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That jump in tire size will reduce wheel force at the road by about 6.5%. It would be the equivalent of going from 400lb ft to 375lbft....or dropping from a 2020 to a 2017, might could make that back up with premium! When you're already starting with a tire that size, 2" is not a lot....but don't tell my wife that.
No, you wouldn't ruin the truck, but perhaps going to a 33" tire might be considered. Better effective gearing, less chance of rubbage.
Two inches of tire is the point where one should *start* to think about an axle gearing swap, that's all. You have the 10-speed, so you should be fine.
This is a teachable moment for me. Very much appreciated. Perhaps a more aggressive 33” tire (275/60R20) like the Ridge Grappler or Duratrac (maybe others too?) would make more sense for my truck setup than 34’s. In addition to the points you mentioned, going 4-ply vs 10-ply should improve overall ride quality, since I am not towing.
I just assumed that with a 1.75” lift, 34’s with the same tire width as the 32’s would clear with no rubbing issues. I am beginning to see that may not be the case for *every* truck. I would never consider any crash bar modification and have no interest in wheel spacers. With 33’s, I assume you would still encourage the 5100’s at 1.75”?
I am going to chew on this a bit. You have me leaning towards 33’s.
This is a teachable moment for me. Very much appreciated. Perhaps a more aggressive 33” tire (275/60R20) like the Ridge Grappler or Duratrac (maybe others too?) would make more sense for my truck setup than 34’s. In addition to the points you mentioned, going 4-ply vs 10-ply should improve overall ride quality, since I am not towing.
I just assumed that with a 1.75” lift, 34’s with the same tire width as the 32’s would clear with no rubbing issues. I am beginning to see that may not be the case for *every* truck. I would never consider any crash bar modification and have no interest in wheel spacers. With 33’s, I assume you would still encourage the 5100’s at 1.75”?
I am going to chew on this a bit. You have me leaning towards 33’s.
Again, thank you.
This was my thought process before. Still haven’t bought anything, but keep in mind if you have the stock 275/65r18s that is a 32.1x10.8 tire. 33s are really only 32.7, the width is much increased though. I’m not sure that I want to go up only about a half inch in diameter. With the right offset a 35x11.5 or even a 35x12.5 should theoretically be possible. The real answer is probably a 295 with metric tire in the right aspect for your chosen size or wheel to get a 33.5-34 inch diameter. That’s where I’m currently leaning.
I don't understand the inconsistencies with the lifts. Is it related to engine, tow package, FX4? I put the 5100's at the highest 2.1" setting and I still have rake.
2017 low-optioned truck (STX w/ FX4 and towing package), 5.0L....
Originally Posted by BobBeau
Just installed the 5100s. Originally set it to the 1.76 setting and for some reason got over 2" of lift and had no rake. I like a little rake and I also tow a trailer from time to time. I'm now on the 1.26 setting with 20x9 +2 offset wheels and 33 x 12.5 RG. No rubbing whatsoever.
I don't understand the inconsistencies with the lifts. Is it related to engine, tow package, FX4? I put the 5100's at the highest 2.1" setting and I still have rake.
Yes, and then some. There are 7, 8 or 9 different front coils for a '15+ F150 listed on any decent Ford Parts website. They're all slightly different spring rates, and for how each truck is optioned. You'd have to email Bilstein's tech dept to ask how the truck was optioned that they used to determine the 5100 series/OE spring combo's ride heights.
Different size rims but basically a 33, 285/70/17 with a 2 inch level. The D range duratracs ride alittle "firmer" than the stockers. The leveling pucks had absoultly no effect on ride quality at all, I leveled a couple months befor swapping tires. IMO they look perfectly in perportion to the truck. Also I have weathertechs all around and I don't come close to rubbing anything anywhere.
Last edited by 4leggedbucket; Sep 13, 2020 at 10:22 PM.
I don't understand the inconsistencies with the lifts. Is it related to engine, tow package, FX4? I put the 5100's at the highest 2.1" setting and I still have rake.
2017 low-optioned truck (STX w/ FX4 and towing package), 5.0L....
It is weird. Mine is a 2019 XLT FX4 and at 2.1, I was 1" higher in the front. Added 3" blocks in the back and ended up still having 1" rake afterward.
This truck is my daily driver. I am contemplating swapping the stock Hankook 275/55R20’s for a taller set of Ridge Grappler 275/65R20’s. I would keep the OEM 20x8.5 wheels. This would take the truck from 32’s to 34’s, keeping the same tire width. My goal is a more aggressive stance without additional poke. Nothing too drastic considering my engine and gears... right?
After reviewing FourBitty’s spreadsheet, I would need a 1.5” - 1.75” lift to safely clear the Nitto’s. If it counts for anything, I want WeatherTech mud flaps on all fours. While I do not anticipate towing much (if at all), I want to maintain at least some rake on the truck.
I am having difficulty deciding how to best accomplish the needed lift without going overboard. Currently, I am torn between a 1.5” leveling kit, keeping the FX4 shocks (for whatever they’re worth), or going with Bilstein 5100’s all around (front set at 1.75”).
Perhaps those with more knowledge and experience could provide some guidance? Maybe there is another solution I am not seeing?
Thanks in advance.
May be more than you are looking to go, but I went with 2.1 on the 5100's in the front and a 3" block in the rear with 5100s. Replaced the 275/65R18s with 305/70R18's (34.8x12) only lost about 1/2 MPG on my 80 mile commute (still getting 21mpg) and still tows my 20' pontoon and 28' camper no problem. My truck is a 2019 xlt fx4 2.7L 3.55 gears.
Edit to mention, there is a night and day difference between the stock shocks and the 5100's. I was going to keep my stock shocks just in case, but after driving it a couple days over different terrain, I gave them away.
On a related topic.... I haven't taken a tape measure to it, but I think my FX4 on 33's sits higher than a stock Raptor. Meaning, more ground clearance.
