Hey guys,
I just got a 97 f-150, and the stock steel wheels have to go. what is the biggest size tire I can go with without cranking any torsion bars, or hockey puck lift? Also, has anyone done anything with negative offset rims? Nothing crazy, just 1/2 inch, to get the front tires out a bit. I know this might cut down on the size of the tire allowed..
thanks for any help.

 

really its whatever your definition of fitting is. you can stuff 305's under there and make them work. I'd at least get 265's, and probably your best bet with no rubbing would be 285's.

 

sarmstrong806 is right. 265's are not alot bigger but do set it off nice. 285's on an 8" wheel will give you a big, good looking combo that shouldn't rub or anything. That always depends on wheel offset and things like that. Every wheel manufacturer may be a little different so it just depends. With an 8" wheel I don't think you will have any problems at all. If you want a serious looking set up you can go with the 305's. I had them on my '97 (and now on my '02) and I wouldn't have anything else. They are the same diameter as the 285/75 (33.2") but alot wider. Remember, the 305 is a 305/70 and the 285 is a 75. I have my 305's on a 10" wheel and like I said, they look totally awesome...(did I just say totally awesome??) On a '97 for those to fit you will either have to remove the black valance along the bottom of the front bumper(which is what I did) or trim the corners back out of the way. That is the only spot they rubbed on mine. Good luck. Can't go wrong either way. All three of these options will fit and provide three different looks so it just depends on you personally and what look you are after.