I was told today that getting tires on 17 inch wheels cost more than smaller sizes. I have also been told that mud tires wear down faster than all terrain tires do. If so, what is the most miles anyone on here has gotten out of a good set of mudders? I was also told that it would be cheaper to get a body lift and new tires and rims. They said a lift with bumper brackets would run me about $300 and then they had this nice tire and wheel setup (mud tire, chrome wheel) for $500. I was quoted at Goodyear for AT/S at around $830.15 Comments, suggestions?

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'97 F-150 XLT Clearcoat Red
4x2
4x4 wheels
Stepside, K&N, bedliner
32inch tires,flowmaster
tint, matching ford sticker
5spd fully loaded, hidden hitch
new spark plugs
Comming soon:
spark plug wires,leveling kit,toolbox,
bed rails,push bar, CB with whiplash,
clear corner lenses,brush guard, blackouts,
edlebrock shocks, hypertech, K&N induction system,KC highlighters,
bed xtender, BOSE audio or infinity gold, disc changer,
side steps, dixie horn, white faaced gauges, and those small fender flares some 4x4's have,
matching boddy color of course, and some of those door guards,ventshade visors, power pulleys, that is all
i can think of right now

 

Really the size of the tires will determine the cost, not just the wheel diameter. You may want to post what size tires you plan to run or wish to run first. If you do not know the equivalent tire size of a 17" to a 16.5" to a 16" I am sure you would get feedback.

The stock 17" wheels are really too narrow for a wide tire. You can run 34" MTs but they are a narrow tire. If you want something wider, a 16" or 16.5" wheel is what you will want to run. 17" wheels far and few between in any width for the 4x4s. Why, I dont know.

MTs will last usually about 10K less miles than a AT tire. That is a generalization. It will depend on size, street use and brand. Some wear better than others. Say a BFG MT would last about 30K, where like a swamper would last maybe 10-15K on the street.

What tire size do you want to run?

 

Those 16.5's have been around for a while giving more time to manufacturers to build many tires for them. 17's (in our trucks) are more recent, so we have to give them some more time. There are some models available but variety is very limited. Usually large wheels are more expensive than smaller wheels basically because of more material being used and sometimes the manufacturing process may involved a little bit more. I just went through the process of selecting tires. There is a lot of wheels models in the 16 inch family for our trucks and more expensive as well. Metric sizes tires will cost you more as well, compared to a standard tire the same size.

Body lift's are around the $130 not including the installation price. I did mine myself.

If someone is going to sell you a wheel/tire combo at a good price, be sure that you like the set not just for the price. I have no experience with mud terrain's but in order of preference in all terrain's I go first with BFG's and then if I had to, I would go with the ProComp's. I like the specs.

Before I leave, remember to write down your goals in term of what size or style of wheel/tire combo you are looking for. That will help you a lot to get what you want in a more efficient way. Do not be in a hurry. Take your time. If you need any other idea just let me know.

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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications: K&N FIPK, Stepshield door sill protectors, Performance Accesories 3" body lift, Lift Lips, Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks and Daystar front anti-sway bar polyurethane bushings, 35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's on 16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck