So I've been thinking about what would be the best combination of lift kit and tire combination since last May when I purchased my 2005 F350 4X4. I started out wanting a 4.5" Icon lift kit and 35" tires. It's a very popular and practical setup. Then I started wanting the higher 7" Icon lift kit and 37" tires. For the past 3 months I've been going back and forth between these two setups.

Well, my plan of attack is to acquire the parts a little at a time and do the "big upgrade" all at once. I picked up a set of 18X10 wheels yesterday but will be returning them next week because I found an awesome deal online. The credit for the wheels will be used toward the purchase of tires. I need your expertise to determine if my proposed "hybrid" setup will work. Here's the plan...

4.5" Icon lift kit w/ 5" rear springs
18X10 wheels w/ 4.5" back spacing
38X13.5R18 Toyo Open Country M/T tires
Buchwacker "Cut Out" fender flares

I really like the idea of keeping the lift height to a minimum and still running 38" tires. I don't think that there will be any rubbing issues with the "Cut Out" fender flares. DCSpecial posted up a link to a gallery where a guy installed the "Cut Out" fender flares on an un-lifted truck and was running what appears to be 35" tires. My thought is that with the 4.5" lift kit, my truck should easily be able to run 38" tires.

http://www.truckblog.com/gallery/gal...JumpTo=0%7C901

Will my "Hybrid" plan work?

 

I saw a 4wheel mag article where a truck was a v10 and had the snoplow prep package they had 37" tires on it. It was suppost to be fords awnser to the dodge power wagon but ended up not being built. They said with that package you could squeese them in.

 

The only problem I see is the bumper.
I cannot speak for the cut out flares but I have DR 4.5 and 35's and they just barely clear the tip of the bumper when turning.

The flares may cut the fender but watch the bumper.

 

Hum... I didn't realize that this guy cut the front bumper and bumper cover as part of the install. I do plan to use aftermarket bumpers, which should allow for greater clearance. So I think that issue is addressed.

The stock setup:



Cut out flares installed and bumper and bumper cover modified to maintain consistent arch. BTW, that flare looks to be deformed or the installer forced the fit, which caused the deformity.

 

Here's a F250 with 6" lift and 39.5" tires. My plan is to reduce the lift height and tire size by 1.5". The truck appears to have plenty of clearance. Note: I do see that the front bumper was cut for clearance.

http://fourwheeler.automotive.com/19...igs/index.html

 

Here's the pic:

 

be carefull with the cut-out flares. I had bushwhackers on my '96 bronco (cut out style) and they didnt want to stay on the truck...they would flap on the freeway etc. Bucks 4 Wheel and offroad in boise idaho installed them for me, and did a super CRAPPY job of it, thats where i believe most of my problems came from.

 

Interesting what you can find on the web... Here's a thread where the same guy who installed the Cut Out flares is complaining that they offer no protection to the sides of the truck.

Post your superduty fender flare pics| Ford Truck World Topic

I think that I'll plan for the 7" lift kit and 37" tires. I can always install "Pocket" flares for a little (maybe none) protection without the hassle of cutting up the truck. I get these crazy ideas sometimes and just need to work them out to their logical conclusion. Thanks guys!

 

Interesting what you can find on the web... Here's a thread where the same guy who installed the Cut Out flares is complaining that they offer no protection to the sides of the truck. Kind of defeats the purpose...

Post your superduty fender flare pics| Ford Truck World Topic<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
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I think that I'll plan for the 7" lift kit and 37" tires. I can always install "Pocket" flares for a little (maybe none) protection without the hassle of cutting up the truck. I get these crazy ideas sometimes and just need to work them out to their logical conclusion. Thanks guys!<o></o>
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Re-check your needed wheel backspacing...I believe the 4.5" is the suggested backspace for 99'-04'. I'm not sure what that would look like on yours. I'm not a big fan of the cutout flares but everything on your wish list should be fine except the backspacing.

 

What back spacing is recommended... 5" or 5.5"?

 

Furian,

I installed the Street Flaares on my truck. Now I amnot lifted, and the I only went up to the 285's so I am not running what you are...but the rocks hitting the side of my truck have ben greatly reduced. The lot at the shop is all gravel and my tires pick up alot of stuff. Wish I would have done this mod a while ago and I will also benefit in the winter with the rot on the bed sides...I hope.

Sarge

 

IMO, you need a 15.50" wide tire to look "right" under cut-out flares.

 

Thanks for the feedback Sarge... I'm glad to hear that you are happy with the new fender flares.

 

Yes, I agree and have decided against the cut out fender flares. I'm returning the recent 18X10 Injector wheels because of poor quality finish. I found a great deal on the Ion Terminators but wonder which size wheel would be best... 18X10 or 20X10 with 37X13.5R18 or 37X13.5R20 tires respectively and a 7" lift kit.

Any recommendation?