I am currently running 15X8 rims with 235/75R15 Michelin LTX M/S for my summer set of rims and tires. I am looking at buying another set for next year and was thinking about going to 16" or even 17" rims X 8" along with some performance tires. Has anyone done this? If so, what were your tire dimensions along with the rim's dimensions. I don't want to get tires tooooo wide that I end up chewing them off as I make my turns. Remember I have a super cab, long box, bumper to bumper, this baby measures 20' in total length. What tires are good to go with, I am looking for good handling and great traction. I hang aroung Neal & JMC and I need as much traction to try and keep up with them I love my LTX M/S's, so I would like to stay with the Michelin family but if there is something better in this category. I will definitely take a look at them.

Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean

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1994 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Box, 302 EFI, K&N FIPK, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, Automatic, Single Catalytic converter, followed by a Raven Z-55 muffler and finished off with chrome tips (2 1/2" to 3"), Royal Blue in and out, Captain Chairs. Chrome Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 105S 235/75R15 (Summer), OEM Aluminum Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 108S (Winter), Lightly Tinted, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ford Receiver Hitch Cover & Lock, J&J Enterprises Stainless Steel AirDam with KC driving lights, Lund Supersteps, Lighted Grab Bars, VTech Slotted Taillight Covers, Alpine CDM-7829 Head Unit, PPI 4800 Amplifier, Kicker 10" Solo Baric Sub with Custom Box and Kicker Impulse 6.5 Mid & Tweets.

 

Hey. I run 20 x 8.5" KMC Clockers (4 1/4" backspacing). I run a BFG 245/40/20 on them. The width is NOT to big... mines on bags and isn't to bad at all as far as rubbing.

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1995 F-150 Regular Cab Flareside w/ 302 V8... Mods: DJM Suspension 3/5 Drop Kit, Mass Air, K&N FIPK, Dual Exhaust (no mufflers), Lund Premier Tonneau Cover, Motorsports 9mm Plug Wires, BellTech Nitro Drop Shocks, Trenz Pollished Billet Antenna, A/C Controls and, Door Panels, Superchip, Autometer 5" Tach, Precision Gears 3.73s, TD Chrome diff cover, Trenz Billet Grill, Distinctive Truck Accessories Bumper w/ billet insert and light pockets, Summit Battery Relocation Kit, Cervini's Chin Spoiler, EAI Front Bag Mounts, Firestone 26c Airbags, MAC valves, EAI 5 gallon tank, Thomas compressor, Autometer Pro-Comp A/F gauge, Autometer Pro-Comp Boost Gauge, Autometer triple gauge pillar, II Xtreme Levels C-Notch (through the bed) and bag mounts, BellTech 1" Lowering Blocks, BellTech Tailgate Handle Relocation Kit, 20" KMC Clockers on BF Goodrich 245/40/20s.

Twin Garret T3 Turbos

 

For sure you can go to 17 x 8 w/ 4.25 backspace and run 275/60-17 tires. That's the Gen I Lightning setup. Looking under my front end and asking the same questions, I see no reason why 17 x 8.5 w/ 4.5 backspace wouldn't fit. Since you're not lowered, you can go up on dia. if you want to 31" with no problem.

As to traction/handling, remember it's a big heavy long truck and it's going to understeer horribly no matter what you do. You could step up to the Michelin Pilot LTX series or the Pirelli Scorpion Zero, but it's probably a waste of money. You may want to look at the BFG (made by Michelin) Sport Truck T/A, they have some really big sizes, but the LTX M/S may be very nearly as good as it gets

 

You guys pose some good ideas. I won't have even thought of 20" monsters on this truck but I am trying to keep the cost down as well. I was pricing some tires from Michelin and BFG and they are going to cost me anywhere from $800 to over $1200 CDN for a set of 4 tires. Then on top of that I have to get rims to match. And then you can't forget the spare, I will need a piece of crap rim and tire incase one of them blows. I don't think a 15" tire combo with a 17" combo on the other side of the diff. would be a good thing. Well, it probably wouldn't matter since I will have the same over all diameter of 28.9". What are you guys now running for diameter and if larger or smaller, how did you fix the speedo issue or do you just drive at a different speed ???

Dean

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1994 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Box, 302 EFI, K&N FIPK, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, Automatic, Single Catalytic converter, followed by a Raven Z-55 muffler and finished off with chrome tips (2 1/2" to 3"), Royal Blue in and out, Captain Chairs. Chrome Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 105S 235/75R15 (Summer), OEM Aluminum Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 108S (Winter), Lightly Tinted, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ford Receiver Hitch Cover & Lock, J&J Enterprises Stainless Steel AirDam with KC driving lights, Lund Supersteps, Lighted Grab Bars, VTech Slotted Taillight Covers, Alpine CDM-7829 Head Unit, PPI 4800 Amplifier, Kicker 10" Solo Baric Sub with Custom Box and Kicker Impulse 6.5 Mid & Tweets.

 

I'm in process of going from 235/75-15 to 255/65-16, virtually the same diameter, 3/4" wider, 1/2" less sidewall. I think that will tighten up the handling a bit without losing any load capability. I didn't want to drop down to 60 series tires on a truck. Trying to decide on brand, leaning heavily towards the Michelin LTX M/S, but I can get Dunlop TG-35s a LOT cheaper. Decisions, decisions.

 

Another question for you guys, anyone have 265's, 275's or wider and going through an automatic car wash with them. I live in an apartment so my wash detail is left up to a good car wash and was noticing with my 235's that there wan't too much room left once the tire was in there. Any ideas on this ???

Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean

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1994 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Box, 302 EFI, K&N FIPK, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, Automatic, Single Catalytic converter, followed by a Raven Z-55 muffler and finished off with chrome tips (2 1/2" to 3"), Royal Blue in and out, Captain Chairs. Chrome Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 105S 235/75R15 (Summer), OEM Aluminum Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 108S (Winter), Lightly Tinted, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ford Receiver Hitch Cover & Lock, J&J Enterprises Stainless Steel AirDam with KC driving lights, Lund Supersteps, Lighted Grab Bars, VTech Slotted Taillight Covers, Alpine CDM-7829 Head Unit, PPI 4800 Amplifier, Kicker 10" Solo Baric Sub with Custom Box and Kicker Impulse 6.5 Mid & Tweets.