I've done lots of searching of pics, and reading info on this. I just cant seem to decide what i want to do, maybe you guys can give me some advice.

I have a 97 4x4 reg cab step side with the 4.6. Runs great. T-bars are cranked to level, maybe a little over. I'm wanting to run 17x8.5 Fuel octanes, with -5mm offset (so the site says). I'm comfortable with this rim size. And for tires i've come down to BFG AT's, or the red lettered General Grabbers (preferably these).

My main hang up is, to run 33's, or throw a 3in BL on, and run 35's. Have read how complicated a BL can be, but i have access to a lift and any tool known to man. A suspension lift is no where near my budget at this time. And the truck is mainly a winter driver, since i drive my 2wd in summer. Sorry for the long winded post, just tryin to make the right move the first time.

 

Just to forewarn you, a 8 1/2" wheel with a +5mm offset on our bodystyle truck is really, really gonna be sucked up inside the fender. This is just my opinion, so don't flame, but a 35x12.50 + (actually any tire for that matter) is going to look retarded on that wheel waay up under the truck. I don't know how you came up settling for that size...did someone recommend it or say that's the only thing that would fit?? Just to give you an idea and/or a reference, here's pics of my truck with a 10" wheel and a -32 offset.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/wh...ocks-long.html

 

it was the only offset option i have seen for that rim/rim size. and was -5, not +5. i'm not set on that rim exactly, but anything in a 17", maybe even a 16" i will consider. The offset on yours looks really good, nearly perfect imo. any rim suggestions you, or others may have?

pic of the truck as it sits now:

 

Since you have a 4.6 engine, I'd stick with 33's. Unless of course you plan to regear.
I'd go with a 33x12.50 tire on a 16x10 or 18x10 inch wheel with 4.5 inches of backspacing. This combo will look great at your current height or with a body lift.

 

ok, thanks. im thinking the 33's on a 16x9" rim, lookin at the ATX Artillery, has -12 offset. Dont really want the wheels to stick out super far anyhow, slinging dirt down the side of a vehicle makes me crazy. did a quick ps of how it should look, probably will e a bit smaller, but is close

 

I understand. A 10 inch wheel with 4.5 inches of BS will sit about even with the edge of the fender flares. I have pics in my gallary.