I have a 2005 F150 FX4. I want to put a 3" leveling kit on it. I have gotten so much different feed back that I need to clear up some questions I have. First with the factory 18" wheels what size tire is the best? I am sure someone has tested this already. I heard I should go with the BFG All Terrain 305/65/18 but someone else told me to go with a 325. My second questions is can I go with a 70 instead of a 65? I am a little confused on this whole thing and I need tires pretty soon. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

 

Also... I heard if I put a leveling kit on it, i would have to get longer shocks. Is this true?

 

You can fit a 35" tall tire and 12.5"s is as wide as it can be on a stock rim. <Thats with the leveling kit, 33"s is as tall as you can get w/o the kit.

So you do the math and figure it out.

 

What he said....

 

I wouldn't go any higher than a 2.5" leveling kit because with a 3" kit everything is at such severe angles you're really pushing the limits. With a 2.5" kit you'll be able to clear 35's with maybe some slight trimming. To clear 70's (36's) I think you'll need a full suspension lift. You could go with the Rancho 4" lift if you don't want a 6" lift.

The factory wheels are 7.5" wide so alot of tire places are leery of putting a 12" or wider tire on the stock wheels. I have seen lots of truck owners do this, but you may get some pushback from the tire shop. From what I've heard the BFG is a very good tire, for me though it's not aggressive enough looking to suit me.

Good luck with your decisions and make sure you post up some pictures when you're done with it.

 

I voted for the 325 because it's wider

 

You probly wont believe this but a guy on another forum put 36"s or 37"s on his truck with just a 2.5" leveling kit, he said it did rub but he did use the tires till there were worn out.

 

Nothing I won't believe. I'm sure it can be done, but it's not recommended.

 

here is a formula i found for figuring tire height. 2 x width x aspect ratio divide by 2540 (this # always stays the same) plus the rim size. eg. 305-70-18 would be 2 x 305 x 70=42700 42700divide by 2540=16.8 16.8 +18=34.8 inch tire. obviously actual tire size will vary according to the manufacturer,but this should get you in the ballpark. most manufacturers tires are smaller than advertised. hope this helps others out there.

 

if you look in the manufacturers websites they most allways list the tire dimensions, so it is not difficult to figure out what is what. Also not all 35s are 35 inches, so check the site. and if you want width you can get it without going to tall there are 33x14.5s out there and try to stay away from putting a 12.5 on stock 7.5 wheel