Hello, I have a quick question about some tires. I have an o4 F-150 FX4 with a 2 1/2 inch leveling kit on it. It has the 18 inch wheels, and i was just wondering how big can i go with tires before i have to worry about them rubbing. I was going to go with Toyo Open Country M/Ts (33/12.50R18) but then someone told me you can get 35s on it with just the leveling kit. I doubt that would work, especially with the factory wheels. Please help me out and let me know how big i can go. Thanks, Ian.

 

Rocket69,

I'm in the same situation with a 2005 Screw 4x4. SOOO far I've heard from many different sources and seen some pictures of 35s on our trucks with only a 2 1/2 inch level kit. The key is backspacing of the wheels. I was going to go with BFG 35s on the factory 18 inch rims. Looked at the Toyo but they are too wide for the the factory 7.5 inch rim.

Talked to one shop who stated that it would work and recommended the BFG 35s on a 17 inch rim with 5 inches of backspacing, said there is no rubbing then.

I sure there are some folks out there who are doing it, hope they respond.

Good luck,

Mark

 

Thank you for the advice. I was looking at Nitto Mud Grapplers if i can go with a 35. I narrowed it down to the BFG Mud T/As and the Nittos and decided to go with the Nitto because of the look of the tire and the price.

 

I am still wondering if i for sure fit the 35x12.50 Nitto Mud Grappler on the factory 18 inch wheels with just a leveling kit. Anyone, please help me!

 

Several members here have fit 35x12.50's on 04-06 4x4's by using the OEM wheels and a 2.5 inch leveling kit. The key is using the stock wheels. However, the OEM 7.5 inch wide wheels are 1/2 inch narrower than recommended for a 35x12.50 but many people are running them without any problems. Usually running a tire on a wheel that is too narrow will cause the center portion of the tires tread to wear slightly faster than normal, similar to the wear you would get from running too much air pressure.

 

Wandell, i have been reading alot of the posts you have put on here, and it looks like you know about everything there is to know about tires and wheels. Thank you for replying. Since you know so much about tires, what is your opinion on the Nitto Mud Grapplers? Anyone else with an opinion, please reply. Thanks!

 

They are agressive and perform very well but they are noisy *** hell and I've heard they wear pretty quick. I think they are the best looking tire out there but they're so noisy.

 

Ok nitto mud graplers loook AMAZING like hands down best looking tire out there! BUT they are made with very soft rubber and you will be replacing them fast!! they wear horribly, i would recomend bgf mud terrain, they may not look as good but they will last and work just as good as the nittos.

 

How many miles would anyone guess i could get out of a set of Mud Grapplers on my stock rims? Thanks!

 

Everyone that I talk to that has the Mud Grapplers say they perform great but are very loud on the highway. They are a pretty new tire so I don't know anyone who has worn a set out yet.

 

Thanks everyone for your help. Are there any other tires that compare with the Nitto Mud Grapplers besides the BFG M/Ts?

 

You could fit 35's but if you compress your suspension halfway your tire will start rubbing, i would go with 33's

 

Where would the tire rub at, and is there any concern about a 35 rubbing in the rear? Thanks!

 

I, along with other members are running 33/12.50-18 on the factory wheel. Some are running 35's on the factory wheel with a leveling kit; but most with this set-up have a 4 or 6 inch lift. Mainly due to decrease in wheel travel when you are going off road and hard turning. Also probably due to safety the 35 is a larger diameter tire and was meant to perform better on a wider wheel.(but so was the 33) Also the 33's are only just an inch taller than the factory so it should not change much for performance and transmission changes. Also the bigger tires are heavier. The NITTO MUD GRAPPLER is about 82 pounds. That is a pretty good hit on performance but a homerun on looks. Remember to chose SAFETY first and then Looks, after all your life and that of your family depends on the rubber your vehicle rides on.(as well as common sense) Good luck

 

I dont think anyone has any problem with them rubbing in the rear but most do rub a little on the A arm when the wheel is fully locked. I run 305/70/17's and hoave no problem at all and they are just a tad bit under 34 inches tall. You might as well go with the 35 because it makes it look a lot better. The toyo MT is a good tire you should look at.