I didnt want to take up forum space but I dont have PM ability, yet.

Wandell you seem to be the Mack Daddy when it comes to tires etc. I just ordered an AS 2.5 level kit for my 06 FX4. Truck has 18 inch rims and stock tires I think 275,s. Id like to get wheels and tires that "fill" the wheel well, . I dont like lots of air showing in the well. Am I better off keeping wheel at 18 inches and getting tire with larger aspect ratio (sidewall) or do I go with 20 in. wheels. I am hooked on the XD Monsters so either way Im buying new wheels. Also lots of info and misinfo regarding rubbing issues. With a level kit How wide can I go 205,235?? Im not familiar with the "English" system e.g. 35,33. I assume that if I go 205/60 this is sort of like a 33 wheras a 205/65 is more of a 35?? Also lots of confusion on my part about offset. I called Ford they tell me my setup stock is a 5.5 "backspace" but no info on offset. Are they similar? Is it excessive offset that gives lots of tuner cars that silly (IMHO) look of the tires being way outside of fenders? I know lots of questions but all the on line tire shops want to sell me however cannot be specific about rubbing issues. I appreciate any info you can provide. I have searched extensivly and cannot find concise explanations on line or in local stores (but they want to sell me products!!)

 

As far as wheel size goes? It's all preference. I personally like 20's. If you do not do any off roading, I'd go with 20's. This is what I would look into:

305/55/20 with 20x9 Monsters with a +18 offset. That will put you close to stock width. This is the exact same setup that I am getting this summer.

 

This is a truck with a 2.5" kit with 305 Nitto TG's and 20" Monsters

 

If I go with a bigger aspect ratio say 305/65 instead of 305/50 wont the tires look "bigger" Im not really fond of the thin sidewall look

 

If I am correct, the 305/65 comes out to be a 35" tire? That will be tight and rub. I'd stick to a 33" tire. If you want more sidewall then go with 18" wheels instead of 20's

 

You can go with a 285x65x18 close to 33 inches tall, or a 305x65x18 close to 34 inches tall. BFG makes these in an all terrain and will fit on the stock wheels.

 

hey drjay check out this link it helped me find out what wheel tire combos work for my f150
http://www.wheelsforless.com/Ford/default.htm

 

Personally, I'd go with an 18x9 inch wheel with 5 to 6 inches of backspacing and a 325/60-18 (33x13.00) tire.
Backspacing and offset are just two different ways of measuring the same thing. Backspacing is the distance form the mounting surface of the wheel (where it bolts to the hub) to it's rear edge. The less bs, the more the wheel sticks out. The more bs, the more it will tuck in.

 

Thanks, Wandell. One last thing. I found the rims I want. 18x9 with the right 6x135 bolt pattern. However available in the following either +18offset with 5.71 backspace or -12 offset with 4.43 backspace? How do I know which one to pick? Same price. Will either fit on a level 06FX4 Will the tires stick out?? HELP!! Guy at tire shop has no clue. And he sells them!!

 

+18 offset, with 5.7" backspacing will fit inside the fender.
the -12 will stick out.

I have 8.5" wheels with 5 3/8" backspacing, and they fit perfectly.

 

I'd go with the ones with 5.71 inches of backspacing.