Folks,

I've seen a few threads on wheels and have been really impress with the awesome pics, so much that I want to upgrade my wheels. I don't know much about this process but I've been reading a lot of the post. I have 18 in factory wheels with 275/65/18 but would like to get some 22's (I have a buddy selling his Giovanna 23's as well) so I see a lot of information about leveling kits, etc.. but I don't know if it's something I need or not. I have a 2005 Lariat 4x4 Supercrew, I live in Charlotte, NC and never really go out on trails or have to deal with snow. I like the look of the bigger wheels but don't want to have to do major change to my truck. So my question to your pro's is what is going to be the big difference in handling if I get 22's or 23's? Is my truck going to run hard? will it drive better? What kinda of tires should I be looking for? Thank you in advance for your help, this site has ton's of information! Please post pics if you have them of what I'm looking for if you can help, feel free to '' show your wheels''

 

Hey Bud, I got your e-mail but figured I'd reply here, maybe spark a few other people to chime in....

The key issue to consider when swapping out wheels/tires is, "Will my new wheel/tire combo fit without rubbing against anything?" Some people are willing to trim away parts of their fenders in exchange for the ability to run bigger tires.

Since you have a stock 4x4, your truck sits a little higher than a stock 4x2. This means if you keep your factory wheels, you can run a tire that is 33" tall. Many people (myself included) like the looks of 35" tires, which requires the front end to be leveled using either a 2.0" or 2.5" leveling kit.

However, if you swap wheels to most aftermarket brands, the tallest tire you will be able to fit with a leveling is a 33" tire. There are some aftermarket wheels with very similar specs (backspacing/offset), if you get one of those you can fit 35".

The size tire will have more affect on the ride than the size of the wheel. As for the difference in handling.... I'd expect to see losses of 1-2 MPGs. It might take a little longer to stop and you won't feel quite as much power unless you decide to regear. If you stick with 35" tires or smaller, you should have no need to regear, assuming you've got the 3.73 gears from the factory.

- NCSU

 

It all depends on the look you want. DO you want an offroad look or a street truck look? Since you mentioned Giovanna wheels and 23's, it sounds like you want a street truck look. If you do, I'd install a set of lowering shackles out back and some 22 or 24 inch wheels with 305/45-22 or 305/35-24 tires. Both are basically 33x12.50 tires and will fill up those huge wheelwells.

 

Wandell, do I need the lowering kit in tha back if I put on 22's? Not sure what that does/ used for?

Thanks,

E.

PS: thanks NCSU as well, great info.

 

No, you don't need a lowering/leveling kit, but the truck will look a lot better with it.

 

Ok, but If I do get the leveling kit in the front (say 2"), how big in tires can I get without having any rubbing or losing turn radius?

Thanks again guys for all the info, great help.

 

I think one member here has 325/50-22's.