This weekend I ran into a guy who had a 2004 Lariat 4wd and was running Toyo Open Country 325/60/R18's on stock rims and without a leveling kit(Toyo's Website states that this is a 33.6"x14.9" tire with a recommended rim width of 9.5"). The guy said he never experienced any rubbing. I have the same truck but in 2WD. I was about to purchase a set of Terra Grapplers (285/60/R18) and install a Daystar kit but now I am interested in these tires(much wider and a little taller). Has anyone else put such a large tire on a stock rim and also had no trouble with rubbing????????

 

I don't know about the rubbing, but if you mount tires that need a 9.5" rim on 7.5" rims they won't wear right. It will pinch the mounted beads to close together and lift the outer treads off the ground with normal air pressure. The tires will wear down the center of the tread. You can run them soft to get the tread down on the road if you don't mind a mushy ride..

 

I'm quite certain you'll need the leveling kit. Without it, they should rub. As for the rim width ... it's your gamble, etc. with regard to wear, safety, etc. I opted for the same Nitto's you are/were considering.

 

leveling kits can be found on ebay for like 125 bux. It lifts it up either 2" or 2.5" in the front.