I found some 16 x 8" Centerline wheels that I like, and I wanted to put the BFG AT's in a 275/70 on them. Everyone tells me to go ahead and put the 285/75's on, but that's even higher and wider, and I don't want any rubbing or modification.
Another thing I noticed when I test drove a truck with the stock 17" wheels and 265's on it, was that it seemed sluggish in the low end. I'm trying to avoid going over that overall diameter, because the bigger you go, the more low-end take off you lose.
Any ideas?

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Supercrew build/delivery date: Week of Sept. 18th, ordered: 8-7.
**Dealer will install natural gas conversion **Silver XLT 4x4, 5.4L:
power driver's seat, captain's chairs, lim. slip, skids, tow, cage, moonroof.
**Planned mods: Cervini hood, Superchip, 16" Centerlines with 275/70/16 BFG KO's, nerf bars, billet pedals, white-faced gauges, dash kit (fiber?), tail light covers, Stull SS grill, Glasstite cap?, Pioneer stereo/cd controller, Pioneer 12-disc changer, speakers, amp. & subwoofer

 

I have the 285 BFG's. I was told they may rub; however, I have had them off road on about four occassions and not had a problems. They are a little wide for my taste. I had to add husky mud flaps to prevent a dirty sided truck. The flaps work well but I wish I would have went with the 275's.

I am not certain about torque but the truck is definatly a little slower off the line than with stock! They 275's would be a great compromise!

Best of luck.

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2001 SuperCrew 4x4 "Mighty Whitey" Lariat "Loaded". Oxford White (No Stickers, Yuck!)
-Ultra Polish Alum. Wheels(type 160)
-BFG 285 R16 ATs
-Billet Grill
-Stainless Werks Nerf Bars
-KC Driving Lights (in Grill)
-WMS Volocity Tube
-K&N Filter
-Husky Mats, front & rear
-Husky Mud Flaps
-GPS (on board)
-Wired for phone (no accidents!)
-SnugTop, SnugLid Tonneau
-Killer Tint
-FlowMaster 40, 3" catback w/ 4" Tip
-AmsOil 5w40 & Filter

To Come:
-Superchips, flip chip
-Rancho RS 9000's & kit
-Painted bug def (white)
-Brake Dust Cvrs (painted white)

 

Digodell,

Thanks for the input, I'll probably go with the 275's or 265's;
it sounds like you've tricked out your truck quite a bit, can't hardly wait for mine!

 

You may want to take a look at this site when making your decision on tire size. It will calculate tire diameter (if you don't know it) as well as the effect the change in diameter will have on gear ratio and MPH:
www.lightlineofla.com/index2.htm

 

Check out the supercrew with 35" tires... http://home.austin.rr.com/hatley/supercrew/index.html

 

Sah7

Great looking truck. I have the exact same plan in mind for mine and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions.

1) Why Rancho? I am considering all options (ie Rancho, Trailmaster, Pro-Comp, Superlift, RCD)

2) Do the 35's rub at all?

3) How is performance and ride?

Thanks for your help!

Andrew

 

I basically gathered opinions from the 4x4 experts on the equipment. Rancho costs a little more but it seems to have the most favorable comments. I've never followed the big 4x4 truck folks so I basically didn't know much. But my friends that have seen the truck assure me that all my choices were with top notch equipment.

The 35's do rub when turning sharp, especially when backing up. I'm used to that with my 1990 Mustang 5.0, so I just try to plan my moves ahead.

The ride is still just awesome. It feels like a luxury SUV to me. Maybe that's because I've been driving that Mustang for so long!

I think you'll be happy with it.

 

Crewboss & sah7,
Thanks for the input.
I'm still deciding which size of BFG tires. I don't want any rubbing while I'm turning because it prevents me from going on a lot of narrow trails with my current truck while towing a jet-ski; I'm tired of getting stuck or having to unhook the trailer.

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Supercrew built on 9-13, Arrived on 9-27.
**Dealer will install propane conversion, can't take her home until then! **Silver XLT 4x4, 5.4L: power driver's seat, captain's chairs, lim. slip, skids, tow pack, cage, moonroof.
**Planned mods: Cervini hood, Superchip, 16" Centerlines with 265/75/16 BFG KO's, nerf bars, billet pedals, white-faced gauges, carbon fiber dash kit, tail light covers, Stull billet grill, Glasstite cap?, Pioneer stereo/cd controller, Pioneer 12-disc changer, speakers, amp. & subwoofer from other truck

 

Sah7

Where is the rubbing ocurring? and just how bad is it?

Are the tires rubbing on anything that could be trimmed? If so how much do you think we are talking about?

What are the largest tires you think would fit without rubbing?

Also, how does the truck drive in 4x4 mode at higher speeds (45-75mph) now that its lifted? Do you get any vibration from the lift or has it maintained the stock geometry (eg driveshafts, etc) as promised?

Thanks?

Andrew

 

Ajvamvakias, see my reply on the "Suspension" message board. I've run with the 4x4 only at speeds of below 60, but there's no additional vibration. I do have a slight shake in my steering wheel now, but it's VERY slight. I've taken it back three times and the guys still can't find anything wrong with the balance or installation. When weighing all the pro's and con's, it's a small price to pay. The one complaint is that my gear ratio is now too low. It would probably help to add 4:10 gears but that'll have to happen down the road.....maybe when gas prices fall!

Femseadoo, good point. I'll definitely have to keep that in mind when I'm towing. Thanks.

 

Had my new wheels, tires, Chrome nerf bars put on yesterday. Wheels are: 16x8 AR Nitros(chrome) Tires: BFG 285/75/16 KOs No rubbing at all. Turned alot of heads though!

 

4x4screw - do you have any pictures yet?

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4 (FQR 8/99) running Mobil 1
Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter, Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd and rigged the fog lights too.

On Order: Supercrew 4x4 Lariat, Black, 5.4 and all the goodies.
Planned mods: 305/70/16 ATS, AR Atlas 16x8, Dual Exhaust, Toneau Cover, Expedition Console Mod and Smitty Bilt Tube Steps.

Another great Ford truck site -www.fseries.com

Truck Pictures

 

Only had 2 prints left on last roll. Those became the before pics. Got more film today, hope to have pics available by end of the week. Then I'll have to figure out how to post or attach them.

The chrome wheels and nerf bars really set off the Deep Wedgewood Blue (solid color).

Need to use the info I found here and raise the front end so it is close to level.

 

Hey SAH !

Check out your pictures of supercrew thread...