Alright, First off hello, I'm newly registered, however I love this forum and I love my F150. Forgive me because I know from my searching and reading for the last week, the question I'm about to ask have been asked a million different ways till Tuesday. However I'd like to know if I run 285, 295, or even a 305 on stock rims with no mods (lift) will I be ok? It's a 1997 4x4 Lariat almost all stock except for the dual exaust I recently put on. I'm planning on lifting it, however not right away, tires must come before the lift, but if I'm going to lift withing the next 3 months I don't want to buy a set of tires now and turn around and buy another set when I lift it. Now from my inexperienced eye my present 265x70r17 have plenty of room, so I would think (got me into trouble before) that a jump to a 305 would be easy? However from reading these forums it appears some have done it, and others say it can't be done. More than likely I'll go with a 285 or 295, but even then, am I pushing it. Also if anyone is running a these on an older style 1997 to 03 4x4 can you send me a pic or post it. This will help tremendously. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

You can fit a 315/70-17 (35x12.50) tire on your truck using the OEM wheels. It's a very tight fit at stock height and you will have some minor rubbing on the frame at full steering lock, but they will fit. If you are planning on a lift in the near future, this is what I'd suggest.

 

Thanks for the input: Well now I'll throw that into the mix (35x12.50). My goal is not to mess up my gear ratios too much. I have a 21 foot cuddy and I tow it about 2 hours to the beach. So I need to make sure that lower end humf the Trition 5.4 delievers so effectivly isn't dimished by adding super size tires. If that is the truck in the Pic with the 35x12.50 it looks very good, so I must consider that since it is my main goal. Anyway, I thought if I went much bigger than 285s I was pushing it and the low end power would diminsh - any thoughts?

 

Prudog45, I would have to agree with wandell. If you're going to lift it and you dont want to put new tires when you lift it, I would go with 35x12.5's. Im assuming that you have the 17" rims if you have a lariat, so I would go with BFG AT 315/70/17's. I have 285/70/17's (33x11.5") on my '97 4x4. (click link for pics). If you dont want to go with the 35's, a 305/65/17 is going to be the same height as a 285/70/17, but only an eighth of an inch wider. But if you dont want the 35's, at minimum, go with the 305/65/17.

If you want something in between a 33" and a 35" tire, go with the 305/70/17. This will be my next tire. It's the perfect height and width for me. Like wandell said, you can fit anything up to a 315mm on the stock rims. Hope this helps...

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?num=12631

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?num=12598

 

Actually, my Screw has 33's in the photo in my sig. I have some pics of it with 35 inch BFG's in my gallary.
As for your questions about power, I'm at the limit in my opinion. I have the 5.4 with 3.55 gears and don't do any towing. If I did, I would have stuck with 33's. If you have 3.73 gears, you will probably be ok. If you have 3.55 gears like me, you may want to consider regearing or stick with a 33 inch tire.

 

Wandell and Ross2388 you've made me feel so much better about this undertaking. I've looked at pictures on both of your albums and like the look of both so I feel much safer making a decision knowing the looks aren't going to be bad any which way I go as long as I stay around 305, heck even 285s in the pics looked good to me. So anyway not to push the issue too much, but why BFG and not Nitto or something like that? - Possibly just personal preferences? By the way Ross2388 - yes 17" Rims - Look exactly like yours (go figure I'm sure they all did). I haven't rulled out some nice Mickey Thompsons or American Racing wheels. Although I like the look of my OEMs - always have. I'd love to manufacture some alloy or aluminum fender flare cutouts to match my wheels (I think it would look awesome). Anyway thanks again for your help and any future comments. I already feel like an old pro at this forum

 

I just like the BFG AT KO's because, IMO, they are the best looking all terrain tire you can buy and their performance is exceptional. But I guess you get what you pay for because they're pretty high in price. The next tire that I like is the Bridgestone Dueler AT w/Revo. They have excellent performance ratings as well.

I still like the rims that came on our year model, too. I've seen a few people on here with 35" mickey thompson baja claws and they look MEAN. Im sure you'll be happy with what ever you decide on. Good luck

 

I've had good luck with BFG AT KO's, but the Nitto Terra Grapplers and Toyo AT's are just as good. Some other excellent all terrian tires are the **** Cepek Radial FC II and Pro Comp Xtreme AT.