2001 Lariat just rolled over 113K miles and I want to replace the 265/70/17 Michelin street tires with something larger and more off roady.
Bone stock truck.
Is 285/70 the best choice? I do not want to have to cut/modify anything to eliminate rubbing. I love this truck, bought it new.

Thanks for any info

 

Stock size is 275/60/17.

 

265/70/17, just checked the sticker.

 

I switched from 265/70x17 tires on my 2002 F150 5.4 SCAB,Lariat, FX4 to 285/70x17. They don't rub and according to Tire Rack specs, the stock FX4 7 1/2" rim is the minimum recommended rim width for the 285/70x17 tires. I have a Superchips programmer that allowed me to change the tire diameter in the computer to correct the speedometer. the only reason I went to a larger tire is that I drive on the beach a lot and occasionally I had to deflate the 265 tires a little when I got stuck in the sand. Larger tires decrease fuel economy, decrease the mechanical advantage of the brakes, and decrease acceleration.

 

Discount Tire doesn't have the offroad package listed on the 2001 (I used 4wd Base), but I redid the search for a 2002 FX4.

 

Before I bought 285/70x17 tires for my truck, I ran into a guy at a motel who had a similar truck that had 295x70x17 Nitto tires and he said they didn't rub and wore fine. He also said he ran 305s for a while but they didn't wear like they should.
The 285/70x17 tires don't rub but when the steering is turned all the way they do come close to the fender.
I bought a new 2000 F150 SCAB 5.4L, 4x4 and it had 16" rims. The off road package came with 17" rims.

 

I'm thinking that I may just settle on 275/70's. I do not wantto deal with rubbing. etc...the 265/70's just look tiny in the wheel wells.

 

although i have a feeling the 285/70 would be okay i'm no expert as far as fitment so i wouldn't want to recommend anything.

but please post some before and after pics, and best of luck with your decision!

 

This is what my truck looks like with 285/70x17s with the stock suspension. Looks like they belong on the truck to me. I went with the Firestone Destination AT's because they are C rated and have a good ride and they are also quiet. I have over 20,000 miles on them now and they are wearing evenly and are still quiet.

 

So Roadie, no regrets on the 285/70's?
Here is a pic of my 2001 (looks like there is room, to me)

 

Is that stock height or do you have a lift or leveling kit?

 

Like I said in the OP - Bone stock truck - I bought new- with factory size tires.

 

No regrets at all. They have never rubbed against the fenders. But, like I said before the only reason I bought larger tires is because I drive out on the beach a lot and I got stuck sometimes with the 265's causing me to deflate them a little to get unstuck.