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So I tried posting this on another f150 forum but everyone got butthurt about a truck not being lifted. lol.
Some info on the truck: 2003 regular cab short bed, 4.2 2wd sport
So I've been thinking of mildly lowering my truck for a while now, probably a 1/2, 2/2 or a 2/3 drop. I'm just wanting some input and have a few questions.
Truck sees almost no little off road (Pretty much just a trip to the city dump every couple of months)
Occasionally haul light stuff (Usually sub 600 pounds, should be easily manageable with a modest drop)
My questions for this are:
1. What would be a good tire size for this drop (I'm thinking 235/75r16)
2. What would be a good tire for street use but adequate for light off roading
3. Could I fit my current 265/75r16s under a 2/3 drop or should I wait until its time for new tires and go with a 0/2 drop for now?
I'm also thinking the smaller tires would really help the truck with low end grunt. So that might be helpful with any towing. The 32s made the truck gutless (Had 255/70s when I got it and the 4.2 didnt feel bad at all, I instantly regretted the 32s because of the power loss).
Also, anyone with a 2/3 or a 3/4 drop (preferable swb) POST SOME PICTURES FOR ME!!
I also HATE the current wheels. Prefer something spoked (I like lightning wheels, or something like this http://goo.gl/hnRVLl)
A 2/3 or 2/4 (depending on if you want a slight rake or level look) would be my suggestion. I had a 3/4.5 on my 2001 SuperCab, but it would sag with anything over a couple of hundred pounds in the bed. I would even say a 3/3 would still be a good look while giving you room to haul in the rear without it squatting.
As for the tire size, the 265/70 might be tight, but still manageable. I ran a 255/60/17 Toyo Proxes2 on the truck above, which measured out to be a 29" tire, which really helped the little 4.2 get a little pep back in it's step. I would recommend running a 265/70/16 (0.6" taller than factory) or stick to the factory 255/70/16 (30").
Jumping to the Lightning wheels or even some of the factory 17" options opens things up. I had FX4 wheels and loved the look on a lowered truck. Unless you jump to a 17" or larger wheel, getting wider wheels (to help with traction and ride comfort) is going to be harder without increasing the tire height.
A 2/3 or 2/4 (depending on if you want a slight rake or level look) would be my suggestion. I had a 3/4.5 on my 2001 SuperCab, but it would sag with anything over a couple of hundred pounds in the bed. I would even say a 3/3 would still be a good look while giving you room to haul in the rear without it squatting.
As for the tire size, the 265/70 might be tight, but still manageable. I ran a 255/60/17 Toyo Proxes2 on the truck above, which measured out to be a 29" tire, which really helped the little 4.2 get a little pep back in it's step. I would recommend running a 265/70/16 (0.6" taller than factory) or stick to the factory 255/70/16 (30").
Jumping to the Lightning wheels or even some of the factory 17" options opens things up. I had FX4 wheels and loved the look on a lowered truck. Unless you jump to a 17" or larger wheel, getting wider wheels (to help with traction and ride comfort) is going to be harder without increasing the tire height.
Thanks for the reply. Your truck looks great! I'd probably like to retain about an inch of rake. It's still a work truck and it still hauls things so I figured a 1/2, 2/2, 2/3 or a 3/3 would be ideal.
I might have to take my dads truck for a spin. Mine came stock with 255/70s, his door jam says 235/75 I think.
As for wheels, lightning wheels are something I'm looking at.
Here's a picture-
235/75 is about 1/4" shorter than the 255/70. You will get less rolling resistance, but also less traction. I believe that a 255 is a firm tire size for traction and resistance. There are a tone of highway terrain (HT) tires with decent non-pavement traction in the 255-275 size widths.
I think sticking to a 2/3 would give you exactly what you need. The regular cab already sits slightly higher in the rear, so you should be able to keep about 1" of rake.
235/75 is about 1/4" shorter than the 255/70. You will get less rolling resistance, but also less traction. I believe that a 255 is a firm tire size for traction and resistance. There are a tone of highway terrain (HT) tires with decent non-pavement traction in the 255-275 size widths.
I think sticking to a 2/3 would give you exactly what you need. The regular cab already sits slightly higher in the rear, so you should be able to keep about 1" of rake.
Sweet. I guess thats what I'll go with. My 265/75s are practically brand new so It's waiting time lol.
