Just got a 2001 F-250 4x4. I want to lift it 4-6" and get some new tires.

I really don't like the look when the wheels and tires are offset and stick out from the fenderwells. Is this due to backspacing or a real wide tire? I'd like to keep the tires narrow but tall because that's the look I like (think Hummer tires).

Any info would be appreciated. I was hoping to be able to just use my stock 16" rims but it seems like most tires now are going for the 17" and up rims and I really don't like (no offense) big rims with offroad tires.

recommended backspacing for that axle is generally 4.5". That is what i would run. You could rock like 5-5.5" if you want to be really narrow, but are risking rubbing the springs. (05-07 typically recommends these backspacings)

Get the 4.5" backspacing, and if you like narrow, just get them in 8" wides and dont run over a 1250 tire....


heres an 05 i lifted awhile back with a DR 4link 4.5" and 35s on stock rims.

http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/lokiwolf/711091.jpg

Get the 4.5" backspacing, and if you like narrow, just get them in 8" wides and dont run over a 1250 tire....


heres an 05 i lifted awhile back with a DR 4link 4.5" and 35s on stock rims.

http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/lokiwolf/711091.jpg

Good lookin truck. That's what I am after. 05s have 17" stock rims though right? Seems the problem I"m running into and this just may be be tire physics as maybe you can't go tall and narrow but I'm only finding up to 35" or 36" tires that are 12.5 wide, with a 6" lift I eventually want to end up with 37"s.

my 04 on 6" and 35" 12.50s on 16" wheels.
http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11008/DSCF0009.JPG

That is stock 17s, yes. Its still not difficult to find tires for 16s....and i have a customer right now clearing 37s on 10" wide rims on only 6", its not really an issue with very minor trimming.

You can fit these tires on stock rims, but it would be better off for the treadwear to just bite the bullet

my 04 on 6" and 35" 12.50s on 16" wheels.
http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11008/DSCF0009.JPG

Great lookin pick up!! Not to knock it at all, but with 6" of lift, it looks like it clears those 35s no prob at all. I bet I could fit 35s with 4" of lift

That is stock 17s, yes. Its still not difficult to find tires for 16s....and i have a customer right now clearing 37s on 10" wide rims on only 6", its not really an issue with very minor trimming.

You can fit these tires on stock rims, but it would be better off for the treadwear to just bite the bullet

So stupid question but are the stock rims not the 4.5" backspacing? I really like those black steel wheels and I think they come in the 4.5 backspacing. By treadwear you mean on stock without the backspacing, when turning it would be eating rubber and causing excess wear?

So stupid question but are the stock rims not the 4.5" backspacing? I really like those black steel wheels and I think they come in the 4.5 backspacing. By treadwear you mean on stock without the backspacing, when turning it would be eating rubber and causing excess wear?

He's talking about the width of the wheel. A wide tire on a narrow wheel will cause some pretty bad wear patterns. Stick with stock BS, and a 16x8, or 17x8 wheel. Im running 33x11.50's on my stock 16x7.5 wheels, and they are a pefect match.

I could run those 35s with only 4", but since I was doing dirt work at the time I opted for a little more lift. some of those job sites can get pretty messy and you can get crossed up in the ruts left after it rains. I still managed to "tap" the left side gooseneck bracket on the frame with the rear spring on one job site.