Does anyone know what backspacing I should use with a 3" leveling kit and and 18" rim with 35"s on my 2005 F150 Lariat? I know this is important and need some direction, thanks guys!

 

First of all, don't go with a 3 inch kit. It will destroy your ball joints. 2.5 inches is the limit. To fit 35x12.50's, you will have to use an 18x8 inch wheel with 5.5 inches of backspacing. And that is only if you have a 4x4.

 

any idea as to how long the ball joints will last with this setup? Ive already purchased and set up the install? Thanks for your input. I like your F150, and see your in Cairo, I am from Valdosta!

 

Why does it have to be 18X8? Do they not fit 18X9? I've noticed the majority of 18" wheels are 18X9.

 

Small world. Hard to say how long the ball joints will last with a 3 inch kit. They are extremely high were items on the 97-08's. Mine were shot at 56,000.
Altatruck, wheel width and backspacing is as important to tire fitment as the size of the tire itself. A 9 inch wide wheel is gonna stick out farther than an 8 inch wheel witht the same bs. Remember, a 35x12.50 is just gonna barely fit using the OEM 7.5 inch wheels or an 8 inch wide wheel with the same bs. Even then there is minor rubbing on the control arms at full steering lock with most trucks. Push the tire out another inch or so with different wheel specs and that minor rubbing become major rubbing.