I like OEM wheels so I'm looking for OEM 18" wheels.

Problem is the only 18 OEM wheels that "fit" are $500 each, if you can find them.

So, I'm wondering why a set of 2005 and up 18" wheels will not work.....without spacers.

I like tall skinny tires.....I have a set of 255/85 R16 tires that are 1/2" skinner than OEM 265/75 R16 and 1.75" taller than oem.

If I get 18" oem 2005+ wheels and mount 255/70R18 tires on them that are 1/2" skinier than OEM, would that allow a 2005+ rim to work?

255/70r18 are 32.1 inches tall and 10" wide.
265/75r16 are 31.6 inches tall and 10.4" wide.

The other slight advantage is less debris buildup on running board due to tire tucked into wheel well by 1/2".

Am I on wrong path?

 

With a late model 18" wheel the tires will be "tucked in" 1.75" just from the wheel's geometry. It will look like one of those railroad trucks that can ride the rails. Even with the slightly narrower tires I think you would have some spring rub when turning.
And the '04 OEM 18"s do pop up on Craigslist occasionally, but you have to remain patient, check at least daily and be ready to pounce on them when they do. I bought mine with 50% rubber that I ran for two years for $600, so only $125 each and gave $175 for a matching spare to another member here that had some he was singling out.

 

Tell me more about these 255/85's please. I see mud tires in that size, no AT's or highway. What are you running?

I've been looking for factory 18's too, hard to find.

 

I run the Toyo M-55 but their price scares most people off. They are aggressive all terrain tires and I love them.

However the Cooper Discover ST Max comes in 255/85 R16 and is a all terrain.



Darn don't want to look like a rail road truck. Guess I will just keep my eyes pealed for a set of oem 18 inchers that will fit

 

Interesting tire. What are the prices like? How is it for road noise and handling?

There is also a Mastercraft 255/85R16, the Courser CXT. Between the Cooper and Mastercraft I'm not sure which is more of a highway tire, they both look pretty AT'ish. I had Mastercrafts on my 05 F250 and they were great tires.

 

The Toyo M-55 in 255/85 R16 are about $350 each.

Handling is quite good for my needs. Gravel roads with mud and snow. Don't notice much road noise but than again I don't care about that. They wear like iron and rocks on gravel road are pulverized by them.

I've had michilens chewed up and bald in 20,000 miles. Theses M55s have 95% tread after 10,000 miles.

They are not city dweller tires. If over 70% of your driving is paved roads you don't need these. They are commercial grade and eat mud and snow for breakfast.

This size is vulnerable to misuse. If you inflate them to 80 psi without a heavy load the center will wear faster than edges. I run 40 psi in front and 36 psi in rear of my E rated M-55s in winter and 45/40 in summer.