I recently bought a 2002 F150 with p235 70 R16 that drive me nuts I want bigger tires on there. My question is how big can I go with it 275's, 285's? Was thinking about maybe adding a lift but don't want to right now. So how big can I go without adding anything. Thanks in advance.

 

My truck came with the same tires on it. I bought it from my Dad who put on 265/75r16 Michelin ATX's on it before he sold it to me. This is the maximum size for the stock 7" wide rims. I since put on 16X8 alloy wheels and when the 265/75 tires wear out, Im going to put on larger ones. 305/70r16 tires will fit without a lift but in my opinion, if you are going to go that big, you should lift the truck.

If you want to see what 265/75r16's look like on an F150, click on my gallery under my user name to see pics of my truck.

 

265/70r17's came on mile and I like the way they fit.

Jimmy

 

You can fit a 275/70/16 tire on the 7 inch rim without a problem. 7 inches is the minimum width for that size tire. Check with the tire manufacturers website on their recommendations before you purchase to make sure.

 

Ive got a 98 f150 and i have 285/75/r16 on mine they fit fine. I put them on before my 3 inch body lift....not only will they clear the body they clear the frame in turns as well. I am about to put 315's on it. Mine is 4wd...i dont know if there is a difference or not

 

Trek, the tires may clear the body and frame but if you have those tires on stock 7" rims, they will wear in the middle of the tire. If you put on 315's on the same rim you will really have problems with tire wear. Not to mention a hazzard with them popping of the rim.

 

Well this is exactly what i've been wondering...I can start with tires then maybe crank up the torsion bars....completing that with a few inches of body lift. Rather tough 4x2!!!

 

Thanks for the advice cperry... that is a good thing to know

 

didn't think the 4x2's had torsion bars...of course, i could be wrong!

robert

 

Nope, you're right. Only the 4x4's have adjustable torsion bars.

 

Dang! There goes that plan! I wanted to try and level the front end out on mine.

 

Newbie putting in 2 cents...

One thing you need to remember is when you install a *taller* tire (235/70 to 265/75 or higher) your speedometer is calibrated for the 70s. I put 235/85's on my shortbed and my speed was off by 5 mph. Luckily I found out before getting a ticket!
The tires sure fill up those wheelwells though and make the truck look much better

Kind regards...
Tom

1998 f150, shortbed, 4.2, 5 speed
2500 lb progressive rate rear springs (yeah, it's a work truck)
Gibson single pipe exhaust