Here is my ISSUE.....

A 38 INCH TIRE with no GEAR change out? Is it really all that bad?

I have seen all these WICKED trucks with 9-11 inch lifts, and now I'm hooked! So that being said...I'm going up to 9-11 inches. Originally I planned to run 35's on a 9 inch lift. BUT NOW....I keep seeing the 38's and it just fits. One guy was even mean enough to say...."35's, that sounds a little small, but what you wanna do it's your truck!"

From that point on, a VOICE I'VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE keeps repeating..."that sounds a little small."

So...I can't afford to regear just yet. I will *(with 4.88). What will RUNNING 38's (38x14.50x16 on 16x12 wheels) do to my lil Ford.

I have a 2002, Ford F 150 Supercrew. 5.4 V8, ON A 6" suspension lift, with a throttle body, K&N AIR INTAKE, and the HYPERTECH power chip programmer.

Spending the little money I do have for.....
3" body lift
2.5 inch leveling kit
TRUE DUAL MAGNAFLOW exhaust style

This truck is going to be used to drive across country soon, from TEXAS to NC. Am I setting myself up for failure by going to 38's? Or will it just suck on gas a little more but BE REALLY COOL LOOKING? Just don't wanna destroy the engine before getting the gears, which will be about 8 months to a year?

HELP! IT'S TIME TO BUY NEW TIRES....35's or 38's?

JACKHAMMER02

 

Dont worry about your engine LOL worry about your tranny. 38's are not going to play nice with your factory gears (prob 3.55 or 3.73). I say save up and get it done right, it will save you money in the long run.

 

I have a buddy with a 2000 F-150, 5.4 with 6+3 running 37s on stock gears. To be honest with you, I am really surprised at how well it really does. I also cannot believe his tranny has done with with it either. He has about 160k on the truck and the last 50k or so has been on the 37s, before that he did about 20k on 35s with just the BL. I am in no way guaranteeing it will work, but it has been done before.

 

You won't be able to fit 38"s under your truck with just 5.5" of lift.

 

sorry...I re editted my post...I HAVE A 6 INCH SKYJACKER SUSPENSION lift already...adding either 3" with a body life...or 5" with a body + leveling kit!

 

so as long as I stay on the regular road and dont pull any heavy loads....it might work while I save some pennies up huh? It's a 4 day turn around....on getting them installed, and about $1400.

 

I still advise against it, HOWEVER if you get it done I want to see pics. I know it will look good, I just hope it stays together for your. I destroyed the tranny in my old truck, it cost me around $1800 to get fixed + time without my truck, that would cover your gears there.

 

I would wait and regear. If you go ahead and get 38's, I would turn overdrive off and not use it at all untill you regear..

 

I would save up and regear. You don't want to kill your tranny. How many miles are on your rig?

 

Good idea!!

 

Put some money aside for wheel bearings. You'll be going through those fairly regular.

 

I just replied to your message, definitely regear when you get those tires. I could pretty much feel my tranny dying on me when I was driving on stock gearing and those big tires for a few weeks.

 

You know if it weren't for this site...not only would I be LOST...but broke buying new tires and new transmissions! Thanks for all the help and guidance....
I still want those 38's though...maybe if I stop eating for a MONTH, I can must up some extra cash?

I greatly appreciate advice, and WILL REGEAR or roll on 35's!

Jackhammer02

 

dont run 38's without regearing. My personal opinion

our transimssions really are weak. Im not gonna tell garuantee that your transmission will blow, cause that really depends on how you drive and how the truck was driven to this point.

Really wouldnt worry about wheel bearings either i ran 36's for a year though mud water, anything i could put my truck though and never went though wheel bearings till i added wheel spacers

and is your truck a 4x4 if so you dont need a leveling kit, the leveling kit is built in. The torsion bar adjustment keys are there, just crank them till its level then get an alignment. Dont go any higher than 2" with leveling.

35's and 9" of lift does not look that bad. and if someone told me something stupid like that guy said to you id make his truck feel insignificant. That is rediculous. Yes bigger tires wil look better but come one no need for insults.

I think a good combo for you if you want something bigger than 35's, go up to a 36" tire you dont think its much but the combo looks nice.

 

My brother has ran this setup on his chevy for over 7 years with stock gears in that funny little rear end he has, 3.73 gears and LS. Trans and rearend are good. His frame, cause it is a chevy LOL, has been welded and rewelded from cracking.... Should of bought a ford!