i would go w/16" wheels, the 16.5s are slowly being phased out w/the exception of the big off-road bias ply tires, plus the 16"s hold the bead alot better when aired down while off-road....good luck to ya!

 

Well, as BFG A/T's aren't really diehard off road tires, I wouldn't be certain he's airing down. In that case, the rims' bead isn't all that crucial. Besides, there are plenty of manufacturers still making tires for 16.5's.

However, if the wheels are split rims you'll have to get different ones (no one will touch split rims any longer) and in that case you may as well get either a new set of 16" rims or go for 17's. Just make sure that you doble check your offset before you buy them. In other words, you're best to test fit a couple first because if you get the wrong offset the 35's will rub on your springs due to the width (ask me how I know). With the right offset you can fit 37's under there without rubbing issues (except at full stuff) like I have.

 

you have to admit though 16.5s are becoming a thing of the past, just look at all the new wheel manufacturers,not much to choose from for 16.5s

 

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i agree on the 16.5s beeing phased out, not only are there few tires in that size, they are all significantly more money than one of similar size for a 16" rim.

 

Shameless, what offset do you recommend for the 35 and the 37?

 

The offset is a tough one, that's why I always recommend trying the wheel/tire combination on your truck before purchase if you can. It always helps to have a connection at a tire shop...

Here's a previous thread I was involved in about this same subject that you can read so that I don't have to get too crazy explaining different numbers in this thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ml#post5200003 If you look at the third post I list 2 different wheels I've had and the associated offsets and backspacing and how they fit. There is also a further explanation in that thread of what those numbers mean. A lot of good information there.

As far as the 16.5's disappearing, that's true, but recommending someone to jump ship to 16's means an expense (new rims aren't cheap) that isn't always justifiable when there are still plenty of manufacturers making tires for 16'5's. For example, HUMVEE's use 16.5" rims so there will be tires available for those for quite a while. Also, Interco (Super Swampers, Irok and others) is still making tons of tires for 16.5's along with a bunch of other manufacturers. All I'm saying is to not give up on the 16.5's yet, I believe they'll still be around a few more years.

 

i agree that they are not going away soon, but they will definatley get harder to find. the humvee tires are great, if you can get them, none of my local tire shops can/will get them, including goodyear dealers...

the problem i had was 33-12.5 r16.5 tires were about $250-300+ each, and 285/75 r16s were $100-200 each. i know they are different sizes, but they are close enough that the price difference shouldn't be that much.

 

I totally agree that the availability of 16.5's are scarce vs 16's or 17's, but the BFG AT's are actually cheaper by about $20 a tire. Granted that's about all you can get in the 16.5. Try getting anything more aggressive and there is not much out there. But this is going to be a hunting rig, and will also be used to take the sled out durring the winter, so the BFG AT's may not be such a bad choice.

I just added pics of it in my albums. Bone stock, but hopefully not for long.