Hey guys,
I've got a '98 SuperCab F150 Lariat 4x2 that has the 17" 'teardrop' aluminum wheels and 275/60R17 tires. I actually just put a set of Falken ST/Z04's on about 1.5 years ago and have maybe put 20,000 miles on them. Treadwear-wise, they've done great. However, I've just been told that all 4 are almost ruined because the tread has started to get 'chopped up'. The mechanic who told me said that it is almost surely from bad ball joints in the front. OK, I guess I can see that. It does have almost 190,000 miles on it without the front end ever being touched. But he also highly recommended that I go with a narrower profile tire (245/70R17), which he says will last much longer on that wheel. In his opinion, the 275/60 is too wide for the 7.5" wheel. If that's a bad combination, then Ford better start recalling a LOT of trucks from '97 to '03. He thinks that any 275/60 will continue to do the same thing, even with new ball joints. The very reason I ever put that setup on my truck was because I liked the wide, low profile look. So is this really about tire width, or is it about maybe a sub-standard tire, and/or worn out ball joints? I intend to put 275/60's back on it, but I don't plan to have to replace them in another 1.5 years. I ran Goodyear Eagle GT II's on it way past their recommended mileage rating, and they never had this problem, nor the BFG Long Trail TA's. What suggestions or comments do any of you have? I appreciate any feedback.

 

At 190,000 miles you are lucky you are not on your third or fourth set of ball joints. The tires are not the issue.

 

I've seen 265/70/17 tires on 2wd trucks before, looks good and seems to fit (visually) good. Your mechanic buddy should rethink his opinions, Lightnings came with 295/45/18 tires which is alot bigger, go with what size you like and can fit, that's not the issue. Having the ball joints replaced or looked at, alignment etc might be worth looking into.

I'll say this, on a 04 4x4 scab, going from 235/75/17, whatever the stock size, to a 265/70/17 made a huge difference with my buddy's truck. Too narrow and the wear with eat the outsides (too much weight rounding corners).

 

Thanks for the feedback. I see lots of discussions about tires for 4x4's, but not so many for 4x2's. What are some good choices for my application? I probably won't go with any models I've already used. Toyo Proxes look good, and lots of others, but I've got to consider price and wear characteristics. My truck spends most of its time on the interstate with only minimal winter exposure, and basically no muddin'. I don't want a stiff (more truck-like) or noisy tire. I spend over 1.5 hours a day in my truck, and would like to hear the stereo at highway speed. My truck is basically a huge car that can haul stuff now and then. It doesn't have to work too hard. What are some good, affordable choices? Also, where does everybody stand on ordering tires online and having a local shop mount them compared to just letting the local shop sell and mount them in one stop? I've done it both ways. Comments? Thanks.

 

Bump. Anybody?

 

The Toyo's are excellent as are the Nitto 420's. I'm also happy with my Falken STZ/04's.

 

Wandell,
I'm glad you mentioned the Nitto NT420's. Discounttire.com has a good price on them, and they have many good reviews. They don't have a very high mileage rating (420, hence their name, I guess). But some reviewers stated they got over 60k on them. At $137 each from discounttire.com delivered, they should be hard to beat. Does anybody have a pic of them mounted on their truck? I'd love to see how they look. The Toyo Proxes are a great looking tire, too, but they'll cost more because I'd have to pay shipping for them from another supplier. Thanks again for the suggestions. The old tax refund is on its way soon, so I need to decide before much longer. Pics, anybody?

 

i would get a second opinion. 275/60r17 was standard on many f150 and expedition with that wheel. they are not too wide and shouldn't cause this. 265/70r17 was really meant for 4x4 (for the height) but will fit as well.

i wouldnt worry about the tire being the problem. just do balljoints and alignment and you should be fine.