New Tires - Which size?

[DanTheMan]

This is for an XLT FX4. I'm looking at threads where people are putting on bigger tires and I'm trying to figure out basically how big I can go before I run into issues with rubbing, on a factory setup (no leveling kit).

Buddy at my dealership mentioned a tire size that was essentially 1" bigger around but factory width. I assume this would negate any rubbing potential, but was hoping for thoughts from anyone who has experience running a taller and slightly narrower tire. In my mind, it shouldn't rub and might even get better fuel milage(than a wider one) having less surface area on the road? It definitely won't look as cool.

Let me know your thoughts.

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[CACTUSGREYFX4]

If he is saying a inch I think he might mean putting the Lariat FX4 package rims and tires on it. They are 18 inch vs the XLT's 17's.

 

[DanTheMan]

If he is saying a inch I think he might mean putting the Lariat FX4 package rims and tires on it. They are 18 inch vs the XLT's 17's.

He was referring to a 255/75r17 for an xlt.

 

[jeffers]

I'm trying to figure this one out myself. I want at least 33" but don't want a lot of poke or risk rubbing. The main thing I'm after is more ground clearance because when I took it offroad I was hitting things on a relatively easy trail. So the trick is to figure out what offset you need for what width tire and then figure out if and how much of a lift you need. I've found some interesting tire sizes but I just want to make 100% sure everything will work before I buy.

Here are some that I'm looking at
275/70r18 = 33.2X11
33X10.5R17 only available in a mud tire
255/80R17 = 33.1X10"

There also aren't a whole lot of suspension lifts yet

Kind of a crazy size, not sure they would clear the crash bars
285/75R17 = 33.86X11.26
I'm sure someone with an RR is going to try this size. I think up to a 34" is supposed to be doable without removing the crash bars, depending on offset and tire width. I think its going to be a while before we figure out what all works.

PS: it took me a year to figure out what wheels and tires I wanted for my GTI and this is a lot tougher to figure out.

 

[jeffers]

He was referring to a 255/75r17 for an xlt.

That would for sure work but only gives you about 1/2 an inch more clearance. Going to a 33" with at least a 1" spacer lift would give you 2" more clearance than stock, which is pretty significant.

 

[tbalt14]

I doubt that 33" tires will fit unless on factory offset wheels. I have 31.9" tires on my Lariat and they almost rub at full lock. My rims have a +18 offset.

 

[skhale69]

I'm trying to figure this one out myself. I want at least 33" but don't want a lot of poke or risk rubbing. The main thing I'm after is more ground clearance because when I took it offroad I was hitting things on a relatively easy trail. So the trick is to figure out what offset you need for what width tire and then figure out if and how much of a lift you need. I've found some interesting tire sizes but I just want to make 100% sure everything will work before I buy.

Here are some that I'm looking at
275/70r18 = 33.2X11
33X10.5R17 only available in a mud tire
255/80R17 = 33.1X10"

There also aren't a whole lot of suspension lifts yet

Kind of a crazy size, not sure they would clear the crash bars
285/75R17 = 33.86X11.26
I'm sure someone with an RR is going to try this size. I think up to a 34" is supposed to be doable without removing the crash bars, depending on offset and tire width. I think its going to be a while before we figure out what all works.

PS: it took me a year to figure out what wheels and tires I wanted for my GTI and this is a lot tougher to figure out.

Try to find a set of BFG KO3 take-offs from a Ranger Raptor. They are 33" 17's and are a little aggressive, but ride well and create very little road noise.

 

[HighDesertRanger]

Try to find a set of BFG KO3 take-offs from a Ranger Raptor. They are 33" 17's and are a little aggressive, but ride well and create very little road noise.

What do you think the chances are of those fitting an unmodified XLT? I'm thinking a leveling kit will be needed at the least.

 

[Justamessenger]

Larger tires without a lift, by definition, take away factory clearance. Then when you need to turn into a tight parking spot or approach max payload, there could be rubbing. If you never carry anything or go into a busy parking lot, you might not experience rubbing, but there is less clearance.

If you have a Discount Tires store nearby, their internal database can tell you if a larger tire will work. I went up a size in profile on my sedan with their help.

 

[danmoochie]

It this the largest tire upgrade on the standard XLT FX4 and OEM rim without lifting and no chance of rubbing? I want higher and wider. Thoughts.

 

[ryanO]

I doubt that 33" tires will fit unless on factory offset wheels. I have 31.9" tires on my Lariat and they almost rub at full lock. My rims have a +18 offset.

Do you have a level kit on it?

 

[danmoochie]

If he is saying a inch I think he might mean putting the Lariat FX4 package rims and tires on it. They are 18 inch vs the XLT's 17's.

but the same tire on both as far as size, 17 vs 18 is rim not necessarily tire circumference.

 

[superj]

Xlt/lariat 18 and xl/xlt 17 are exactly the same diameter when stock tires are used so speedo is good with either. I have xlt 18s on my stx

 

[danmoochie]

if you look at my prior post here, I do think that is the largest you can add without any rubbing or lift, best I can tell. Not sure who has done it, maybe they can add to this post for assurance.

 

[tbalt14]

Do you have a level kit on it?

no it's stock.

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