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Tire size question

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Old Oct 30, 2010 | 07:57 AM
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Tire size question

I have an '88 F150, 4x4. It has the dual shock front suspension, and it seems to sit pretty high for a stock truck. From ground to fender opening it is about 38" in the rear, and 34" maybe 35" in the front. I was planning on doing a 4" suspension lift in the future and running 33x10.5" tires on the stock 15x6 rim, but right now it's not possible to lift it, since i'm working on more important things. Suspension would probably be the last thing I do.

BUT it needs tires asap. It has 31x10.5" tires on it now, with no rubbing whatsoever and it looks like theres room for more, but i'm wondering if anyone has run 33x10.5" tires without rubbing. I'm hoping that the skinnier tire instead of a more common 33x12.5 would have a better chance of not-rubbing. I sort-of like the thinner tire look over the fat tire look anyway.

If the 33's wouldn't fit, I would probably go with a 32 or 31 instead I suppose
 
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Old Oct 30, 2010 | 09:26 AM
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I'm pretty sure they dont rub. So long as your front bumper is not bent back, and you're not running silver stirrup running boards.

Those would be the first 2 places they rub.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2010 | 09:28 AM
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Stock rims are either 7.5" or 8" wide btw. A 33x10.5 tire will fit but you can expect some rubbing at full lock on the trailing arms and possible the bumper.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2010 | 09:39 PM
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The door decal on the truck says 15x6.0 rim, so I assumed that's what it has. I know it's a 15 inch rim, according to the tire size. So I may just go with a 32" tire instead of a 33" if it's going to cut it that close. I'll have to see. I wouldn't even mind a skinnier tire than 10.5, but I'm not sure what's offered. The stock tire size width was 235 mm, roughly 9 1/4 inch.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2010 | 10:46 PM
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You should be ably to fit 33's without to much trouble, the only issue maybe a little bit of rubbing on the radius arm's, and possibly some rubbing on the front bumper, which can be shimmed forward some with washers.

I did the same thing. I bout 33's then about 2 months later i lifted it 4in. And 4in and 33's is perfect. i think i could even fit 35's
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 12:05 AM
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i am running 35/12.5r15 on a 6" lift and rubbing on the trailing arms when turned all the way but thats it
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 12:44 AM
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I've seen a lot of these trucks on 33's stock. Fit pretty good, looked right, without much rubbing. Other plus to 33's, you should be okay gear wise. I'm guessing your truck is sporting 3.55's and a small block; with 35's, you'll find that your truck has turned into a gutless turd, unless you regear to at least 4.10's.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 04:35 AM
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With the stock 4x4 suspension I would say your best off with 32 11.50 tires. That looks perfect on 4wd trucks.

If you go with 33s or 35s you will definitely need to regear the axles.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 02:50 PM
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I have a friend running 36" tires w/ a 302, 5 speed mazda, and stock gears. I'd imagine his clutch is angry. I definitly didn't want to end up with that.

Thanks for all the input. A 32" tire is probably my best bet.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2010 | 07:31 PM
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I ran 32" Dunlop Mud Rovers on 10 inch rims on my '88 F-150 4x4 and they only rub the radius arms on full lock,normal driving they didn't rub at all. Liked the look also.
 
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