I have a 1983 F-250 4x4 light duty model. Will 16.5'' rims fit on this truck with 9.50 tires without modifications to the suspension? Also is there a problem using two differnt size rims? I have two 6.50'' wide and two 7.00'' wide. I had planned to put the wider one's on the rear. Thank you for any help.

 

You should be okay on the different width rims, as long as they are the same diameter and bolt pattern, also make sure all 4 of your tires are the same height. There should be no modification necessary for those wheels and tires.

 

I am currently running that particular setup on my 86,the 9.50 is 1" shorter than the 235 85 16, so keep that in mind. 16.5 and 16 can swap back and forth all day, it's the tire that makes the difference. 245 75 16 is pretty close to the 9.50

 

not to hijack the thread but can we not put two different sizes like 16's in the front and 18's in the back? or is there no need since i can just put bigger tires in the back? or would the bigger tires not be recommended as opposed to biger wheels?

 

you can mix up the sizes, but watch the level of the truck, never let the rear be smaller total diameter than the front. If the diparity is enough, you will need an adjustable proportioning valve. It also of course effects the speedo unless you match the original diameter. I personally prefer same size rims, but there isn't any reason you can't put the bigger rims on if you so choose. The tire size/rim size totally is your choice, as long as you keep the total diameter larger or equal on the rear in comparison with the front.

 

4x4 you must have the same diameter tires as differrent diameters make for different final ratios and you will bind up the driveline in 4 wheeldrive the wider wheels may make the tire set up shorter you'll have to mount them up and check hieght or measurer diameter rule of thumb never mix tire sizes ,rim sizes or even tire brands on a four wheel drive un less you like changing expensive parts

 

that's absolutely right, I wasn't thinking 4x in regards to the last question.