What's going on everyone? New user to this forum, beloved F150 ('97 175,000 miles runs like a champ) owner for damn near 10 years now! I have been running Maxxis Buckshot Mudders 265/70/17's for the past two sets of tires I've owned on my truck. These are superb tires for everyday use and my occasional trail expedition (which have become very few recentley on account of the mileage). I want to stick with the Buckshot's but I am itching to get a bit larger. I have toyed with the idea of leveling the front end but wanted to know what would fit under the wheel wells. A guy at Gateway tire told me a few years back that he ran 305's on a stock F150 and didn't have to shave anything down. I find that hard to believe, but why would he lie. I know Maxxis makes a 285 as well but I really have my eye on those 305's. Any ideas? I've found it hard to come across a leveling kit for a '97 off road. Then again, I haven't looked to deep into it either. Thanks in advance!

-Jonathan

 

I have 305/70/16 Buckshots on my 02 and I did not have any rubbing but my friend got them on his 99 f150 and they barely rubbed on full lock. Either way it is no big deal. Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the help.....I just wonder if the 17 inch wheels would make a difference. Truck looks Bad ashe BTW

 

the radius should be the same and thanx for the comment. BTW

 

Several people have fit 315/70-17's (35x12.50) on stock 97-03 4x4's by using the OEM wheels. This is a really tight fit and there will be some rubbing on the frame at full steering lock. I'd stick with the 285/70-17's (33x11.50) or the 305/70-17's (34x12.50). I wouldn't go with the 35's unless you plan on a lift in the near future. Also, you don't need a leveling kit because the front ride height of our trucks is adjustable by increasing the preload on the torsion bars.

 

Does increasing the preload effect anything driving-wise and does anything for wear and tear on the truck?

 

It will make the initial portion of your suspensions travel slightly stiffer. Some people love this, some hate it. If you increase the preload too much, like you would by using the aftermarket keys, you will create severe angles on the CV and ball joints which will lead to premature wear.