Does anyone know if you can put 17" wheels on a 97 F-150 4x4 that originally came with the 16 inchers? I wouldn't mind putting larger wheels and tires, but I don't know if they will fit. If I cannot, does anyone know what are the largest tires that will fit on the F-150 4x4's without putting a lift or anything like that? Currently I have LT 245/75R16's (the Wrangler RT/S's).

One last thing, how does the size of the tire affect performance? Any major pros or cons?

Thanx in advance

1997 F-150XL EC 4x4, 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, Cat-Back Exhaust, K&N Filter, Spray in Box Liner

Future Mods: Rancho RS5000 shocks, more window tint and white face guages (if I can find any that fit the dash with no tach !!!!)

 

Hiya Cougar,

I think i can shed some light on this for ya. First off then, yes you can put 17" rims and tires on your truck with no problems. There are however MORE tires to select from in the 16" rim size that are larger than what you have now. The popular size,as well as one of the biggest you can go with on your stock 16" rims,is 285/75-16. These are almost 33" tall and MUCH wider than yours and will fit your truck without any modification. MUDDER has these tires if you wanna see them,he's posted pics of his truck allllll over this website so itll be easy to find. You might also want alittle smaller..the 265/75-16 is around 31" tall and Franks-n-Beans has these on his truck,so do a search to find his truck to see them. You could buy 17" wheels and tires if you wanted to also,its up to you...they will both work. Just warning you the 16" are cheaper and have more sizes available than 17" tires.

AS for size affecting performance here is a basic rundown..given the same brand and style tire~

With a..
+Taller sidewall=less cornering ability but smoother ride
+Shorter sidewall=better cornering grip but rougher ride

+Wider tread=better cornering grip but alittle rougher ride
+Narrower tread=less cornering grip but smoother ride

With your situation Id bet ANY tire you chose would be ALOT better in all aspects,except maybe ride quality(alittle),than your current stock tires. I personally recommend BFGoodrich AllTerrain tires if you dont go into deep mud. They are very quiet for an offroad tire,they wear well and they look great..oh and they grip the street great too!

Hope this helps ya!

Jason
DS

------------------
2000 F150 XLT SC 4x2, 5.4L auto, 3.55 LS, Med Toreador solid, Med Graphite int,pwr everything except seat, CD player...*Current Mods=Rancho 4" lift,3" bodylift, BFG AT-ko 35x12.50's,16x10" American Racing Baja's,Rancho RS9000's,lift-lips,4.56 gears,chrome diff cover,Stull grill,tinted windows,keyless entry/alarm,PIAA superwhites*

*** In the Works - Hellwig swaybar,custom 3" cat-back w/40series Flowmaster.. AUDIO SYSTEM=Rockford-Fosgate and Orion amps/Pioneer DEH-835/(3)JL Audio 10W6's 10" subwoofers/FOCAL PolyKEVLAR 6.5" seperates***

Im such an ***...




[This message has been edited by DirtSlinger (edited 06-17-2000).]

 

Thanks DirtSlinger,

that's pretty much what I was looking for.