I've looked at other threads, but most seem a little outdated....much like 5x135!!!

I have a 2001 Screw 4x4 Lariat. It's time for new wheels and I have a few questions (my first truck)

1. It's crazy that 18" tires are cheaper than 17". Would it be worth it to either upgrade to an 18; down size to a 16 or just keep it stock at 17?

2. If I change to another size, will a -12 offset put stress on the suspension? Yes, I know it will push the wheels out a little. I'm fine with that as long as it doesn't look like something from a CA Custom shop (no offense)

3. I'm riding on 265's now. With that offset...how big can I go up to on tires without rubbing or having to cut out for them. Would 285's be ok?

4. I don't plan to do a lot of off roading, but I do like going to the lake and beach with it. Just like wheels, there are a MILLION options on tires. Could I get some feeback on that as well?

TOYO
Grabber AT2
Cooper AT3
Cooper RTX
MAStercraft
Nitto

Do you really save any money buying tires/ wheels online as opposed to somewhere like NTB, Discount Tire?

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

Any amount of offset will stress your suspension bearings and axle seals and bearings. -12 not as bad as -76 obviously but non the less

 

Take a look here if you haven't:

https://www.f150forum.com/f6/35s-tbars-cranked-197341/

There isn't a tire that is terrible. They're all OK. Read reviews on TireRack or Consumer Reports.

 

This site has good package prices and a gallery that you're able to put in your specs and see what they look like and whether they rub or what suspension they have. I have always heard that if tires are sticking out 1/2" or less, wear and tear is minimal. https://www.customwheeloffset.com

 

I have a -12 offset, not too bad but I also have a bigger steering knuckle because of my lift. It has my 35x12.5's right at the edge of the fender, so your 265's on a -12 offset would still look pretty good.

For size, and type, I would go to a 285 Toyo A/T. I run A/T II Xtremes, and I used to have a set of 285 A/T's and I love them.

I personally like the stock FX4 wheels. You might be able to find a set of those with 285's already on them from Craigslist.

As far as where to buy, I would look on Craigslist. I usually get my set of 4 tires with about 50% tread for the price of one brand new tire. If you do decide to do this, please buy tires that are already mounted so you know they hold air. If you don't like Craigslist, then I would go to a store front. I just don't like the idea spending over 1k and not being able to see what I am buying in person. Not only that but if they do offer a warranty and you have to use it, now you have to pay to get the tire dismounted, pay the shipping, wait a week or so for a new tire, and pay to get that one mounted. If you buy from a store that has warranties (I.E. discount tire, Les Schwab, etc.) they will do all that for free.

 

Tirerack has a good deal with tires shipped to their authorised installers where they guarantee an install price. Every place I was going to get my tires installed here in ****ty-Touristville, Virginia wanted $110 minimum to do a very basic mount and balance.

Although the place I chose tried to screw me over, (merchant tire) I still got out of their for the Guaranteed price of $67 total.I've probably bought 20 sets of tires in the last 10 years and online prices have always been better.

For my 35's I went with the general at2's but I was really on the fence for the Cooper AT3's. From what I can tell they're both top notch. I like the AT2's so far but they're not even broke in yet.


I've ran Toyo on my street cars and was even mini-sponsored by them for a few sets in the early 2000's. They're a good brand but they didn't really hold the track as well as my Nitto NT01's or 555's. ..mind you the only experience I have with the brands are street/track tires.

 

Well, i got lucky and was able to track down a set of FX4 rims about an hour away from where I live. For $300 I don't mind the drive and they look practically brand new! So I think I'll go with 285's, but at what ratio - 60, 65, 70?

 

I tracked a set down yesterday! I like those rims as much or better than what you can buy. Hard to pass up $300 set of rims. I'm picking them up tonight. What ratio should I look for - 60, 65, 70? I talked to a couple places around here that said they would match or beat the online prices. That works for me!

I thought about playing with the rims a little...or at least one. Use black plasti-dip for the whole area and then mask off the "U" sections with red just to see what it would look like.

 

Go 285 70 17 they will fill the wheel well nicely and shouldn't rub at all.

 

I get my FX4 wheels today and 285/70/17's tomorrow! Can't wait.

I was looking at some custom ideas last night on youtube. I came across several people using plast-dip to accent their cars/trucks. So, I decided to do a hack photoshop version to see what my idea on the FX4 wheel would look like.





I'm not sure I'm ballsy enough to do it.

What do you guys think?