Hey Everyone,

I have a F-150 XLT Supercab. I have done nothing to improve it, but would like to start the process now. I am looking at getting tires, but don't know what to buy. I have whatever tires came with the truck, but now I would like larger ones that give it a bit of a lift, but without a lift kit. Can anyone out there help me get started on choosing tires?

Thanks

 

Sure...first off a few questions.

1. Do you a 4x4 or 4x2?
2. What size rim do you have now?
3. What is the rear-end gearing?
4. Is it for looks or for function?

 

1. I have a 4X2!

2. I went outside and measured the rim and I think it was an 18.5" if that is possible.

3. Don't understand what rear-ending gearing is could you explain.

4. It is merely for looks.

You must remember I am a girl on limited funds.

Thanks for your help.

 

The tire has a letter and numbers on it, (p235-75-17) example.

 

Get the Michelin Cross Terrain SUV 255/70/sr18. Two inches taller than yours, better handling, quieter, and more comfortable. You can look it up at Tirerack.com and compare it to other tires.

 

tires for an 18 inch wheel are very $$$$$. you might find it cheeper to get a new wheel/tire combo in a more popular size. As Toreador said, Tirerack.com is a good place to find info and pricing. I purchased a wheel/tire combo from NTWonline.com Suggestion! Get rid of the stock muffler. I was informed by my wife that she get's more LOOKS per mile now that her truck sounds good. I replaced the factory muffler with a flowmaster Hushpower 2. purchased on ebay $90, installed for another $60. Quiet on the inside, purrrrfict rumble on the outside. Post some pictures in your gallery!!

 

The numbers on the side of the side of the truck are:

P255/65 R17

Thank you to everyone for great info--keep it coming!

 

How about a way to save money, get larger tires/wheels and not lose power that you do with putting much larger tires/wheels on the truck?

I had the same size tires on my STX, they were Michelin tires, quite good, but I wanted larger rims, cosmetics, mostly.
So I bought some Lariat wheels, much prettier in my opinon than the stock aluminum wheels. The wheel came with tires, about 1-2 hundred miles on them.
These are called 'take offs' they sell them for 4-5 hundred dollars at most dealerships. Or you find them in the local recycler, e-bay- pennysaver etc.

I then sold my Mich tires and rims for the exact same price I paid for the Lariat wheels/tires. Some people want the wheels smaller. Different taste.

Many tire or brake places will 'rotate your tires' for free. They usually will swap them for free or 10-15 bucks. I swapped them myself, but then I have the tools.

On tire size. If you go to taller tire/wheel combinations there are some side effects.

Taller tires will 'gear' your truck 'up'. That means it will be a little slower to accelerate, and a little faster on the freeway.

Your speedometer will be off the same amount you increase the tire size.
If you increase your tire size 5%, (a common small amount on this board) at 60 on your needle, you will be doing 63.

I cheated. I got the Lariat 18 inch wheels with Goodrich Long Trail tires, 265/60/18. They look taller, and the larger wheels exagerate that. But they are really only 2% larger and you don't notice much change in gearing.

Hope this helps,
Chris

p.s.

only shots I have that might show the comparison
original 255/65/17





now with 265/60/18

 

Just put the money out there and beef it up!

Just Kidding! Listen to Chris - he seems to have his P's and Q's all lined up and knows what he is talking about. I have secretly used his advice from these boards on several occasions and he has been very accurate.

Chris: make that check payable to: BlkButy!

Hehe LOL it's getting late!

 

I thought we agreed cash only.. oops, it is late.
Chris

 

17"?? OK then you can still get the great ride of the SUV Cross Terrains and 32" tires with: 255/75 SR17