Downshore88

So I am ready for bigger tires on my FX4. I already changed the stock wheels for 18" KMC Rockstar II's. I would like wider and taller tires. I also need to decide if I am should use a lift or level kit. I am leaning towards a lift because I somewhat like the tail end raised a little taller, but would prefer some feedback from the forum. I also need some advice on the height I should adjust. I am not looking for anything too crazy as I would like to maintain as much of the factory ride as possible. ZERO to very little rub is wanted. I would also like a more aggressive look to the tire so a medium to thick tread on the shoulder. I live in NJ and the majority of the ride is street/highway with a mix of rain and snow. Not to much off road except out to the back lakes for fishing. I'm including a couple of pictures to show where I am at today. I would like to know:
- Opinions around Lift vs. Level
- What height?
- Tire size and manufacturer suggestions
- PLEASE include a picture of your truck in response if possible

torin

i would go with a leveling kit if you want factory ride, with those wheel wells you could fit 33's easy without rubbing, now if you want an aggressive tire look your gonna have to decide between a Mud terrain tire(M/T) or an All terrain(A/T), Personally i like the mud tire but it hurts your gas mileage, but gives you a badass look. On my truck currently i have Mickey Thompson MTZ M/T 35s great look but 10mpg but i also have a 2003 5.4, if you got the money shoot for toyo open country M/T great tire, rides like a cloud, 2 friends have them. Now if you want a more subtle look go for the open country A/T 2 which could handle all your conditions you described great and its an all terrain which means less tread than a mud tire but more than your average stock tires. Toyos are the priciest, if your lookin for a good deal and identical performance go for Nitto and Mickey Thompson

karlmag

For leveling kit, you can go with 2.5". Just don't go beyond that to avoid possible front-end issues. Also check out the Trail Grapplers. They look aggressive and perform well off the road without being rough on pavement.

Jus Jim

I don't know enough about the subject to qualify as ignorant but here is a link to a thread that may help with your decision.
https://www.f150forum.com/f38/f150li...trucks-243860/

il_duce

- Opinions around Lift vs. Level
- What height?
- Tire size and manufacturer suggestions
- PLEASE include a picture of your truck in response if possible

- I went level. Cheap, easy, and raised it enough to fit the tire I wanted.
- 2" Auto Spring
- 295/60R20 (34.5" tall) Nitto Trail Grapplers are what I have. Love 'em
- Pics below:

KingRanch4Life

iTrader: (2)

I went level first then lift... Unless you are going quicklift then your ride will be a little stiffer with a 2.5" level..

My lift and new shocks are as factory as it get if not better.. Ride is smoother..

Went 4" Rancho... Should have went 6"...

Throwitup518

I did the same route as most, level first with 33's. Once I replaced my cv axles, upper control arm ball joints and tie rods 2 times in my truck in one year I decided to pull the level and get the lift since actual suspension lifts accommodate for the front end geometry.

Does everyone have problems with those three components wearing out quick, no. But if you use your truck off road here and there you will. Mine goes off-road only a handful of times a year but when front end components are already at stressed angles it is not good to be flexing the suspension a lot going over harsh terrain.

Take the advise from me, once you do the level you will see a guy with a 6" lift and want that. Then after than you will see another truck with even more lift and bigger tires. trust me its addicting. I'm sitting on 6" suspension, 3" body and 37" tires and it feels small to me now...

As for the ride, mine rides just as smooth as stock set up as it sits now. Only thing you notice is when taking a turn if you hit a bump you will travel sideways a bit but that's due to the wide tires.

You can take a look at my build thread for reference of all the steps I took.

Good luck!

Big Power

dont level it you will be utterly disappointed just put a 4 inch bds lift in it and you will be really happy tall enough but not too tall.as for tires probably a 34.5 no bigger than a 35 no smaller than a 33.i really like the nitto trail grapplers aggrsive but not too aggresive and they last a long time