When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am sad to say I have decided it is time to part ways with my 02 F-250 7.3 for a 17 F-250 6.7. I use my truck off road and am not a fan of 20” wheels that seems to be the norm today for a few reasons, minimal sidewall when having to air down and the outrageous cost of the tire itself when it’s time to replace. I run 35x12.5x17 on my current truck as well as my 73 bronco. The nice thing is I can swap the tires between the vehicles since my bronco tires would most likely dry rot before actually wearing out so I get to swap them onto my truck every few years and keep fresh rubber on everything within reason. So with that long winded explanation, I have searched and not found any info on running 17’s on a 2017 or newer truck. I am fairly certain they will clear since a base truck is offered with 17’s but what about backspacing? I am looking at a 17x9 with 4.5 backspace. Do you think this would work ok without hitting anything mechanical? I will be leveling the truck as well and from what I am figuring the combo I am looking at will add about 2” overall track width. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
I do not know what the offset is on stock wheels I am sure someone here does. I would get your new truck and measure offset of those wheels and go from there. That way they stay tucked in the fenders and not sticking out too far.
4.5” backspacing on 9” wide wheels is 0 offset, which will stick out a few inches on both sides... so I think you may be more like 6” wider track. I think OEM offset is 40mm.
Since you’re an old schooler super dutier like me... in 2005, when they changed to coil springs, the wheel offsets changed by about 2”. You may be imagining similar wheels between your gen 1 and these new trucks. The axle width and intend backspacing are totally different.
so... keep that in mind... and maybe think twice about 0 offsets.
Here’s the best picture I could muster from my cache to get your gears turning. From left to right these are OEM 2005 wheels, 1999 wheels, and 2019 wheels.
I should have taken a picture when I did it... but I have had the 17” 2005 wheels on the 2019 and they were exactly right, other than the tires being smaller.
17's will fit. I looked at 17's and 18's & ultimately went with the 18's. Stock wheels are +40 offset.
I went with 18" with a +18 offset. The sidewall sticks outside the stock fenders, but not by much. I don't like the look of wheels sticking way outside the fenders.
with a 2.5" level (i'm running a carli suspension level kit with fox shocks) I can clear 37x12.5's with no problems or rubbing. 35's will fit no problem.
Good luck & post pics when you get it done! not many 17" wheels out there!
There’s lots of 17” wheels out there. I’m looking at a particular Method wheel and Ridge Grapplers. Only no one has the wheel in 18”. Plenty of availability for the wheel in 17”, but 17” tires don’t have the load capacity I need.
4.5” backspacing on 9” wide wheels is 0 offset, which will stick out a few inches on both sides... so I think you may be more like 6” wider track. I think OEM offset is 40mm.
Since you’re an old schooler super dutier like me... in 2005, when they changed to coil springs, the wheel offsets changed by about 2”. You may be imagining similar wheels between your gen 1 and these new trucks. The axle width and intend backspacing are totally different.
so... keep that in mind... and maybe think twice about 0 offsets.
This is all great info! I def don’t want them sticking out much. I don’t mind a little but def not a lot. I will def research the stock back space and go from there. I would like to be as close to stock backspace as possible for sure.
That looks perfect! I also see they are methods, I am looking at the standards. Thank you for posting the pics. Did you use a leveling kit? If so which one?
That looks perfect! I also see they are methods, I am looking at the standards. Thank you for posting the pics. Did you use a leveling kit? If so which one?
I hate leveling kits. My truck is stock suspension
My truck is stock suspension
