SO, First off, I'm new to the Forums but have been surfing around here for awhile now, so Hello to all...

To begin, this only applies to NITTO TERRA GRAPPLER tires. I had been researching through here from other members posts to try and figure out tire sizes with stock wheels.

I have a 2009 Ford Platinum with the 20" wheels and stock 275/55 R20 Pirelli's, and an AS 2.5" Leveling Kit
My tire of choice was the Nitto Terra Grapplers (sweet looking tires!)

So if you look on Nitto Tire's website they list the tire sizes for each of the following:
LT 285/55 R20 is 32.28" x 11.73"
305/50 R20 is 32.09" x 12.20"
305/55 R20 is 33.19" x 12.40"
LT 305/55 R20 is 33.07" x 12.60"

These were the tires sizes I chose between from researching others who have chosen 305/55 R20. WELL, I had the luxury of doing a trial test fit and drive and this is what I came up with. IF YOU'RE TRYING TO MAXIMIZE tire size on the STOCK wheels, the NITTO TERRA GRAPPLER in the (LT 305/55 R20) WILL RUB!! Oddly, only at FULL turn on the front passenger side on the sway bar. I was told this is because of suspension geometry or something like that... (don't quote me). The 12.60" wide tires are just slightly to wide. Simply go with the 305/55 R20 NOT LT, and you have no rub on the sway bar.

In my application WIDTH was more important that HEIGHT so I chose to go with the 305/50 R20. That is 1.1" wider than stock and almost near stock height. (31.7 vs 32.09) BECAUSE the 305/55 non LT did'nt provide the peace of mind I needed to drive my truck comfortably.

MORAL of the story, with stock Platinum wheels, and a choice of Nitto Grapplers, you can go as tall as the 35" if you want (with slight trimming) but DO NOT get the LT tire in 305/55 because it WILL RUB at full RIGHT turn on the passenger side if you use the stock wheels. Some might not mind it but I know myself, after investing so much in this truck, I couldn't take the risk.

 

So it sounds like you dont want your perelli's.

Send them to me free and I'll make sure they have a new home.

 

rich_platinum - thanks for the information. I too have an 09 platinum with the 20 inch stock wheels and was just about the puchase the LT305/55/20 Nitto's. I have the AS 2" leveling kit in the front and I'm getting ready to add the 3 inch block replacement in the rear. You say you dropped back to the LT 305/50/20 Nitto's becuase you didnt feel good about going with the non-LT tires. Why did you shy away from the non-LT's?

Thanks

 

I put 39,000 on them already, tread was worn.

 

Actually, the 305/50 R20 doesn't come in the LT. I'm going with them. The 305/55, R20 comes in both LT and non. LT being 12.60" and the non 12.40". But I didn't chose the 305/55 R20 non LT MAINLY because he did not have a set that wasn't sold in stock. Those tires DO FIT. But I got a great deal on the 305/50 set, so I went with them.

 

Rich_Platinum - Just finished installing the Nitto TG's in the LT305/55/20 and they didnt rub at all. Had the tire shop mount them up and checked everything even extreme turns while backing up and had no issues. The only difference is I have the AS 2" kit installed in the front. I was going to buy the non-LT's but they didnt have them in the warehouse and it was going to cust 25 dollars per tire to ship. Not sure why yours rubbed but mine wasnt even close to the swaybar or lower a-arm. Just FYI.

 

Thanks for the update, I'm actually running the LT 305/55-20 tires as well... Just dealing with the slight rubbing on full right crank (which happens VERY seldom) Hopefully ill post photos soon. Do you have some of yours?

 

The leveling kits pull the front wheels in as they jack up the suspension angle. Maybe that is some of the rub.

 

Rich_Platinum - I will try to get some pictures posted soon. BTW have you thought about running some 1 1/2 inch wheel spacers? Also what tire pressure are you running in your Nitto LT's?

Thanks in advance.

 

Thats weird. This guys plantinum doesnt have any problems with them that i could see.
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...inum-305s.html

 

My '06 rubs at full lock on BOTH sides. I put Toyo LT 305/55/20's, 1.5" AS, and 3" rear block on when the warranty expired. I've had the rub for 30K miles and have had zero problems, just a little polished metal on the sway bar. I was willing to sacrifice a little rub for a major improvement in the looks department. I have guys talk to me at redlights and gas stations to see what tires and lift I have. Not to mention, I've put almost 32K miles on my Toyo AT's and they still have a ton (12/32nds) left on the tread. Good luck and just be careful pulling into those tight parking spots.......

 

jimmythepirate:
I'm running 40-45 psi in the tires right now. Im not too fond of the spacers, mainly because I would eventually like to upgrade my wheels.

Big Smokey:
seems like it verys from truck to truck.

camlocker:
VERY seldom have I had rub.. But I too love the look of the LT305/55 tires. Anything less doesn't do it justice.

All in all, I'm happy with the results. I will take some pics as soon as the sun allows me too this week!