I'm getting ready to toss a 2.5" leveling kit on my '04 FX4. I am struggling between putting 20x8.5 (30-40mm offset/5.75-6.25" BS) with P275/60r20 or LT305/55r20 vs. 18x9 with LT325/60r18. I don't really want the tire sticking out from underneath the fender (it's illegal here). I don't know what offset to use on the 18" to keep the tire mostly under the fender with out making it rub. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

You have the right backspacing on the 20's to keep them from sticking out so that may be your best choice. In my opinion, the 305/55-20's will look much better than the 275's. Your OEM wheels are 7.5 inches wide with 5.5 inches of backspacing so the 8.5 inch wide wheels with 5.75 inches of backspacing would only stick out 3/4 of an inch farther than the OEM wheels. The ones with 6.25 would only stick out about 1/4 inch farther.

 

I think he meant to say the wheels with a 6.25 back spacing would stick out 1/2" less than the ones with the 5.75 back spacing.

From what I have read, the more positive the offset, the bigger the back spacing and the less the wheel sticks out. Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

He is saying versus the stock wheels not the 5.75 ones..

 

Oops, my bad.

I guess I read it wrong the first time...

Thanks for the clarification.

 

I'm on the verge of buying some 18x9 rims w/4.61" of BS for my '04 4x4. If factory is 7.5 with 5.5" of BS, then these rims would stick out 4.39" off rotor or 2.39" farther than factory. They would also be shallower in the wheel, 4.61" BS compared to 5.5" BS. Is that correct??? If I then put 35x12.50x18's on this rim, the extra 2.39" of rim projection plus the additional width of the tire I'm estimating it sticking out an additional 2 1/4" over stock 265s. With a 2.5 AS would you expect rubbing?? HELP PLEASE and THANK YOU!

 

jjenne- yea, you're pretty much on- you can expect to stick out 2.25-to 2.5" with just a leveling kit, and 35's i think you're going to have some moderate rubbing on the backs of the front wheel wells, and maybe the front as well on full crank- if you are wanting to be safe, go with an aftermarket wheel, but stick to 33-34" max tire height- if you are sure you want 35's and dont want to rub, stick with the stock rims-

 

Thanks BalogUK. I may deal with the rubbing toget the larger tires. I guess I should go with the Pro Comp as they are 34.8" and 12.5 wide verses the Toyo which is 35 and 13.2" wide to minimize the likelihood and extent of rubbing. BTW - not sure if you're from KY, see you went to UK, but I grew up in Louisville and most my family is still there (Okalona).

 

yea i moved to Lexington. in 92 then left in 96 then back in 01 we lived in Crestwood (well the family did- i was at UK)

 

Jjene, you are probably gonna have a lot of rubbing with that combo. I'd suggest going with a 325/60-18. Plus, I'd try to fine a 9 inch wide wheel with 5 or 5.5 inches of backspacing.