1997 - 2003 F-150

Help me choose what tire size,,,,,Please

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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 10:55 PM
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iowabowhunter's Avatar
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Help me choose what tire size,,,,,Please

Ok Guys

I have a 2001 F150 SC 4x4 that needs tires. I know which tire I want, but I cant decide on the size. Its between the 285-70-17 and the 315-70-17. I'm keeping the stock wheels. I dont have a problem with cranking the torsion bars. I'm leaning towards the 315 cause of the width, but the 285 probably wouldn't look quite as "stuffed" as the 315. And how about mileage and power. Will there be a noticable difference between these two?? If you all have some pics,,,,that would be great also.

Thanks
Bob
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 11:03 PM
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285 BFG's here. 315's might rub not sure but I felt a slight drop in power, I have stock 3.55 gears. Lost about 1 mpg with the 285's.

 

Last edited by ErikShockey; Dec 29, 2010 at 11:07 PM.
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 11:25 PM
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4.6 or 5.4? the 5.4 you won't notice the difference in tires. the 4.6 will be a bit upset. I put on 32.5 tires on mine and my 4.6 worked real hard. I swapped to a 5.4 and had regular tires on, then put the big ones back on and I can't tell. I would do the 285's
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 11:41 PM
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What brand are you stuck on? Between the 2 sizes only, go 285. In my opinion, 315's look really good on a 3" body lifted truck in this case. Otherwise go 295/70/17's if you aren't stuck on a brand. That's the size I'm going with next, in Nitto T/G's.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2010 | 12:17 PM
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Personally, I think 315/70-17's (35x12.50) look too stuffed on a stock 97-03 4x4. But they will fit using the OEM wheels, with minor rubbing on the frame at full steering lock.
Also, keep in mind that if you later decide to buy wider aftermarket wheels, you will have to install at least a 3 inch body lift to fit them with the 35's.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2010 | 06:05 PM
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Not really stuck on these but,,,,,,,

Originally Posted by BLUE20004X4
What brand are you stuck on? Between the 2 sizes only, go 285. In my opinion, 315's look really good on a 3" body lifted truck in this case. Otherwise go 295/70/17's if you aren't stuck on a brand. That's the size I'm going with next, in Nitto T/G's.
They are 617.00 shipped for the 285's with the "Kedge Grip"

I and a couple of my friends have ran these in the 31's and 33's for several years. We have been really happy with them.

http://www.treadwright.com/p-52-285-...dog-m-t-d.aspx
 
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Old Dec 31, 2010 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by wandell
Personally, I think 315/70-17's (35x12.50) look too stuffed on a stock 97-03 4x4. But they will fit using the OEM wheels, with minor rubbing on the frame at full steering lock.
Also, keep in mind that if you later decide to buy wider aftermarket wheels, you will have to install at least a 3 inch body lift to fit them with the 35's.
I disagree. I am running 315/70R17 BFG A/T TA KOs on my 2003 Sport 4x4 with just a 2.25" torsion bar crank (factory keys, not maxed out) and a taller rear block (this was only done to keep my rake until I put bags in the rear). I have absolutely no rubbing on the frame, suspension or steering components. They are sitting on 17x8.5 MB 72s that I had installed at the same time.

I did have to trim the front lower valence slightly but it isn't really noticable unless you're looking for it. I suppose and a 10" wide rim it may have an issue but definitely not if you're only going a little bit wider.

My truck is a 2003 F150 with the 5.4L, auto, factory 3.55LS gears with the 9.75 rear end. I haven't noticed any significant change in mileage or power. Maybe a 1-2 mpg difference, but that can be made up with a good air filter and the gotts mod. I have been running this setup for approximately 15,000 miles.

Here is my truck with that setup.

 
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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 07:42 PM
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I've decided to go with the 285-70-17. Will I still need to crank the torsion bars??
 
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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 08:55 PM
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f150fella08's Avatar
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^ no..i have 295/70/17 on mine and didnt touch the torsion bars
 
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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 10:12 PM
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Makes me wish I woulda kept my stockers. I had to bump the front up about an inch and trim the valance for the 285/70x17. But they're on 17x10 rims. Not sure the offset.
 
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