Hi Everyone,

I'm sure this has been asked before (I know because I have searched first ), however, I have not found an answer that fits my situation. I have a 2006 Scab XLT 5.4 4x4 with 17 inch wheels and no lift kit. Currently I have P235/75R-17 108S FRD hankooks on it, and I need new tires. I really like the BFG AT KO's, and want to slightly increase the tire size without,
A. voiding any warranties (Least important i suppose)
B. needing a lift
C. buying new wheels
D. not having to worry about a great difference in speedometer reading or regearing from 3.55 to something else

I like the LT285/70 R-17 BFG All Terrain T/A KO, howver the guy at the tire shop said the max i can get is LT265/70R-17/C1 112R on my truck, and also that since they dont have a specific groove in them to allow the snow to exit the treads, that they aren't great in the snow. I really like the tread pattern on them, but I live in new hampshire and have a very steep driveway, so snow traction is pretty important. He recomended toyo open country AT for me.
Also, from what I can tell I should go with an "LT" tire instead of a "p". I don't really tow anything at the moment, but plan to buy a boat in a year or so, so I want to consider that. I did call my ford dealership, however, they say that Original Equipment: P235/75R17 108S and Alternate Option: P255/70R17 110S are the only approved sizes, which I know is not true from seeing all your trucks here.

Any help in deciphering this and finding the max size would be greatly appreciated. I would maybe consider the 2" as lift I've heard you guys talking about, but I'd rather avoid that for now I think, since going too big would kill my MPG's.

Thank you all for your help. I'm confused!!!

Steve

Below is some conflicting info, (and some other good info I've found here) I've come across in my searches here.....

"what is the max width that you can run on the factory 17's, i think they are a 8.5 inch rim? the stock size tire is 255/70/17, i would like to run a 285 tire, a wider tire but a good, sporty look imo, on the stock rim, no need to change a decent looking rim when i cant find one that screams to me buy me....just nothing worth buying in a 17/18 inch rim in 6 lugs."

"265/70 for a 17 inch stock rim is as big as you can go with out a lift or leveling kit"

"12.5"s is as wide as you can go and 33"s tall is as high as you can go if you don't have a leveling kit."

"4WD = 35's (as long as you're keeping stock wheels)"

"yep after alot of research i found out that 315 is the widest allowed on a stock rim set-up....alot of guys on other forums are running 3xx with no issues on stock rims.."

"285/70R17s will fit fine, but you will need to either take the truck in and get the computer flashed for the new tire size, or do it yourself with a programmer like an Edge Evolution, or Hypertech Power Programmer... "

"With a leveling kit, you can go 35x12.50/17, but you will need to trim a little bit of plastic from the inner fender liner, and the valance"

"I own a 2006 F150 and I recently bought a set of Toyo Open Country A/T tires. The stock size is 255/65-17 but I went to 265/70-17 in the Toyos."

 

well, I didnt read all that..

Your stock rims are 7.5'' wide. The max size you can safely fit with no leveling kit is the 285/70R17. and you can fit those with no fitment issues...you might notice a small mpg drop, but not bad. You will notice a huge appearance gain going from a 235 to a 285! And you will notice some performance difference making that drastic a size change. With leveling kit you can get 295/305/ or 315/70R17's.

Have heard the BFG TAKO are good in the snow, also consider the GY Wrangler Silent Armor (they are really good and are moutain snowflake certified).

 

Thanks for the advice Hawg man!!!

"And you will notice some performance difference making that drastic a size change."

By this to you mean positive or negative performance difference?

And is the leveling kit for the front only, or front and back?

Thanks

Steve

 

negatively, you would be moving from roughly a 31x9.5 to a 33x11.50, the diameter and width be greater, so because of this you are gaining a lot of weight. The appearance gains will more than make up for that, IMO.

and the leveling kit only raises up the front, to level out the truck from front to back.

 

I agree with Hawg Man.

 

I just replaced my OEM 235/70R17 Hankook tires with 255/75R17 Goodyear Wrangler tires from Tread Depot.


WRANGLER SR-A
P255/75R17 WRL SR-A OWL 113S (OE)

P255/75R17 360 A B 113S OWL $118.00

The Wrangler SR-A is good to have all year round. It provides a good smooth ride as well as a quiet one. The lateral shoulder grooves is there to give a superior wet handling and the offset shoulder elements helps the traction during acceleration and breaking.

$118.00
/per tire

Two steel belts help resist puncture. Radial 2-ply polyester construction delivers both comfort and toughness. The block design with zigzag blocks is good for traction and handling. Five-rib balanced is designed for wear and on-center handling. Optimized tread design promotes a smooth and quiet ride.

* Offset tread blocks
* Wide grooves in the outer tread area
* Multiple zigzag grooves in the tread blocks
* Enhance traction and handling in on- and mild off-road conditions
* Help deliver excellent traction on wet surfaces
* Enhanced on- and off-road traction while delivering a smooth, quiet ride

 

i would install a 2 1/2 leveling kit. by doing so you can fit anything 35/12.5/17 or smaller since your 4x4 w/ out rubbing on oem rims.