Big sidewall or big rim??

BLUELINERACING · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 04:45 PM

Hello everyone. I am starting to look for a new set of shoes for my 06 CC 6.0 F250. After looking around I wanted to fill the fenderwells with something more than the stock 265/75/17s. I found a fairly new size of tire from Nitto, 285/75/17. Its a 34 inch tire and not too wide that it would fit nicely on the stock 17 inch wheels. Then I know someone selling a set of 20 inch wheels and tires, 265/65/20 from a new superduty. This I found out was also a 34 inch tire. Both are a load range E. So thats not an issue. What I was wondering is which direction I should go in. Big rim small sidewall, or smaller rim and bigger sidewall. Any thoughts or opinions????

cartmanea · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 05:27 PM

I thought all the newer stock wheels were 18" or 20". If you want to do any offroading at all, 20 inch is pretty large for anything under 37" tires. I'd stick with a 17 or 18" rim for a good all around setup. Be sure and watch the offset on those wheels, they changed between '04 and '05 from 4.5" to around 5.75".

DCSpecial · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 08:55 PM

I'd go with the 285/75R17s just since they are wider and will look better, IMO.

I run 325/60R18s on my stock height 07.

rudedogii · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 09:14 PM

Check the prices, I found some prices of tires to go way up for those uncomen wheel sizes. Also you have many more tire options with a comen size.

mof250Crew · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 10:14 PM

I just order the new Nitto Dura grappler size 285 75 16E. 775 mounted balanced and out the door. I would go with the taller sidewall.

BLUELINERACING · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 11:30 PM

The wheels I have are definetly 17s, they are a 5 spoke alloy. Just the way the factory put them on. Match the door sticker as well. They look lost on there though. Thats why I want the upgrade

rudedogii · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 11:43 PM

I run 17x10 Centerlines. I want to go wider but can't find anything wider than 10inches.

aldridgec · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 11:44 PM

In 06, 17" was standard, 18" optional and 20" Harley and KR.

My personal preference would be the taller sidewall. Better ride, better all around ability.

Is cost an issue, what about the design of the newer wheels? It's a subjective matter.

If you like the newer wheels, go with them. In the long run, the larger wheel will cost more to put tires on. The assembly is also a fair bit heavier than a smaller rimmed setup. The wheels themselves are pretty heavy.

BLUELINERACING · #9 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 11:53 PM

Cost would be about the same. The 20 inch wheels are also factory Ford pieces. Ive looked around and found the 285/75/17 tires for $214 each,not installed. Whichever way I go Im looking at about $1000.

crmarshall · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 01:31 AM

I have 325/65/18 Toyo open county's on my 05. They measure 34 inches tall. I also have a set of 17 inch A/R wheels wrapped in 285/75/17 BFG all terrains. I had these on my stock 03 for a while. I measured them today and they are only 32 inches tall and 9 inches wide at the tread. The toyos mearsure 11 inches wide. New Toyo's for the 18's run about $320 a piece. BFG's (which I preffer) for the 17's only run $250. So as soon as the toyo's are bald, I'm selling the wheels and switching to taller sidewalls. Just my .02.

aldridgec · #11 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUELINERACING

The 20 inch wheels are also factory Ford pieces.

Meaning you like them or you don't? Which ones?

Interesting comparison since cost isn't a factor.

350z · #12 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 07:55 AM

Another vote for the taller sidewall/better ride

5.4L to Freedom · #13 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 07:56 AM

Sidewall is cheaper... and you don't have to worry about curb rash!

BLUELINERACING · #14 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 08:53 AM

Yes I like the look of the 20s, but I also like the old school look of more tire than rim. That is why I posted, I am on the fence. Again, the basic goal is to fill up the fenderwell and to decide which way to do it. I love the way my superduty looks, except for that one thing. I was curious of what other guys are doing and why.

4wheelfurry · #15 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 09:21 AM

Is the cost of the 20" wheels also included in your comparo? If so then basically you would be getting a set of 20" wheels for free if you purchase the combo from your buddy.. Here's what I'd do, get the 20s and run them for a while if you don't like them compared to your 17s still then sell the 20s and get most of your $$ back and that will almost buy you a new set of tires for your 17s and put them back on. $1000.00 for a set of 20s with tires is a good deal too, I'd say you could resell them and break even after putting miles on the tires.