I have an 04 F150 2wd ext cab. I have my eye on some 18" black wheels that are 9" wide. I will be leveling the front with a 2 inch lift and want to put the biggest a/t tire possible without any rubbing issues. I'm not dead set on these particular wheels so if they are too wide or whatever I can explore other options. Please advise tire size or if I should pick different rims. Thanks for your time

 

Those wheels should be fine for your purposes assuming proper backspacing, etc. I would think that you'd be happy with a 285/65/18 for a 2" leveled 2wd. 305/55/20 if you wanted to go a lil wider.

 

Not real sure what you mean by backspacing and wouldn't that 2nd tire you recommended be for a 20" rim? Please excuse my lack of knowledge and again I appreciate your time

 

Sorry, you're right. 305/60/18 or 305/65/18 depending on tire availability. My apologies as 20" is just embedded in my brain.

Backspacing is the relation of the wheel's hub flange in relation to the inner and outer lip of the wheel. Google it and you'll see what I mean. Are the 18" wheels you're eyeing factory or aftermarket?

 

They are aftermarket, I originally wanted some 18" chrome stock wheels but they are more expensive than the aftermarket. I found the spoke of black 18"s on eBay.

 

Should I go with 285 or 305? What does this number reference to on the tire?

 

295 or 305 is the section WIDTH in milimeters.

55/65/75 is the % of section width added to the diameter of the rim.

The 17/18/20 is your rim diameter.

So, a 295/60/20 is a tire that is 295 mm wide, has as aspect ratio of 60% of it's width and is mounted on a 20" rim.

 

Roger that, you think 305's will rub?

 

Depends on the wheel. Factory wheels?...likely. Most of the factory wheels are +44mm offset, so if you came back on an aftermarket wheel to say +18, +20 or even +30 you probably won't rub the control arms. The closer you get to 0 offset then the more chance you take of rubbing the lower portion/edge of the bumper and fender wall. + offset puts the wheel closer to the truck, while - offset puts the tire away from the truck.

 

I'm pretty much set on the 18" black aftermarket wheels. They are 9" wide with a +25 offset. Thank you for your time and acceptance of my lack of knowledge!

 

You're welcome. +25mm should put your tire edge just outside of the fender lip.

Remember, unless you post pics it didn't happen! Come back with some pics once they are installed!

 

If your going 18 got with 275/65/18. Its a 32.something inch tall tire but it almost 3-400 dollars cheaper than a 275/70/18 wich is a 33. I wish I could post pictures off my phone on to here because I have a picture of a guy off of south park saying if you lift your 2 wheel drive truck your gunna have a bad time. Haha all jokes aside youll be just fine. Also l went from running 305/55/20 to a 275/70/18 and I would stick with a 275. Less rolling resistance = better mpg