Tires and wheels?

[4kmprs]

My 2004 f150 lariat screw 3.73 has the factory 18 in tires and rims. its time to replace the tires and i would like to know if i should consider changing out the rims for 17's.

what are the pros and cons? will i see/feel a difference in mileage, ride, comfort, towing?

thx

[jd-ford-hd]

If you do the swap, research tire specs to get the 17" that has the exact same outside diameter to retain speedometer accuracy. Also choose the 17 that has the exact same or greater individual weight carrying capacity. One pro is the 17 tires may cost a little less. The other pro is the smaller wheel diameter with the same tire outside diameter means there is a little more tire sidewall possibly giving a little softer ride. The cons. You have to buy wheels..! Another con. When trading or selling your truck, a nit picking buyer will open the door and see the original tire data sticker and say "What's up with this?"

[4kmprs]

Thanks DJ-ford.

Very helpful.

If I go this route I would keep the 18 in rims for resale

[dretired]

Originally Posted by 4kmprs

My 2004 f150 lariat screw 3.73 has the factory 18 in tires and rims. its time to replace the tires and i would like to know if i should consider changing out the rims for 17's.

what are the pros and cons? will i see/feel a difference in mileage, ride, comfort, towing?

thx

My 2010 F150 came with Michelin ..18"..I like them ...i am pretty sure they are LTX ... "P" rated tire ..probably ..but i like the ride, traction,etc

[wmtire]

What you have to watch out for is brake clearance, when going to a smaller diameter wheel. There is a reason it had the 18 inch OE wheels.

Even if the 17 inch wheels will clear all the brake components, they won't allow in as much air flow between the wheel and brake to help air cool it....which is going to result in your brakes running hotter and maybe wearing quicker

[fonzie]

As mentioned above, it you go with 17" wheels make sure there is no issues with clearances, there should not be as 17" wheels were standard on 2004 model with 18" as option. Your mileage per gallon will decrease slightly but your ability to tow will increase by 500 lbs. Look into your owners manual for more info,

[acadianbob]

I can't imagine that this kind of swap would be worth the trouble and expense. You MIGHT get a slight better ride with the taller sidewall. But, you will wind up with the same diameter so no real advantage on towing power. I would definitely not make this swap. Good luck.

[whj77372]

I would want to know why you are considering the down size?

[pbrackney]

I have the Michelin LTX M/S2 "P" on my Expedition and love them. I do not really see a need for you to change rims. These tires will work perfect for you and give you a nice ride.

[dretired]

Are you looking for a higher load rating ?? I found online at discount tire or was it belle tire ?? A 18" tire for my F150 with a load rating of 3,500lbs= a 124 rating..do some searching

[rkswyo]

Past the initial investment of the new wheels, the 17" tires are typically cheaper than the 18" tires. Personally I hate the bigger wheels they are putting on vehicles these days. If 16" wheels would fit on my Dodge I would gladly get rid of the 17" that I currently have. Unfortunatley they won't.

[4kmprs]

thx all. learned a lot. hadnt thought about ensuring enough room for the brakes, and thought the smaller size would yield better mpg and a smoother ride.

based on what i am hearing i will keep the 18's. only have 67k miles on the 2004 and its paid for. DW thinks lightning has a better chance of striking me than me convincing her it is time to upgrade the tv.


my mod list continues to grow.

slide awning
towing mirrors
pioneer appradio II - touchsceen iphone app enhanced double din stereo replacement
back up camera
portable generator
water totes - drinking and waste
TV tires

And a higher paying job.....

[jd-ford-hd]

Originally Posted by rkswyo

......................... Personally i hate the bigger wheels they are putting on vehicles these days. If 16" wheels would fit on my dodge i would gladly get rid of the 17" that i currently have. Unfortunatley they won't.

amen...!!!