I have a stock 16inch rim on a stock 97 4x4 f150. Will 33x12.50 rub or should I stick to 285/75r16. I am concerned with lock to lock on the steering.

 

Im not sure about the 97 4x4, but my 03 4x4 has the 33-12.5's and i had to crank my torsion up 4 turns. I had slight rubbing when I would turn hard left or right.

You can also trim your lower valance plastic (and not have to crank the torsion) and this will also eleveate the problem. You can search for the threads that mention the trimming, its not that noticable as well.

The look of the 305's vice the 285's is about 1 inch in width.

 

They will rub.I know for a fact,my friend tried them on his 98 and they rubbed.

 

BS
i have 33x1250--don't rub
buddy has 35x1250--only rubs offroad

 

yes they will rub

 

You know whats funny, when I brought my tires into the tire shop to get mounted on my 03 Screw 4x4, all the guys in shop said they wouldnt fit. They said I would have to cut my whole front fender area. I got into an argument with the guy in the shop (young 20 something know it all kid).

I said put em on!! Guess what I was right..Should of seen the look on the guys face when I approached him and said "So they wont fit huh??"

Humm I remember when I was a know it all 20 something kid.

PST, I would see if your f150 4x4 is designed the same as the 03 (which im pretty sure it is) If it is, the tires will fit without a lift. All it takes is cranking the front torsion bar a few turns, evenly on both sides. You will get alot of guys saying they wont fit, just like the tire shop i went to. The only true way is to find a shop that will mount them for you and see for yourself.

 

htey will fit but they will rub on the front valance with your wheels turned almost all the way to right or left, alittle trimming on the valance and crancing up your torsion bars will fix that

 

You can also swap your steering-stop with those from a Lightning.

Did that on my 4x2 Expy with Lightning wheels / 285-60-18 tires. They rubbed just a little bit until I changed-out the stops.