I have a 2001 f-150 XL 2 wheel drive regular cab pickup. I was looking into upgrading my rims and tires. How big of a rim and tire combo can be used with the original brakes without upgrading?

 

The only reasons I know of to get bigger wheels is to fit bigger brakes and reduce tire difflection.

Plus two would be as big as i would recommend. a light 17" aluminum wheel is 33lbs, if you have 16" steel it weights considerably less.

 

I was told that i could fit 18 inch rims just as long as they were light, But i have no clue what the actual weight should be.

 

You could fit up to a 36" wheel, the tire would be a bit of a problem. Weight wise, stay under 20" and you should be fine. Go above that and look into buying good rotors and pads. I'd say if you went above 24" you will need bigger rotors, however, what ever size you go with bigger brakes will not hurt a thing.

 

Okay sounds good. I was reading that the only brake upgrades available were through Brembo is this true?

 

Your two wheel drive so Baer should have a kit, and I belive SSBC has a big brake kit. I prefer Baer and SSBC, but I know baer's machine shop has an 8 week back log right now.

 

Thanks i will look into.

 

Just out of curiosity, what wheel are you look at?

 

Torq thrust II from american racing.