Tire Question

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Aug 5, 2007 | 10:15 AM

Black97F150v6

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From: South Florida

Tire Question

I have a 2 Wheel drive 1997 Ford F150 XLT 4.2 L..I currently have 265/70/16 tires on my Vehicle. The only problem is they are typical street/ touring tires that we purchased for real cheap. I was wondering what the maximum size tire is I can put on them, without getting any sort of lift. I was looking into some All Terrain tires. Thanks for the help!!

Aug 5, 2007 | 09:25 PM

MBBFord

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From: Louisiana

Since you only have a V6, you might not want to go bigger than 265s, but either way, the maximum tire size you can fit would be 285/75R16, but that would be pushing it with a 2wd.

Aug 5, 2007 | 09:49 PM

galaxie641

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From: SE Wyoming

I am pretty sure 265/70/17's are as large as you can go on a 2wd without any rubbing problems. 285/70/17's (33's) are as big as you can go on a 4wd, so they will definitely rub on a 2wd.

Aug 5, 2007 | 10:00 PM

MBBFord

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From: Louisiana

I've seen people with 285s on a 2wd before, but don't know how much rubbing they have, which is why I said it'd be pushing it.

Plus gas mileage would suck, and so would acceleration.

Aug 5, 2007 | 10:48 PM

tj90

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I have 265/75r16 and love them. Been running the Definity (Pep Boys Cooper) Dakota ATs and actually like them pretty well. Not too much road noise and make the truck looks more aggressive. Buy 3 and get the 4th free right now promotion. Plus, made in the USA - hard to find at <$100 per tire (<$75/per tire with sale). I have a 2wd 97 with the 4.6 V8. I also have the tow package with the 3.55 rear end, so I dont know how they would be with a V6 and standard gears. The 75 series give you much more sidewall than the 70 series so the tire is larger and "proportioned" (filling the wheel wells well) IMO. did not notice any significant drop in mileage - ~14-16 mpg from day 1... Im not even close to rubbing these tires.

You also cant go wrong with the BFG ALL Terrain TAs. They have an D load rating so they are stiffer than the stadard load rating, but not E load rated "hard as rock" sidewalls.

If you are unsure with acceleration, gas mileage, fit some used tires with the size you are looking for and drive it around for a couple weeks. This way you know what you are in for before commiting big money on new tires. In my area, you can find used tires for $10. Only get 2 of them - fit on rear for accelration power tests and then swap to front to check clearance.

Last edited by tj90; Aug 5, 2007 at 10:58 PM.

Aug 5, 2007 | 11:06 PM

ATC Crazy

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From: SW VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxie641

285/70/17's (33's) are as big as you can go on a 4wd, so they will definitely rub on a 2wd.

My truck will fit 34's with no trimming...I've done a test fit with a friends set of nearly-bald 35's that measured out to 34". It's completely stock too.

But back on topic, I have seen 33" on a 2WD with minor trimming of the air dam. That would be pushing it with a V6 though....My 4.6 has a hard time with my 33's