33's or 35's?
 

I have a stock 01 4x4 xlt and have the funds for new tires and wheels...finally. I've decided to go with the MT Baja ATZ wich black wheels. A local store has good prices. I cant decide if 35/12.5/15's are a safe bet or just stick with the 33's. There is a pretty large gap between the existing 255/70/16 which is about 30.5. The 33's are really around 32.5 which I feel still leaves alot of room. But the 35's are more like 34.5. There is AT LEAST 3 1/2 inches on each side of the wheel and 6-7 above. I've read a 4.5 inch backspacing is good. Let me know what you think.

ok, for starters you are aware that you CANNOT run a 15" rim on that truck...it wont clear the brakes...smallest you can use is 16"... you can run a 35x12.50 on the stock wheels if you crank up your torsion bars in the front..you may also have to trim a small bit of the plastic valance to clear them but they will work..if your going to aftermarket rims then the largest you can go without a lift is 33x12.50

Right. Since you are going with aftermarket wheels, stick with a 33x12.50.

So a 315/75/16 will POSSIBLY fit a stock 16x7 wheel at stock height. If I go with a wider wheel a 305/70/16 would be the way to go?

Right. Personally, I think a 305/70-16 (33x12.50) on a 16x10 inch wheel looks best. You will have to trim a little plastic off the front bumper's lower valance for clearance with this combo.

Ah. Nitto also has a good looking 295/75/16(33.4x11.8) and 305/70/17 (33.9x12.36). For cheaper than the local store has the ATZ. Decisions decisions.