I'm probably way ahead of myself and my wallet, but research is fun too! I'd like to spruce up my 03 Ex a little. I am thinking about the 3" TRUXXX level kit and new rims/tires. I like the BFG AT's and was thinking about a 16" rim. That's where I get stuck, so to speak...

with a 3 in level kit, what kind of rim would I need in terms of backspace etc, to fit either 33 or 35 (preference for 35, of course!).

Hoping someone could help me out with fitment guidelines etc. I'd like to have no rubbing, I don't mind trimming the valance if need be. Also, with the 35's would stock brakes be ok (good ones of course).

My preference in rims is to go smaller, with more tire than the current trend of larger rims and less tire (guess I'm old school).

Any pointers would be appreciated!

 

Assuming you have a 2wd, the 3" lift will allow you to fit 33x12.5 tires on 16" rims with most backspacings (as long as they are not extreme one way or the other).

I would recommend a 305/70R16 (32.8" tall x 12" wide) tire on a 16x10" wheel with a negative offset or a 285/70R16 (32.8" tall x 11.25" wide) on a 16x8" wheel with a negative offset.

The negative offset is my opinion though. I would go no larger nor wider than a 305/70 as I think you'll have rubbing issues there, especially if you get a wider rim with a balanced or negative offset.

 

Not a two wheeler - definately a 4x4 My Bad..

Does that change the recommendation? I've read on the TRUXXX site that a 4wd can accomodate 35's with their level kit. Just not sure Iknow how to figure backspacing and min rim width.

Any recommendations on types of rims? Am Racing, Eagles??? Looking for a finish that does not need a ton of maintenance. Like I even have time to wash the truck now....

thanks for your suggestions.

 

The 03 Expy is the new body style (same as mine). I don't know if you can fit 35's with just a leveling kit. I'm runnning 305/45-22's on a 9.5 inch wide wheel with 6.7 inches of backspacing at stock height. That is esssentially a 33x12.50 tire.

 

I was wanting the truxx kit also...a local shop has one in stock for my truck, but after talking to some ppl on here they say it would put alot of stress on your axles. I ended up getting the AS kit, its alot cheaper.

 

I am aware of the drive angle issue. I am on the fence about that w/ the AS kit too. I wish they had a little something for the rear end. Daystar has the spacers for all 4 wheels, but my understanding is that the installation is not easy and requires a spring compressor.

 

I've been meaning to ask you, where do you get such encyclopedic knowledge of body styles, lifts, wheel sizes, tire sizes, back spacing et. You are just amazing. How do you do it?

As for the truxxx

"This TRUXXX Lift Kit fits all 2003-2007 Ford Expedition and Expedition max 4x2 and 4x4 models excluding air ride. Once installed 33" tall tires (16"-24" rims, stock offset) can be fitted to 4x2 trucks and 4x4's can fit up to 35" (16"-24" rims, stock offset) tall tires!"

pic from the Truxxx website...18x9MM with 325 60R18's.

Nice looking vehicle.

 

Wandell knows so much because he's been on these boards for almost 6+ years now. You learn a lot by reading and talkingwith people on here about what works and what doesn't.

Plus, there is always the experience factor. On my old truck, I had everything from 31" tires to 36" tires, settling (finally) on 35s. I also added two lifts during that time and tinkered and toyed with it endlessly.

Between personal experience and the experiences of those from this board, you can build up quite a bit of knowledge quickly.



In reference to your wheel question, the stock 97-99 Expys had a 12mm offset. The newer (03-07) OEM wheels are 17x7.5 and have a 30mm offset! (This is a very high offset for the industry.)

That 30mm offset (1.18") pulls the tire under your fender by 1.18" MORE than a zero offset. So, if you went with the exact same combo now, but your wheel/rim was a zero offset, your tire would stick out 1.18" farther than it is now.

A negative offset will push it farther out. I, personally, like the "stance" that a negative offset wheel gives a vehicle. However, that only really works with bigger tires and a lift, which is why I suggested it for you.

The problem with negative offsets is that a tire that is tucked under the fender with a positive or zero offset, and thus, doesn't rub anything, may rub on the valence or some other parts if the wheel/tire combo is moved outward a few inches.

If they say it will fit 35s with a +30mm offset, then I would think if you went with any rim in the 15mm-30mm postivie offset range, you could probably go with a 315/75R16 (you did say you wanted 16" rims, right?) and be fine.

However, if you do decide to go with 33" tires, that extra inch or so you save in radius of the tire can be put into the offset of the wheel.

Really, it comes down to your choice.

 

There are a couple of pieces of misinformation in the Trux add. First, you can't fit a 16 inch wheel on a 03 or newer Expy. Also, the 03-08 4x4 and 4x2 Expy's sit at the same ride height, so you can't fit a larger tire on a 4x4. I'd stick with a 33 inch tire on a 9 inch wide wheel with 5 to 6 inches of backspacing personally.

 

That's a good catch on the no less than 17" wheel.

 

Chaulk it up to ignorance. I was assuming you could put almost any wheel as long as the bolt pattern was correct.

That's why I do my research here!

This forum has saved me alot of money.

Of course, this forum has cost me a lot of money too (too many mods that I just have to have).


Anyways, sounds like I need to stick with a 17" wheel or larger. Not sure I understand the issue of 33 vs 35 w/ the Truxxx 3 " spacers, but I will re-read everything.