Hey guys, new to the forum and have a few questions and also asking for opinions. Before any of you get bothered and say "do a search" trust me I have been online for days and days researching. I know the basics just need some that have more expertise to steer me correctly.

Just got my 2012 Lariat 4WD SCREW and have ordered my AutoSpring 2.5" leveling kit for front with the 3" block for rear. I am aware the 20" wheels that came on the truck are 8.5" wide with a 44mm offset and 6.5 backspace. Truck currently has 275/55r20 Pirelli tires.

I am planning on buying Fuel Throttle or Krank wheels in 20x9 and am wondering if 14mm offset with 5.5in backspacking or 20mm offset with 5.75in backspacing would be best. I don't want them sticking out too far and slinging mud/rocks down side of the truck and I don't want to install big bushwacker fender flares. I know the 20mm offset will keep them tucked in closer but I did not know if the 2.5 leveling kit changes the hub location or anything due to angle changes. I don't mind 1" or so wider than stock so I need to know which would get me closest to that with the leveling kit.

As far as tires go I planned on just jumping up one size to a 275/60r20 (33") tired and wanted to know if this would look too skinny and if anyone recommends anything else. I am afraid a 305/55r20 would be too wide for my liking. And as far as tires go I am looking at Cooper Zeon LTZ, Cooper AT/3, or Terra Grapplers. I know alot of this has been discussed in numerous threads but my head is spinning and I just need some help sorting it out so I can get everything ordered. I appreciate any and all help and opinions..Thank you

 

The 9 inch wheel with 5.5 inches of BS is only gonna stick out 1.5 inches farther than your OEM wheels while the one with 5.75 inches is only gonna stick out 1.25 inches farther than your stockers. Both will look/work fine. Personally, I'd go with a 305/55-20 (33x12.50) tire or at least a 285/55-20 (33x11.50).

 

Who makes a 285/55r20? Another question is do I need an LT tire or can I stick with a P-rated tire? Won't be doing any heavy towing or anything

 

I vote 295/60/20 trail grapplers.

 

I agree bad a$$ looking tire. But is an E rated 80psi tire. Might be a little overkill and much stiffer ride than what I need

 

BFG and I believe Nitto make 285/55-20's. Personally, I think you will be much better off with an LT rated tire.

 

Not many of us buy these tires because we "need" them. We buy them because we "want" them. I got a feeling you'll see the light before you open your wallet. The dollar difference before you order is insignificant compared to deciding at a later date that you "wished you wouldda". Bad *** tires turn heads.

 

But my point is that can you put 40psi in a tire meant for 80psi which is what these "e" rated tires call for. Would think they would wear faster only putting half recommended max air in them let alone the worse gas mileage. Basically just want a great looking stance on the truck. These wheels will already stick out 1.25" further than stick. So I was hoping a 275 tire would look perfect. Afraid a 305 would be too wide. Want to fill the wheel well just enough to not fill it completely or not enough and find a tire that has a more rugged look on sidewall.

 

I run 45 in my Trail Grapplers. 80 is overkill, and a VERY rough ride. That said, there is a noticeable difference in the 45 in the Trail Grapps, and the 34 I run in my Blizzak winter tires.

It is my understanding that 42 psi is the minimum safe working pressure for Trail grapps.

 

And yours are 295/60/20 right? Any pics available? Leveling kit? Any change in transmission shifting points you have noticed? Sorry for all questions but you are right I would rather spend more $ to get look I want rather than regret it in 6 months.

 

No, mine are 295/70/18. A 34.57 inch tall tire, and 11.73 inch wide.

The 295/60/20 tires are a 34.45 inch tall and 12.13 inch wide tire. The numbers are incredibly close, except that with a 20 inch wheel, it won't give as much tire wow, but obviously more of a rim first look. With my max height leveling shock height, and stock wheels, I have no rubbing, but the front does come close at nearly full lock to the front valance. I remember Marshall running true 35x12.5 mud tires with 2 inch wheel spacers, and had to start trimming the front valance to eliminate rubbing.

Anyway, as for pics, this is what I got as part of my album here.....







I still think 275/65/20 is too small for a leveled truck. Personal preference of course. I don't remember shift points changing a whole lot, but the whole speedo being out thing bothered me enough that I accelerated my plans on buying a tuner with custom tunes to compensate. As it turns out, with the noticeable performance increase, I should have gotten the tuner first, right from day one.

 

Looks great. Fills wheel well perfectly. Thanks for all the great info and pics. I never thought it would be this difficult deciding on tire brand and size.