Hey all, it's time for me to change out the sneakers on my 03 F250 6 leaker.
I currently have 35x12.5x16.5 wheels and tires with -25mm offset. I like the look but as many people already know, in order to keep the 16.5 wheels, military 37's are about my only option. Plus side is they are cheap. Down side is I'm thinking I'll need more lift (6 inch?).
The other option are new wheels and tires. If I go this route I will likely get 35x12.5x18 with -12mm offset.

Either option will cost roughly the same all said and done. My budget is 2k but around 1500 is ideal.

So more lift and 37's or new wheels with 35's? I understand if I stay with the 16.5 wheels, my tire choice is slim, but I'm fine buying the same thing many times assuming they do their job.



Start the fire!

 

If those are the only two choices I'd go with the 18s much easier to get tires anyplace any time. Why not look into 20 inch wheels?

 

The problem with going to 17" and larger wheels on your truck is going to be the backside that the wheels come in. Most of the 9" wheels in those sizes have a 5" backside which is too much for your truck. It will hit the leaf springs during a turn and you may have tie rod clearance issues. A 10" wheel in 17, 18 or 20 usually has 4.5" of backside which will work but could cause fender and bumper clearance issues because of how wide they are and how much they are going to stick out.
You didn't say how much lift that you have now but to clear a 37" tire on a 10" wheel without cutting metal, you will need 6" for sure.
There are still a lot of Super Swamper tires available in 16.5 sizes. You don't have a lot of choices for 16.5 tires, most of the tire companies have discontinued them because of the lack of "Safety Beads" on the wheels but Swamper still offers quite a few styles and sizes.

 

Plenty of wheels out there in 17 and larger with a 4.5 inch backspace and less

 

It was a thought, I'm not huge on the look though for 35's, too low profile for me compared to 18's

 

My mistake, truck has 3 inch lift now.
I have no interest in a super swamper tire since 70% of the time I'm on the road.
the wheels I have now are 16.5x9.75 with -25 offset advertised and just barely clear bumper. They will slightly rub back inner fender when the truck is articulated

 

Look into some 17x9 with a-18 or -12offset that might just give you the look your after. One is a 4.5 inch backspace the other is 4.79 if I remember correctly.

 

Interco makes several 16.5 inch models.