Just when I'm sure of what rim size I want to go with, I have to start thinking again!! I've got a friends set of 16.5x8.25 rims with 37x12.50x16.5 TSL's on the truck right now, pending my decision. I have a set of used 37x12.50x17 MTR's that I will be putting on shortly.
The question I have is what are the advantages/dissadvantages of the different rim width's for this tire? I see shops selling 8" wide rims with these tires, and on the same page, selling them with 10" rims. What gives? I thought 8" was too narrow for a tire this size. I was going to go with 17x10's, but would like to keep the tires tucked under as mush as possible. Is my best bet the 17x9's?
Also, does the offset of the wheel (with the same backspacing), have any affect on wear and tear to the truck?
I have also been under the impression that 4.5" of backspacing was the way to go, but now have seen 4.6 or so on a wheel I liked. Is this too much for the truck?
AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

What is eveyone else running? Pics?

My truck= '03 F350 V10 CC LB FX4 -SL all spring 8" lift

Thanks!

 

8" wide wheels would keep the tires tucked under the truck more....and are easier overall on the wear and tear on the front end components. I think 8-10" wide wheels is what is recommended by most tires that are 12.5" wide.

I think 10" wide wheels look the best and don't put too much additional stress on the front end components. That and you can still use them if you wanted to go with a wider tire in the future.

4.5-4.625" Backspacing is what you want. Wheels with something like 3.625 increase the stress on front end components.


Hope this helps.

 

I noticed that the tire makers usually seem to recommend 8.5-11" wheels for that size of tire. That's why I was suprised that shops are selling them on 8" wheels. Is there a downside to the thinner wheel? Will it increase the likelyhood of a blow out or anything?

As far as the backspacing is concerned, I didn't realize the 4.625 would fit. I would like to keep the tires tucked up under the truck for the most part, but don't mind them out a little bit. I just don't want to get harrassed or have to put mud flaps on.

On the offset, does having an offset to the wheel cause any negative side affects?

I think I'm either going to go with 17x10's or 17x9's depending on the brand of wheel I go with, with as much backspacing as will fit without rubbing.

DC
Since you're familiar with the lovely midwest snow and ice winters, I have another question for you. I'm probably moving back to NW Indiana later this year. How bad are the larger tires in the snow and ice conditions? Any particular ones that seem to work better than others? It seems the siping plays a big role in snow ice performance from what I can tell.

Thanks

 

With a more narrow wheel you'll just need to adjust the air pressure to get the tread to wear evenly.

Yes different offsets will effect the amount of stress that's place on the front end componets.....when you get up into 12-14" wide wheels with 4.625" backspacing their offset puts increased wear on the truck.

If you go with a 17x9 just be sure to check the BS on them.....I've seen some with 5" of backspace.

My 35/12.5 BFG ATs seem to do rather well in the snow....of course I always have 4wd engaged when it's snowing. A buddy of mine lives in CO with family around here and runs 38" PJs and when the original siping wore off he had them siped at Discount tire and he said that they do great in the snow now............when his truck was stock he ran the 33/12.5 MT/Rs and had them siped at Discount tire as well and said it made a big difference in the peroformance in snow and ice. Another buddy of mine around here has the 37/13.5 X-terrains and said he doesn't have any problems in the snow either.

Only thing I dislike about my 35" BFGs on 16.5x9.75 wheels is the amount of salt spray that I get on the truck driving in the snow.......truck goes from true blue to brownish white from the middle of the front fender on back.