ckgreenstep

I know i know, search search search, but I still couldn't find the answers to my questions.

I picked her up less than 2 weeks ago, looking like this:





Here she is now at her new home:




I still have some typical work to do, small electric stuff, rust removal, some painting, ect... but I have some F150 specific type of questions:

1. She runs very very quiet now after some low key work I did, very little squeaking, no rattles, but, when turning either direction at low speeds, it sounds like there is something rubbing. It's very quiet, but enough to notice when the radio is silent. Sounds like it's coming from the front, closer to the cab. Doesn't sound like tires, (the ones on their are stock size) Any suggestions as to what it might be? Something I should get inspected?

2. Speaking of stock size tires, do 265s size up with stock suspension no prob? Or should I do 255/70 R16? And what brand and model would you suggest? I'm liking the:
BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T/A
Firestone Destination A/T
Cooper Discoverer A/T3 (245/75)

3. And if 265s are a good idea, (i'm not going bigger for MPG sake), would a torsion bar crank be a good idea? What are the REAL pros and cons? Seems like a cool cheap way to get it to "look" more badass, but does it actually make a difference in off roading and overall drive ability?

4. Where can I get some cool Ford style 4X4 decals? Should I do a FX4 decal for fun? Obviously, just for fun, but we all know how cool it will look. It is a 4X4 Ford anyway!!! Have to advertise it!

5. Just over 117k miles today. Is there anything in particular I should inspect or have inspected? I'm doing the rear axle seals this week or next. Anything else these trucks like to have get worn out at this age?

Thanks for all the help. I've already saved a $300 at least with this forum. I just might have to buy the year membership for $25!!! I'm loving it here!

OTG02

I can answer one question. You can deff run 265. I have a 2 wd stock suspension and no level or lift and I and running 265/75/16 with no probs at all. I think from what I have read if u really want to go a bit bigger when u crank ur trosion keys u can easily fit 285. But yes u can fit 265 no prob at all. Srry can't answer anything else for ya. As for type of tires I have maxxis buckshot mudders. Love em. I'm at 50,000 miles and still got at least another 10 left. I rotate every 3 months regardless. Hope this helps ya a bit. Nice looking truck.

2003XLT

1. for rubbing when turning... are you turning all the way? it could be the pump humming I don't want to make you feel dumb but usually it's the most simple... I would check that out

2. 285/75/16 is the largest tire you can stuff In there with no lift 265's no problem

3. torsion cranks are ok to do but too much and it will cause a lot of premature wear and ride like chit I'd stay away from that unless you just wanna level out you truck in that case your all set

4. amazon has decals I grabbed some 09-12 4x4 decals but everyone has fake fx4's the only real difference is skid plates wheels and rancho shocks... which IMO my truck came factory with skid plates and shocks an wheels people replace anyways so who would really know but you...

5. some maintenance is diff fluid (75w140 synthetic or 80w90 with a friction modifier), tranny fluid (merc v), fuel filter, spark plugs (motorcraft) pop open that airbox and check that air filter as well other than that your good to go

DavidSalsbury5150

I run 265/70R16's on mine with no problem. I believe you can go as high as 285 with the stock set up.

ckgreenstep

1. Don't worry about making me feel dumb. haha. And it doesn't sound like a pump, more like a slight metal on metal, almost like the brakes are scraping a tad bit or something.

2. 265s are what I'll do then for sure. Can't wait to get em on there.

3. I'll probably stay away from the cranks then since the ride is finally smooth how I like it now.

4. I'll order some stickers off Amazon today!

5. I know for a fact the diff fluid will be done later this week. Thanks for the specs. Didn't think about the fuel filter. Good idea. It's a manual, so not too worried about the tranny fluid just yet. Spark plugs for sure need done, (probably do them today). And the filter actually looks good. Can't decide if I want to drop a K&N filter in there for fun yet. Seems a bit steep for a couple HP though.

2003XLT

check out the backing plates pop off the wheels and check for silver marks on the backin plate it may just be as simple as bending it back a touch and I feel you on the air filter I just pop new ones in from ford I can't see dumping a few hundred for little to no difference

good luck I know my truck like the back of my hand now I've had it ripped apart and back together atleast 6 times so any questions feel free to PM me

I have a 03 XLT super cab I just ripped off the bull bar but you get the drift

ckgreenstep

Good idea. When I get it on the lift I'll have to check those plates. Didn't think about those. Thanks for the tip! And your truck is looking great!

sna77

Is that just a cleaning on those wheels?! They look like different wheels.

BrowningSCrew

Here's my truck with 265's and cranked T-bars it really helps the look.

Attachment 138880

I would bump up to the 285's if I were you, they won't murder your mileage really probably a 1-2 MPG difference. But I wouldn't go under a 265 because it would look goofy as heck, too much truck, too little tire.

For tires I'd go with the BFG or Cooper AT/3 my dad has them on his work truck and they look and work awesome.

And as stated above for decals I would go amazon or eBay.

ckgreenstep

The attachment didn't work. And I want to see! haha

And I got some decals off Amazon. When I get them on I'll post them! And yes, i "cleaned" the wheels. There was a nasty black spray paint covering them I took off. Today I wirewheeled all that spray on bedliner off. Going to primer it tomorrow and repaint them this weekend. I'm going to do my absolute best to blend them in with the factory paint. There's some holes from nasty rust, but for now, I don't mind a few holes as long as they aren't rusty, bubbling and falling apart.

She'll be a beaut when I get those tires. I'm thinking of going Treadwright so I can save some cash and get some bigger ones. 265 at least, for now, I don't think I'm going to level it, so still not sold on going with 285s yet.