns.

I would have a professional front end shop turn the torsion bars up because it needs to be aligned after. Once you are going to the trouble of Rims and tires, whats $80 bucks to make sure they don't wear out funny. Check out my photos for reference. I would go with a 12.5 width when I do this again.

Hope this helps.

 

I am replacing the wheels because I bend both of my passenger wheels so I decided now is the time to replace all the wheels/tires. I planned on doing a 4" suspension lift, then replacing the wheels/tires in the future, but with this surprise I have to do the wheels/tires now and this is an unexpected expense so I can't afford to do the lift now, probably next year. Either way I am going to get an alignment and I hope there isn't any suspension damage, so I guess the alignment shop can adjust the torsion bars, correct? The 305/60/18 is about 1/2" smaller and almost 3/4" skinnier than your 325 Nitto's. So the only issue you had was that you had to adjust the torsion bars? Nothing else? I don't know much about suspension but I am guessing the more turns on the t bars, the more tire clearance but the stiffer the ride? I don't want a stiff, uncomfortable ride just to get tires that are 1" wider that what I was going to get. I can deal with a small difference in ride quality. Will the difference in ride quality be noticed by me? Then hopefully I can get the lift next year and get a smooth ride.
I looked at your pictures, they look great on your truck, I always loved the look of a wide tire.

 

let me try to explain the whole torsion bar thing to you to the best of MY knowledge

the torsion bars are the suspension for the front end of our vehicles and they are two bars that run parallel with the ground from under your engine to prolly about your back seat if i had to guess. but the way they work is the weight from driving either when you hit bumps or turn or whatever, that weight is absorbed by the turning of your torsion bars, the resistance provided from the force being used to turn the torsion bar is how the force/weight is distributed throughout the vehicles front end. so when you crank your torsion bars what you are doing more or less is cranking them to support more weight when there is no more to support so the front end will be slightly raised because of this. if you have to crank the bars a lot, say 2 inches or so, then yes the ride quality will be noticed by you. if you dont have to crank them that much then i doubt you will notice much of a difference, i cranked my buddies almost as much as they could be like two weeks ago and he says he can tell a difference in the ride but i really cant

 

All you will need to do is trim a little plastic off your front bumper's lower valance for clearance. I'd crank up the torsion bars enough to level the truck.

 

Wandell, your replies have been very helpful. I was told today by a local wheel shop that I need a 2.5 leveling kit for the 285/65/18 (32.52 x 11.22). They charge $375 for the leveling kit installed. Is this worth me having them do it? With this kit, can I get the 305/60/18 (32.44 x 12.24) with out any problems? Will I still need to tight up the torsion bars? I am not familiar with leveling kits but I am guessing it is just a 2.5" front lift, correct??
I am getting an alignment no matter what I do. I have to place this order today so I have a couple of hours left and I am going to the local shop that told me about the leveling kit to see some pictures and talk some more. I still trust everyones advice on here more, you guys aren't making money.

 

^^^^no dont do it. its the same as turning up your tbars which is free plus and alignment.

 

I agree. Why would you pay $375 for something that is free? At least you learned that this shop is not familar with your truck and will rip you off.