Little Tire Rubbing Issue
 

I just installed a set of 385/70R16 (38x15) on to my truck ('02 F250 v10) and I have a little rubbing issue on the rear of the front inner fender. I have a 6" Skyjacker lift in it and an extra leaf in the rear. When I go more then a full rotation and a quarter on the steering wheel it rubs against it. Its rubbing just at the bottom part. My leaf springs and front bumper are clear as I shimmed the front bumper out about 1 1/4" already.

I was wondering what are my options for getting that little bit of extra clearance. I dont go off-roading at all so Im not going to be using the full range of the suspension.
I know I could go another 2" up but I'd rather keep it the same height as I still want to be able to use my trucks box. But if thats the only solution, I guess another 2" is it.

Any help is greatly appreciated.:)

That's a wide tire and the sacrifice you have to give into when getting wider tires. I don't think you can do anything short of putting on spacers or getting new wheels and getting the right offset. I have 37 X 13.50 X 18 and i get a little rub in the front when i turn the steering wheel full left or right. I just live with it and not turn the wheel all the way. After awhile you will know when you need to stop turning the steering wheel. Going 2" more up won't do anything.

you did all that and the truck never leaves the asphalt????? :-huh like bravanc said, theres not much to be done except put the truck way up over them

Well, it usually doesn't leave the asphalt on purpose but it does happen every now and then ;)
I just love the looks of it and just don't want to wreck it by scratching or rolling it. It is a very clean '02 and i want to keep it that way.

Sounds like you should put a set of fender flares on your truck.

Haveing the correct back spaceing and rim width is a must for a tire that wide! I have a 4" lift with 38 x15.5x20 and I don't have any rubbeing. if i turn the steering wheel all the way to the steering stops, then the back of the tire will just barely contact the leaf spring, but I never have a need to bump the steering stops. if I wanted to I could limit the steering just before the stops, but its not that big of deal as i just don't turn the steering wheel all the way. makes no difference in my turning radius turning the steering wheel that extra 1/2 inch.

If you go to the link below you can see pics:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...h-install.html

4" Lift
38x15.50x 20 Tires
20x12 Rims w/ 4.75" backspaceing
Bushwacker Fender flares (cut outs) for extra clearance.

You could also secure the inner fender back further with a cable tie or similar, there is quite a bit of room behind it.

fender flares are probably the only option if you really want to get rid of all rubbing. Even with an 8" lift 38x15.50s are still going to rub

Just out of curiosity, how will adding fender flares keep the tire from rubbing on the inner fender?

Well after some delicate trimming and massaging, my tires only rub almost at full lock. I had to partially remove the inner fender and grind/cut some of the metal away then re-attach them. I also angled my bumper and plastic lowers just for piece of mind for myself. I'm very happy with it and the looks it gives my truck without going to the full cut-out fender flares.
Here's a couple pics that I took.
http://i53.tinypic.com/2lncysi.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/16k2ia8.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/eb5ytg.jpg

If you use the cut out fender flares like I did on my truck you have to cut both the inner and outer fender, I also trimmed my bumper. This gives you the extra clearance for the tires. You actually have to cut the metal off the truck.Then install the flares, for my install I cut approx. 3" +/-, and the plastic fenderliner (or what ever you wanna call it) you have to modify to accomadate the bigger opening. Which is hidden when you add the fender flares.

Thanks icemann. I wasn't thinking about needing to cut the fenders to install the flares. That makes sense now.

My tires rub at full rotation. They just tap a little. But I don't have 15.5's either so i guess that's goin to be a problem if I ever want to make my tires wider

hey 2011 called they want their thread back :-innocent

ON that note>>>

I also have that issue and have seen some valuable info that I will be looking at.... on a warmer day... here in the future of 2013 LOL

AJ

I`m digging that 6" with 38s...could see that on mine down the road...more big lifts I see more I like the opposite lil lift big tire