How large of tires can I run without rubbing with 18x9.5 wheels with 5.8" of back spacing? There is not much room from the wheel to the upper ball joint. Only about 1" clearance. 275 65 or 285 65 maby. (On a 2001 Screw 4x4) Should I be concerned with anything else rubbing?

 

id say probably no more than 285/70 but dont quote me since im not the master when it comes to backspacing! wandell is the only one id trust on that one!

but you can crank your torsion bars to level out the front end! if you havent done that!

 

From my reading of everything Wandell has posted the biggest you should go without rubbing is a 33 inch tall tire with a max wisth of 12.5 inches... you will need a body lift and or lift and possibly to regear if you go bigger...

I ordered up my 18x9.5 rims and am going to run some Nitto Terra Grappler LT325/60 R18 on them that equals out to a 33x 13" tire. I think the backspace is 4.5" on the ones I am getting. I will post some pics when I get them on and share any problems I have with them on a Stock, 2002 F-150 4x4...

Hope this helps...

 

The 97-03 trucks need a wheel with less backspacing. You need a wheel with no more than 5 inches of backspacing. If you use a wheel with 4.5 to 5 inches of backspacing you can fit 325/60-18's (33x13.00) by trimming the front bumper's lower plastic valance slightly.

 

Thanks for the help. Now to adjust my plans accordingly.