Hi all,

I need your help choosing the right rim/wheel size for my

97 F250 4x4 with 7 lug rims... "new" body style

It is a problem to compare rims, tires or anything else as I live in Germany where I cannot get much parts for ford trucks and getting the 7 lug rims is impossible! I have to order these from the US at very high charges...
My truck is absolutely stock, it came with 245/75R16. I've been offered the XD Monsters or KMC Rockstars and other rims in 18x9 or 17x8.5. On both rims, which tire size can I run without a lift kit? What would be the maximum for both rims?

Thank you
John

 

With those wheels I'd go with either a 325/60-18 (33x13.00), 305/60-18 (33x12.50) or a 305/65-17 (33x12.50).

 

Ok, I will get a set of 305/60R18 Cooper Discoverer STT and the KMC Rockstars 18x9. What backspacing and offset do you recommend for my stock truck? Maybe I can level the front up 2"...

Greetings

 

You can level the front end by cranking up the torsion bars. Just get an alignment when you are through. As for the wheels, try to stay close to 4.5 inches of backspacing like the OEM wheels.

 

Ok, finally got the rims with 5 BS and no offset. I will get the tires on next week as soon as they arrive here. Does cranking up the torsion bars influence the wear of the tires? Outside more or something else?

 

When you change the preload on the torsion bars it affects the front end aligment (usually the toe). You will need a front end alignment after you crank up the preload.

 

Will the 305/60 stick out (much?) of the fender with the BS 5/18x9 rims?

 

That wheel will stick out 1.5 inches farther than the OEM 16x7 wheels. They won't stick out of the fenderwells.