Long time reader, first time poster.

Anyways.. Long story short. 2002 FX4 supercab. Stock height.
I'm stuck trying to decide between 285/70/17 BFG AT's on stock wheels, MB Gunner 5's 17x8 4.5" backspace with a 295/70/17 Terra Grappler, or stepping up to an 18x8.5 gunner 5 (4.5 bs) with a 305 or 325/60/18 Terra Grappler.

I was ready to pull the trigger last night on the 18x8.5's and 305/60's, until I saw a friend of mine's truck today with a 275/55/20 terra grappler (1/2" shorter), and they werent anywhere near as big or agressive looking as I was hoping for on my truck. So I was thinking about stepping up to the 325/60's. I have found them on 3 trucks on this site with a similar combo, 1 loved it, and the other 2 didnt seem real happy with their choice.

I dont mind to adjust the torsion bars to level, or trim a little plastic. But I really dont want them rubbing everytime I get in a tight parking spot or back out of the driveway. I think I would like the extra inch of height, but I could deal with the shorter, narrower tire if I had to. Or am I better off sticking with the stock wheels and 285 BFG's? Not enough money difference between the 3 to turn me one way or the other.

Any advice? I'm open to other options as well, but would like to keep it to $1500 or less unless I just fall in love with it.

edit: Final choice pics in this thread: https://www.f150online.com/forums/wh...my-02-fx4.html

 

I put 315/70R17 BFG AT on my 03 SCAB with the flareside bed. It technically measures out at 34.6" x 12.4" I believe. I cranked the torsion bars in the front 2.25" and trimmed a bit off the lower valence where the fog lights sit. I also put a 2.5" taller block in the rear but that wasn't necessary for the tires, I just wanted to keep my rake.

I am VERY pleased with this setup and have put about 6,000 miles on it since the beginning of March. Only managed to stuff a tire once and I came down hard enough and at such an angle that I think it may have done it with the stock tires.

My total setup including alignment, tires, rims and what I spent to lift my truck up (new u-bolts and blocks) came in right around $1400. Oh, I'm running MB 72s that are 17"x8.5" but I'm not sure on the backspacing.

 

So no rubbing under normal driving conditions? I know the height would be fine on the 325/60's. I was more worried about the width rubbing at full lock.. Especially since i'm not wanting to go any farther on the t-bars than it takes to level it out.. But if those 315's fit @35" tall it should be fine i think??

Where did you get the BFG's that cheap? I would think that would eat up most of the $1400 since the 285/70's are right at $1200 OTD here....

 

About 2" on the t-bars is all it should take to level it out. I have absolutely no rubbing issues at all during the day. Which for me includes countless speed bumps and driving over curbs to get to parking spaces. Lock to lock on the steering and I have no rubbing on any of the front suspension or steering components.

I got my rims and tires at Discount Tire in Scottsdale, AZ. I originally did my lift thinking that I would only be able to fit a 33" tire and went in to put a set of 33x11.50 Pathfinder ATs on. Curious how close I was to fitting the 35s I had the sales guy mock one up and mount it on the truck. Low and behold it fit! I thought for sure that I was going to need at least a 4" lift to accomplish 35s. I am really happy I didn't as I now have the tire size I wanted with the least compromise to my center of balance on the truck.

 

Nice truck man, super clean!!

 

Thanks!

 

Yeah it looks great!

Anybody else have experience with a similar tire (305/60 or 325/60/18) combo? I'm ready to order, now I just have to decide what I'm going to go with before i change my mind again. Right now I've got 2 good reports, and 2 that said they wouldnt do it again, so I'm still right on the fence.

I wish i had a discount tire close.. Dont really want to drive 2-3hrs unless i have to.

 

I love my 325/60's they come out to around 33x13, I have mine on a 18x9.5" rim so they look pretty wide. I only had to trim the front valence a little and crank the t-bars no rubbing I can still fully turn both ways. I bought mine from discount tire on ebay they had free shipping and the tires came out to around $850

 

325/60/18 's Terra Grapplers 18x9 wheels with 4.5" backspacing

Cranked torsion bars and trimmed valence

 

Well, I just ordered the 325 terra grapplers and MB wheels. So I'm holding you two responsible if i dont like it or have problems haha. Its your fault for dangling that eye candy in front of me. Both trucks look great.. I'd love to have those ultra wheels, but I'll settle since these were only half the money..

Thanks dudes... Pics coming sometime soon!

 

What size wheel?

 

nice look Ford.....The wheels look good!

 

18x8.5 4.5bs.. its borderline on the width, but will be fine.

 

I'm sure you'll love 'em. My rim is 17x8.5 so I'm sure they'll fit no problem. The only real problem I see with big tires is you'll never go back and their never big enough.

silver-savage your truck is beautiful. I definitely wish I had the super crew at times and if I did it would probably look a whole lot like yours.

 

Thanks everyone!
If I could do it over again I would have went with a 20x10 wheel instead.

DanielH: I can't wait to see some pics.