I have 18" OEM Lariat Rims. I am looking at putting a larger tire on my screw 4x4. Here is the question...I can put 305 65 18 BFG, but they (BFG) are the only one's with that size, for about $1200.00 at a local store. I can put 325 65 18 on for $1100-1500.00 depending on the brand. I am thinking long term and $$$$, what would be the problem with going down to a 17" rim--I can buy them on ebay for 470.00 (OEM) and an A/t or M/T 305 70 17? This seems to be the exact same size as the 305 65 18. This should work, right? Maxis Mudder is only 625.00 out the door. I am thinking replacement, I drive 55k miles per year, so basically I am replacing tires each year.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks

 

Personally, I'd stick with 18's just because there seems to be a better selection of tires.

 

If you replace tires that often then going down in wheel size to save $$ each year might be a good choice.

Figure your 18" OEM wheels are going to be worth something as well to help re-coup your costs.

If you wouldn't mind the XLT style 17" OEM wheels let me know as I am very shortly going to have a set of 4 sitting here un-used and would be very happy to give you a good price.

 

Looked at many options of wheel-tire combos for my FX4 in 18" and 20". Seemed every tire that I liked was an E-load rated tire. 10 plys ride much too harsh for me unless you use your truck for heavy hauling. Checked 17" tires and opted for the Nitto Terra Grapplers in 295-70-17. They are D-load rated and ride great with 45 psi front and 43 psi rear. I'm very pleased with my decision to go down to 17's plus you'll save yourself some $$$$'s.

 

I too went with the 17" tire (315/70R17) and OEM XLT rims. Rides nice and no rubbing with 2.5 leveling kit.

 

Keep checking OEM 17s - I got mine for $180 shipped from a guy in TX (http://myworld.ebay.com/best_tire_and_wheel).

I had a choice of 35x12.5x18s for $520 shipped or 35x12.5x17s for $300 shipped (both used w/ 9/32 remaining).

I opted for the 17s for two main reasons:

1) If I got the 18s, I'd have to dismount stock 32s, mount 35s and evaluate. If I didn't like it, dismount 35s and remount 32s.

2) Stock H2 tires are 315/70/17 (roughly 35s) and most of the H2 guys are going 22, 24, 26" rims - so eBay is flooded w/ quality H2 tires.


As for re-couping $$$ on your 18s, eBay is flooded w/ those too - unless you can dump them locally (and get more than $400 for the tires/rims), I'd hold on to them.

 

Thanks for everyone's input! If I stay with the 18's I will go with the 305 65 18 BFG KO, but with the 17's it seems that I have more options. Anyone know where I can find a good set of FX4 17" or Lariat 17" for less than $300.00? I have a Lariat, so sticking with the OEM rims those would be my 2 options.