HEY I AM LOOKING FOR A LITTLE INFO. I HAVE A '97 F150 4x4 AND I WANT TO KNOW THE BIGGEST SIZE OF TIRES I CAN PUT ON. I AM FIGURING 285'S OR 305'S. IF ANYONE HAVE SOME TIRE RECOMMENDATION THAT WOULD BE GREAT TO.
THANKS.
IRON

 

With stock gears (3.55), 285's would be the biggest I'd go to. You'll have to adjust the speedo, but with the '97-'98, it's just a small $12.00 part and about 5 minutes of time.

You'll have what I would call a "bog" off the line as well. The taller tires make your effective gear ratio to something like a 3.08 or something.....

If you do any towing or heavy hauling, I'd stick with the 265's... I was going to go to 285's when I first got the truck, but ended up with the 265's and glad I did. I tow a #4500 travel trailer, and it does fine, but could not imagine it with a lower 'effective' gear ratio.

A gear change for a 4x4 will run at least a grand. With 4.10's and 285's you'll be in good shape however!

305's are too wide for the stock wheels (7"). Even the 285's are recommended for a 7.5" wheel. For a 305, you should have at least an 8" wheel IMO

On edit---- On the tire selection, ANYTHING but a Firestone tire!! I'll admit I'm prejudice about Firestone, but only because of a personal situation with them.....

I personally like Les Schwab Tires. They are a chain in the NW, but they might be as far as ND now?? My next set is going to the the Toyo Open Country in the LT265/75/16 load range C.

 

I have 285's on mine and do not have a bog on take-off or any trouble towing. The speedo is even very close to being accurate according to the road-side radar. I would not go any bigger than 285 if I were you.

 

Well, my speedo was off by about 5% with just the 265 tire change. I noticed the difference even before I was out of the parking lot on how it responded to the throttle differently.

Beerman, since your 2000 is using the computer for your speedo and odometer, maybe it's just "adjusted" itself for the change.

Mine also had different shift points after the tire change. It would rev higher before shifting. Probably due to the slower speed being "read" by the computer..... Anyway, after I swapped out the VSS gear to one with one tooth less, it shifted like it did before and my speedo was back to normal too.

Just goes to prove there is no ONE setup that's the same or will react the same...... Just have to take all the info you can and be your own judge!

Good luck!

 

My 97 called for 255's but had 285's on the stock 16" rims when I got it with 740 miles on the odometer. The only place clearance is a little tight is on the front mud flaps while turning, but they have never touched. Serious off-roading may change all that of course.
My speedo was off 7 MPH up until a month or so ago, when I found out how really really easy it is to fix. When I changed out the gear, it took less than 10 mins and less than $10. And I learned how to do it right here in this site thank you very much.
As for a bog, or slower take off See the man (Mike with Troyer Performance) and go get yourself a Super Tuner. Go ahead, ask me if I'm happy with my 1715 Super Tuner! You'll never get me to shut up!
The tires were/are Dunlop Radial Rover AT's and I LOVE them!
Wear like iron, quiet and traction from Alaska to Florida was/is perfect under all conditions. They sound pretty cool when you light them up too, thanks to my 1715...oppps there you go, see what I mean?

 

I've just recently purchased new 285/75/16 Pro Comp X-terrain tires and some 16x8 rims that look real nice. I have a 4x4 and have good clearence and if they rub I have not noticed yet. The x-terrain tires are pretty quiet especially considering thier agressive tread. I like the look and actually prefer how the truck drives with the bigger tires. Gas milage has taken a hit but might be because i haven't adjusted the computer for the bigger tire change yet. I've got a 01 F-150.

 

check out my sig pic i have 285's that will give ya an idea of what they would look like

 

Well guys thanks for all the info I got some 285/75/16 and I stayed with the stock rims. ( I poor ) Anyway they are continetals from Tires Plus so far they are great perform well and look totally awsome .
Anyway thanks for the help
Iron

 

Where in ND are you. I just moved to Grand Forks. I also have 285's, I see I am a little late in my recomendation, but I am sure you will be happy.

 

Yeah I am in GF also it sucks here I just got done with school at UND. Are you at the base or here for school?
Iron

 

I'm at the base, been here about two months. So far its not that bad here, but it could be worse . Enjoy those new tires, they sure make the truck look good dont they!!!