Bigger wheels
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Bigger wheels
I recently got a 1974 f100 for my first car. It is basically stock, and I am wanting to get some bigger rims and tires for it. It has 235/75R15 tires on it right now. What is the biggest tire/wheel combo that I can put on it without the tires rubbing, or getting a lift? Also, what are your opinions on body lifts?(If I decide to go that route)
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
I recently got a 1974 f100 for my first car. It is basically stock, and I am wanting to get some bigger rims and tires for it. It has 235/75R15 tires on it right now. What is the biggest tire/wheel combo that I can put on it without the tires rubbing, or getting a lift? Also, what are your opinions on body lifts?(If I decide to go that route)
I suggest ya fill out your signature with your rig's specs like in mine below. That way, we know what the heck yer working on. Better yet, put pics and specs in your virtual garage too.
Body lifts on 2WDs are lame. If ya wanted a 4x4, then ya oughtta bought a 4x4. But a well built pre-runner is pretty cool. In that case, visit Autofab.com for I-beams and coils.
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Thanks for your help. I am wary about the price for the suspension lift kits, so I think I will just see if I can put some bigger tires/rims on it to make it look a little bit bigger 
. I am just not sure on what size wheels to put on it yet.
. I am just not sure on what size wheels to put on it yet.
Logistics Pro
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
If I'm not mistaken, 35's will work, but you better not hit any ruts or bumps on the road, otherwise you'll hear a massive *RUB* on your front fenders.
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From: Waikerie
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Not to sure about 33's on a 2wd 1/2 ton, some one will chime in.
I agree NO on the body lift on a 2wd, if it isn't already 4wd why waste the money trying to make it look 4wd? Slap on some 31 or 32's and roll with it.
AND no bling bling spinner 18's, 19's, 20's or bigger on it, you can get you FTE member ship revoked (JK) and the Ford gods will cures you with constant failing electronic ignition modules for doing that.
I agree NO on the body lift on a 2wd, if it isn't already 4wd why waste the money trying to make it look 4wd? Slap on some 31 or 32's and roll with it.
AND no bling bling spinner 18's, 19's, 20's or bigger on it, you can get you FTE member ship revoked (JK) and the Ford gods will cures you with constant failing electronic ignition modules for doing that.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Pa.
The problems that occur when going bigger are
1) the gear ratio is probably 3.0 or 3.25
2) the single piston calipers as well as the master cylinder are under designed for the weight of larger tires
These things require almost immediate consideration as you increase tire size .. Is there a sweet spot where you wouldn't have to change these parts to gain tire size probably but I would guess it's not much larger than what you have now .. To undermine the engineered design of the truck to have something that looks cool is just plain not a good idea ..
Study this chart and see what you will sacrifice once you start getting any bigger than a 27" tire with say a 3.25 gear ratio Gear Ratio and Tire Size Calculator - 4x4 and Jeep Ring & Pinion
For the record there have been plenty of examples on this forum where folks have bought 1/2 ton 2WD trucks with larger tires put on by the previous owner and have had to down size because of the above mentioned issues and their consequences .. Don't waste your money is my advice especially on something that will make your truck perform worse rather than better .. If you absolutely must go bigger get a 3/4 ton something that can stand a larger tire ..
1) the gear ratio is probably 3.0 or 3.25
2) the single piston calipers as well as the master cylinder are under designed for the weight of larger tires
These things require almost immediate consideration as you increase tire size .. Is there a sweet spot where you wouldn't have to change these parts to gain tire size probably but I would guess it's not much larger than what you have now .. To undermine the engineered design of the truck to have something that looks cool is just plain not a good idea ..
Study this chart and see what you will sacrifice once you start getting any bigger than a 27" tire with say a 3.25 gear ratio Gear Ratio and Tire Size Calculator - 4x4 and Jeep Ring & Pinion
For the record there have been plenty of examples on this forum where folks have bought 1/2 ton 2WD trucks with larger tires put on by the previous owner and have had to down size because of the above mentioned issues and their consequences .. Don't waste your money is my advice especially on something that will make your truck perform worse rather than better .. If you absolutely must go bigger get a 3/4 ton something that can stand a larger tire ..
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From: Waikerie
33s will bring my speedo back close to accurate (ish) and I have no real need for great towing ability. 'tis just for cruisin.
Not all that much into "cool" either ... but ... I got a stack of 33s up the back yard ...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2012
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From: peru kansas
i would say from experience no more than 33x12.50's on the back and 31x10.50's on front gives a really nice rake and appearance and will hold up to what you want to do you can even haul a decent load with no issues with 33's on the rear but if you have any gear ratio higher that 3.53 i would consider smaller tires unless you have the motor built with plenty power and low end grunt like mine (31"-32" tires with 2.78 gears and a decently built 390) good luck to your future endeavors
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So I was talking to somebody today, and he said that bigger wheels (say 31's or 33's) could make my suspension and wear out a lot faster from the extra torque while turning, and from just having the extra weight. Is this right or wrong?