Upgrading Tires

Old Jul 5, 2006 | 01:53 PM
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lancem3's Avatar
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Upgrading Tires

I have a '97 f150 4x4 completely stock. I was interested in putting on the largest and widest tires possible without getting a lift, or any new wheels. I want to use the stock OEM wheels. My current tire size is 245/75/16 and I hate it. I have heard that I could fit 285/75/16, but will this rub or anything? I cranked my torsion bars some just to level out my truck, and I would not be opposed to fully cranking them if I have to. I also would not mind trimming some if I have to. Thanks
 
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Old Jul 5, 2006 | 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by lancem3
I have a '97 f150 4x4 completely stock. I was interested in putting on the largest and widest tires possible without getting a lift, or any new wheels. I want to use the stock OEM wheels. My current tire size is 245/75/16 and I hate it. I have heard that I could fit 285/75/16, but will this rub or anything? I cranked my torsion bars some just to level out my truck, and I would not be opposed to fully cranking them if I have to. I also would not mind trimming some if I have to. Thanks

I had 16x10 wheels and 285 75 16's on my 97 F-150 all I did was crank the torsions a bit and cut the corner of the valance under the bumper as they would just touch when turning while backing. If you are interested I have a package with less than 3000 miles on them contact me for futher info
 
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Old Jul 5, 2006 | 03:57 PM
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Right, 285's will clear easily. If you use the OEM wheels, they are not even close to rubbing.
 
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Old Jul 5, 2006 | 07:02 PM
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I am also thinking about going to a 285/75/16 on an 02 F150 supercab 4x4 on pro comp 16x10 1069's but at stock height should I be concerned with with off roading and the rubbing or does it clear everything good except for the valance? All that I have done to the truck right now is Rancho rsx shocks and hope to do a 3" body lift in the future. The pictures in wadell's gallery are great for info and of the trimmed valance but I wasnt sure if thats all the trimming that was needed at stock height any info would be great thanks.
 
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Old Jul 5, 2006 | 07:59 PM
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Theres quite a bit of room I never rubbed from going over bumps or anything
 
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Old Jul 5, 2006 | 08:03 PM
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Thanks for the reply helps to know as much as possible before I order the rims and tires.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2006 | 07:53 AM
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Right, I only had to trim a little plastic off the valance to fit the 285's on 16x10's at stock height.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2006 | 02:45 PM
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upgrading tires

This is my first time posting here so please take it easy on me as I'm about to ask a question that was pretty much already addressed (with a few minor alterations).

Originally Posted by lancem3
I have a '97 f150 4x4 completely stock. I was interested in putting on the largest and widest tires possible without getting a lift, or any new wheels. I want to use the stock OEM wheels. My current tire size is 245/75/16 and I hate it. I have heard that I could fit 285/75/16, but will this rub or anything? I cranked my torsion bars some just to level out my truck, and I would not be opposed to fully cranking them if I have to. I also would not mind trimming some if I have to. Thanks
A couple months ago I bough a 2000 F-150 4X4. I'm also looking at upgrading my tires from the 255/65/16s that are on there to 285/75/16s. I too would like to keep the OEM rims and the original ride hight. I appologize again for the duplicate questions but I think there where some structural changes between the two years. Thanks in advance for the help.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2006 | 04:07 PM
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No, the trucks basically have a different bumper and grill. Everything else is the same, so the same answers apply. You can easily git 285/75-16's using the OEM 16x7 wheels or aftermarket 16x8 or 16x10 inch wheels.
Also, welcome to the site.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2006 | 04:54 PM
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I jsut bought my first 4x4 last Saturday! I love it. 1999 F150 Sport. I have the 17 x 8.5'' rims. I am also looking for larger tires. The mechanic I took the truck to said I could easily fit 35'' Cooper STT M/T on the stock rims with no lift since the actual tire only measures 34''. Does that sound right? Can I fit a 34'' tire on a 1999 with no lift? Thanks for your help!
 
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Old Jul 6, 2006 | 05:57 PM
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well, first off if you've got stock rims they are 7.5 inches wide...

you can fit 35's but you'll have to crank the torsion bars to level the truck out and use the stock rims. Not the best idea cause the rims are a little narrow for that tire but it will work if you're set on 35's.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2006 | 08:13 PM
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Thanks for the info Hawg, greatly appreciate it. Thanks for the welcome too. I look forward to many more posts.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 08:35 AM
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hawg_man, thanks for your help. Does cranking up the torsion bars effect the ride quality? I am all about making the truck look cool, but I think that ride and handeling should come first. Let me know, thanks!!!
 

Last edited by jwilliamson; Jul 7, 2006 at 08:37 AM.
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 12:20 PM
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yeah it'll stiffen up the ride and it will definitely be rougher...
 
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Old Jul 8, 2006 | 10:01 AM
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An observation: Ford F150's seem to be a lot more flexible as far as adding larger tires and/or wheels than the GM trucks. From the looks of them, you would think that a stock GM 4x4 would almost have to have a lift to fit even 33's and people are slapping 33's on their F150's all the time, with stock suspension.

I like that.
 
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