Maybe it was a sales pitch, but the rep at Les Schwab told me the smallest wheel I could use on the new 04 F-150 4x4 was a 17". I never thought to ask why, but now I'm wondering if any of you have heard this? I;ve found there are allot more tire options in the 15"-16"-17" wheel size. Anyone heard anything? Also the Toyo Open Country M/T 33", 265's & 285's are coming in November.... They all range in the 15"-16" range.

 

Large wheels are necessary to cover the brake calipers. If you want the wheels to stick out from the body, they can be smaller. 97-03 min is 16" wheels. I know 17" is the smallest from the factory for 04+, but I dunno if 16" wheels will fit.

 

You have to have at least a 17 inch rim to fit over the brakes on the 04's. THat is why you do not see any wheels smaller than 17 in the new 6x135mm bolt pattern.