Need Help with Rims......
 

I have a 2005 F150 4x4 with the heavy duty payload. The stock rims are 17x7.5 with 7 lugs.

After many hours of seraching I was able to find two 7 lug wheels that I like: one was 17x9 with 4.5" backspacing ($199); and the other was 17x8 with 4.5" backspacing ($277).

The website claims that these wheels are good for stock height or lifted Ford trucks. But when when I placed my order for the 17x9 rims, the jabroni who answered the phone asked me if I was putting on any kind of lift. I told him I was putting on a 2" front leveling lift kit. He said that it would not work because the tire would stick out and there would be a rubbing problem. He claimed I would need a rim with 5" backspacing (which they do not make in this wheel), or put a 3" lift on my truck. Does this guy know what he is talking about? He told me it wouldn't work without asking me what kind of truck I have.

Perhaps a 2.5" front leveling kit and the 17x8" rims would work better? I haven't a clue. Please give me some advice on what I need to do. I really need these rims.

I know all of the other F-150 wheels have 5 1/2 inches of backspacing but I'm not sure if your 7 lug wheels are the same. If they are, a 17x9 with 4 1/2 inches of backspacing is gonna stick out 2 1/2 inches farther than stock. Even the 17x8 with 4 1/2 inches of backspacing is gonna stick out 1 1/2 inches farther than stock. What size tires are you gonna run? I think you would be better off with the 17x8's.

Ok. I'll go with the 17x8. I don't know what size tire. Maybe a little bigger than stock but not too big. The stock wheels are LT245/70Rx17D. What size do you recommend? I'm going to add the Bushwacker fender flares. I am most concerned about the rims fitting and the lift requirements since this guy on the phone claimed that I needed a 3" lift kit (I don't think he knew exactly what he was talking about.) Will I be ok with 17x8 rims, 4.5bs, and a 2" front leveling kit? If you have any more advice, it would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Well, I took the plunge and ordered the wheels online.

This is what I got: 17x8 4.5" STOCK HEIGHT OR LIFTED TRUCKS: Ford Truck (7-lug). 7-150mm

Next, a "wheel tech" is supposed to call me during business hours.

I hope this does the trick!

Thanks again.

:banana:

I'd suggest going with a 33 inch tire. Either a 285/70-17 (33x11.50) or a 33x12.50-17.

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Ive got the 17x9's w/ 33's and they dont rub. I had to cut a little piece of molding off from the inside of the wheel well, but you cant even tell. you will be fine w/out any lift.