Hi all, This is my 1st post. I'm currently running stock 18"wheels w/275 X 65 tires and front leveling kit. I desperately need new tires and thought I might change the wheels also. Would there being any problem with going to a 17" wheel? If 17''X 9 wheels will work, what is the largest tire size I can fit with only front leveling kit? Also how do I determine which after market wheels I can use in regard to backspacing etc.... Sorry for all the question and I appreciated any advise.

Bar67

 

Not all 17" wheels will fit. As far as backspacing goes, something close to the stock backspacing of 5.5" seems to produce the least amount of rubbing/fitment issues. I'm sure that Wandell will add his advice (he is the resident tire/wheel consultant-he and others helped me tremendously), but the general rule as far as tire size is concerned is:
With a leveling kit only:
33" max on aftermarket wheels
35" max on stock wheels

I'm sure after digging around the forums and doing some searches, you will find the information you seek...............

BTW, Welcome to the forum!

 

He nailed it. Ford changed brake caliper design sometime during the 05 model year, so not all aftermarket 17's will fit. Be sure to test fit one before mounting tires on them.

 

Thanks for the information fellows! I will just stick with 18" wheels. I was only considering 17" wheels because there seems to be more tire and wheel options available than in 18". I don't want the same Moto Metal 950, 951's everyone else seems to have. (Like Um Just Want Something Different)

I guess my options are to stick with the stock 18 wheels 7.5 width and squeeze some 35 x 12.50 or 325 X 60 on like other's have done. Or if I find aftermarket 18" wheels that I do like, how can I determine if they will fit? I know the bolt pattern is 6 x 135, but what offset and backspacing do I need. I don't want to push the tires way out past the wheels wells.

Thanks Again,

Bar67

 

Mine are 18x9 with 5" of backspacing. They stick out a little, but not too much. Just what I wanted!


Any backspacing between 5" and 6" should be fine.

 

Chris, I took a look in your gallery and yes I like do like your setup.

Thanks for all of your advise.

Bar67