michaellake

Hey everyone,

I looked in the wheel fitment guide and got some information, but I still wanted to get some detailed input from more experienced owners.

I have a 2009 F-150 FX4 4WD SCREW with 6.5' bed. I'm in the market for wheels/tires and have been dealing with a decent sized online company. I'm looking at 20x9" wheels with 33" tires. I will be installing a 2" leveling kit on the truck before the wheels/tires go on.

My question involves tire size. I'm looking at 275/60/20s and 33x12.5x20s and pricing them out. The tires I really want are in 33x12.5, but the rep I'm dealing with has said that I will have substantial rubbing with a 33x12.5 with just a leveling kit. He's willing to sell them to me, but is cautioning me a lot. He has suggested that for a 33x12.5 I'd want at least a 2" all around lift. The reason I'm asking and not immediately taking his advice is this: I went on Custom Wheel Offsets (as well as on here) and saw TONS of people with a 09-14 F-150, with only a leveling kit, running 20x9 wheels and 33x12.5s with minimal or no rubbing whatsoever. I'm not concerned with a little plastic trimming, but I don't want to do metal cutting or anything.

My questions:
1) Specifically in the front, how is a 2" lift different than a 2" level? I realized the back would also be effected in a lift, but I don't see how the front is any different.
2) If anyone running this set up (20" wheels, 33x12.5 tires, 2" leveling) has any input either way, PLEASE let me know your thoughts.

Your input is greatly appreciated in helping me figure this out.

Thanks,

Mike

RaceRed14

Mike , I don't see why you would need a lift all the way around a 2 inch leveling kit in the front will suffice.BTW,you didn't say what offset the rims are that you are looking at. I'm sure there might be a little trimming on the front plastic. I am not running 33x12.5 but i am running 295/60 r20 nitto trails 34.45x12.13 .

michaellake

Thanks for the response. It's a 20x9 with a 0 offset. There's an option to go to a 10 or 20 offset in a different wheel I like.

The other thing I was wondering was that I've seen a lot of people running a 20x9 with a 33x12.5, but on the tire site in the specs it says the acceptable wheel width is 9.5-11.5. Should I not be running these?

vinnydstx

Here's mine with a 2.5 level wheels are +12 offset with 305/55/20's which are basically 33x12.5. I had a little rubbing on the front passenger side. Just had to trim a little piece off the plastic that comes down under the bumper.

I will say that I am not thrilled with the level lift. Ride is fine, but when I cut the wheel all the way I get a metal clunk sound. Then again 2.5" is a bit much for a level from what I am understanding. Plus the 2014 can be a little finicky from what I have read as well. If I was only looking for 2" I would look into adjustable shocks. There's my two cents, maybe three.

The_YETI

I have a 2.5" Level, with 305/55/20's (33.2" x 12.01") with -12mm offset rims.
I had to do some trimming on the front plastic piece, and they rub the splash guard at full lock in reverse.

vinnydstx

Your 2.5 looks like you got more than mine. Can you please give me some front measurements. Did you put anything in the back? Thanks.

celltech

I have a 2" level running 305/55/20 +20 offset wheels and don't have any rubbing.

The_YETI

I have the 2.5" spacer in the front, as well as the 3" block in the rear.

I'll try to remember to get some measurements later

PawPaw

I ran my '11 Lariat at stock height for awhile running LT305x55x20 Nitto Terra's with no rubbing. 33.2x12.6 on the stock wheels. Close on the inside to the upper control arm.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

as long as you stay with a positive off set on your wheel, you will be fine... the negative off sets is where you are going to run into trouble with rubbing.