Hi all,

I am very new to the forum and to a lesser degree, my 2003 F350 (4x4 offroad). I have been using this truck for various personal jobs around the property and plowing.

I have been running it with all terrain stock size tires (265 75 16) and chains in the winter but want to switch to a set of BLIZZAK W965E (235 75 16) tires for winter. I have a 1200' long driveway and it is all on a grade (4-17%).

That means a new set of "summer" rims which I have been very excited about...almost as excited as my 14 year old son who is beside himself with the idea of bigger wheels. So....

I picked up, off of Craigs List, a set of American Racing Baha 16" x 10" rims (-25 offset....4.52" back spacing). They came mounted with a set of ruined Firestone Destination AT 315 x 75 x 16 tires

I mounted these (front only) to see if they would fit and they did not...but...only rubbed at the back of the wheel well on the plastic liner at full turn. Remember, this is the "Offroad" and came with a small factory lift. Does anyone know the actual inches of lift this truck has?

I wanted some collective wisdom on what to do from here. My local Mavis says a 305 70 16 Cooper AT should do the trick. I am hoping some of you have experience with this arrangement on a stock "offroad" 2003 f350?

I want to avoid any additional lifting...but would consider a fender shim or trim if necessary.... although the 315's did not hit the front fender; very close but not touching.

I would consider selling the AR rims if there are two few options, or other issues I'm not aware of, and going with a 16" x 8" rim and something like a 285 75 16.

Any advice on any of the above would be very much appreciated.
Don

 

wheels spacers....and for those who are going to jump in and say they are a bad idea, my 2008 f-350 has front wheel spacers stock from the factory ,.....so don't let the ney sayers rain on your parade...its an inexpensive fix.