site says you cannot use the factory wheels, does anyone have experience with this? i have 7 lug rims and cannot find a cheap set of rims i like for my truck. if i buy the lift do i have to buy new rims too?

 

i dont see a reason in hell why you wouldnt be able to use your current wheels

 

My lift kit states same thing ,but no issue with my lift. Most recommend it, I think, due the width or offset of the wheel for better stabilization

 

That doesn't make sense for any 97-03 F-150 because almost every offroad style wheel available has 4.5 inches of backspacing, which is the same as all the OEM 16 and 17 inch wheels.

 

i bought the 5 inch and they told me if i go any smaller than a 17 i wont be able to fit it, i have a 16 inch wheels on it right now and i have to wait on my new tires and wheels before i get the lift, i think its because of the backspacing issue

 

I'm quite sure that's just the manufacturer's recommendation. I've got a 4" lift with 35" tires on the stock 16" rims (not for long, but for now), and it's been this way for some time (years) with no issues.