I have a 79 F-150 4x4 with 15x8 rims and 31" tires. The tires are getting old so I just purchased a set of 35x12.50 BFG all terrains today. I plan on putting a 4" lift on this summer. Will these tires work on my pickup without the lift until I can get the lift on? Also, will these tires work on an 8" rim? I have heard yes and no. Thanks.

 

I've seen "spec charts" list the approved width for 35x12.5s is 8.5-11, but I've seen guys have them on 8s and I thought they just didn't look right and not too safe to have on. Hopefully others will chime in to see if they've had any problems. But, the 35s will be very very tight without at least a 4" lift.

 

Should I maybe go with 33x12.50 with a 4" lift then?

 

The tire diameter isn't the biggest issue at hand. It's the rim width vs the tire/tread width. Having a 12.5" wide tire on an 8" rim leaves 2.25" of just tread pattern hanging over the sides of the rims. Not counting the bow of the sidewall. I would suggest finding some wider rims for these new tires. They will likely fit rather tightly but still function until you get the new lift on.

 

I have seen quite a few people on here and else where running 12.5" wide tires on 8" wide rims so I am not real worried about that. I am worried about what would look better on a 79 F-150 with a 4" lift. I have found very few pics of guys with this combo to compare 33's and 35's

 

I think the 35s may look to "fat" with a 4" lift and 33s may be a better look. Since you just purchased 35s, throw a couple on and see what you think. Of course without the lift in there they probably won't fit to drive, but will give you some sort of clue.

 

I think you are right "Bucks"... I canceled the 35's I ordered and am going to get 33's. I think they look a little less "stuffed" with only a 4" lift. Now I just have to decide between the BFG all terrains and mud terrains!

 

Will they fit, yes...will they look right, no....you're gonna have quite a sidewall "bulge" on an 8" rim.

The mud terrains look "tougher" so they win on aesthetics, but if your truck primarily sees road duty the all terrains are a more practical choice.

 

Ya, the muds look awesome and bada$$, but I agree that road duty calls for the A/Ts. Can't say for the newer style M/T tread wearing, but the older style used to wear out quick when people would use them primarily on the road/pavement. That rubber isn't cheap and you don't want to be replacing tires soon. Also, the road noise would be more the M/Ts.

 

I've run 33x12.50x15's on 8" rims before with no problems. If you do a lot of wheeling, It helps keep the rims tucked in the rubber to prevent banging them up on rocks.

 

you could check with the local junkyards an craigslist an places in your area bout some wider rims. Being a 79 you could go up to 97 model year rims with no problem just look around an see what you can find an sell the 8's an put that toward the lift.

 

my pickup came with 35's and no lift when i got it. it can be done, but the tire to fender tolerance is slim. don't hit too many bumps with it. also, they will rub the fenders when you turn.

here's a picture to get an idea of 35's and no lift:

 

I run 35x12.50's on 7" wide rims. Stock alcoas to be exact (although pics show a 5 lug alcoa in stock dims.) and they work (protect the lip of the rim from rocks, etc. - and my kevlar walled race tires are more puncture resistant so sticks, rocks, etc. don't really phase them) and look great. Remember - beauty is in the eye of the beerholder and many of these guys are drunk if the think stupid, overly wide wheels look good...

Also for the guys that are recommending 33's for the width they are BOTH 12.5" wide tires...

Now back to the original question about the 35's fitting without the lift - they MIGHT physically fit but it would be VERY tight and you'd have some rubbing issues.

Here's 35's on 7" wide rims




And this ugly looking crap is a 33" by 12.5 on a 10" wide rim. These were on the truck when i got it and were QUICKLY dumped

 

Overly Wide wheels yes. I think 10" wide is tops (unless mud bogger/racer). Did I miss something on the 33s? He was wondering about whether the 33s would be a better choice on height and fit. He'd still keep 12.5 for the width. Maybe my "fat" comment was misunderstood and probably not worded right. I wasn't meaning 33s would be narrower. I was referring to an image like the tires being too big for the wheels openings.

 

Thanks for all the replies and advice everyone! I think I will go with 33x12.50's on my 15x8 rims with a 4" lift and see how it looks. If the tires look goofy, I will find a wider rim. No I just have to decide between an A/T tire and a M/T tire, but that is another thread . Thanks again for the help!