I'm looking to buy a F-150 and am not sure what size wheels to get. I'm still undecided on the model year but it will be a 2007-2009.

I really don't give a rats *** how it looks, only interested in functional differences. Cost is not an issue. The truck will be used primarily on road, mostly highway and twisty rural roads but I need good performance on rough gravel, hard wet clay and rocky trails. It also needs to be good on icy highways and snow. I don't really care about deep sand and mud performance. Good driving feel and precision is important.

I prefer to keep the body height stock. While I'm open to after-market wheels I want to start with OEM wheels and they come in 17, 18 and 20" rims. What are the functional differences?

Thanks.

 

edit : i cant read ....

 

The truck is available with three different wheel sizes.

 

oooo, ok im sorry i miss read your original question, i thought you were already looking for aftermarket wheels w/o buying the truck first




which trim are you looking at getting ?

 

I just want a basic truck so either the XL or XLT.

 

The FX4 comes with 3.73 gears and limited slip in the rear end. It is available in other trim models, but I would look for that combo for what you want to do. The FX4 package will also have some basic skid plates under the front differential, gas tank and transfer case. The negative part of the FX4 is that it comes with 18" wheels and tires for them are a few hundred more than a 17" wheel.
The 17's will be somewhat cheaper to put tires on, and an equal sized tire will have a larger sidewall to soak up some impact of rocks and such.
Like any truck you'll want to replace the stock tires (in my opinion) if you're going to be out in the mountains much. A decent all terrain will go a long ways.
Aside from that, the functionality is pretty much the same from 04-08.
The 09 has many upgrades, and most people I've heard who have driven them have wanted to trade up to a new one.
The new 08's can be picked up for super cheap though too.

 

Some area's have a better selection of 17" tires as opposed to 18" one's. A stock 17" wheel with either a 285x70x17 BFG, Nitto or Toyo all-terrain will fit on a stock 4x4 and serve your need's without breaking the bank. 20" tires are too high in price for me and do not have enough sidewall. Just my 2 cent's!

 

I'm not too worried about local availability, I can always order from Tire Rack. Also, the cost is not a primary consideration, I want the best driveability and performance for the uses I stated previously.

I understand 20" wheels will not leave room for enough sidewall so, based on feedback so far, those are out. I'm still wondering about the other sizes. In my experience, a larger diameter, narrow tire works best for my intended use. I just don't know what size rim to get. If I get 18" rims will I be able to fit a narrow tire with a larger overall circumference than I could fit with 17" wheels or will I be limited by clearance? I do not plan to lift the body.

Also, at what point do I have too much sidewall for good driveability on the street? Does it vary with the sidewall construction?

 

Id say 18" with a set of BFG AT's. That is about as solid of an "All Terrain" tire you will find. The 18"s will give you a good feel on the road (ive had both and much prefer the 18" over the 17") and they will do what you need them to off road as well.

 

I second that. I have 20's and want to go to 18's for the reasons listed above. And I will buy the BFG AT's too...in my opinion you can't beat them. I got 60,000 out of a set (on my last truck).

 

You won't have any issues with sidewall with any of the wheel sizes, especially if you're not lifting it.
Looking at tire sizes for BF Goodrich all terrains (just to compare)...

17"
LT265/70R17/C - 10.7" wide, 31.8" tall
LT285/70R17/D - 11.5" wide, 32.8" tall <-- this would probably be a good tire, also "D" rated so it won't be as stiff as the E rated tires.

18"
LT265/65R18/E - 10.7" wide, 31.7" tall <-- Factory FX4 tire size.
LT285/65R18/E - 11.5" wide, 32.7" tall

I believe the 285 series will fit stock, if not they definitely will with a 1.5-2" leveling kit. I know you said you aren't into lifting it, just pointing it. It wouldn't be a bad thing to get another inch or two under the front crossmember.

 

I agree with you on the "No Issue" part - I can't imagine him having any problem with one size or another. I just prefer the ride quality of the 18 over the 17.

 

LOL when did you switch from the Kodiak

 

Interesting comparison, thanks.

Is there a reason you are recommending the wider widths?

 

No reason, just to compare, also they are just slightly taller. Though an extra inch is only going to get you a half inch of clearance.