Well after I fix my slow leaking timing chain cover, I was planning on replacing my rims and tires as my next mod on the list of to-do's for my truck.

From what I have read, 305/70R16 are supposed to be the biggest tires that can fit on this truck with the stock 16's. I have those on my truck now and when wheels are fully turned to the left or right I have roughly 2" before the sides of the tires would rub anything.

I was planning on running either 305/65R18 or 305/70R17 as they both are roughly only and inch taller than what I have now and the same exact width. Or maybe even 315/65R17 being only slightly wider and taller than the aforementioned two.

Based off what I can see I should not have any clearance issues but that is only theoretical. I can't seem to find pics of what these sizes would look on a stock suspension '97 - '03 F150 4x4. I don't want to lift it as I prefer the height it is at now, and for any wheeling I plan on doing or would need to do I know I should have no problem. I don't believe the torsion bars have been cranked (I know I have not done it) but it seems to sit pretty level.

Hell, my assumption could be all wrong. What are my options?

I am planning BFG Mud Terrains and ATX Artillery rims.

 

Depending on wheel width chosen and wheel backspacing/offset that'll play a part in what you can and can't fit.

 

The Artillery 17x9 has a -12 offset and a 4.49 back spacing, the 18x9 has a -12 offset with a 4.53 back spacing.

I believe stock are 16x7 with a 12 offset and I believe a 5 backspacing.

 

I run 285/45's street tires, they are 33" tall and fit under a stock suspension with 22" X 9" rims and a -10 offset.
Not 100% sure but back spacing will depend on wheel width and the offset
a 9" wide rim with a -10 offset does not stick out past the side of the truck.