'08-Up General QuestionsGeneral questions related to 2008-Up Super Duty trucks. If it doesn't fit the other categories, post it here. Gas engine discussion that pertains to all models is allowed. Specific gas engine questions should use the Gas Engines forum.
I have a chance to put 20" wheels on my 350. It's got the 18" with the Contitrac rubber now, and I was wondering if it is worth the extra money to go with the bigger wheels? How does it seem to affect towing? Better or the same? With the 20" wheels, I'm looking at Nitto Dura-grappler tires, which look like pretty good rubber. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?
Of course this is dependant on the height of tire you use, but generally speaking, bigger diameter rims provide for better towing conditions since they minimize the sidewall of the tire and hence tire roll. The side effect of too little tire sidewall is a rough ride since there is nothing there to flex and absorb the shock. I'm sure others will pipe in with information I've left out. Hope this helps you in your decision.
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2008 Ford F350 Long Bed
White/Pueblo Gold Accent
Lariet, Automatic
Loaded, w/exc. to Navigation
Skyjacker 6" Lift and Steering Stabilizer
Toyo 37"x13.5-20 MTs
Eagle Alloy Chrome 114s
Amp Research Electric Steps
I've been looking for 20's since I bought my truck. The 18's just look funny to me. I need the load range E tires and I haven't been able to find E's in a 20in that will keep the tire height the same as the stock tires.
j
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02 F250 XLT CC/SB/2WD 7.3 PSD- DP Tuner 6 Position Chip, MBRP 4 in exhaust, AFE Stage II, A-pillar ISS Pro Gauges
08 F250 XLT CC/SB/2WD 6.4 PSD- Bone Stock... For now
06 BMW 330xi
04 Crossroads Cruiser 28BH 5er
Fox body Mustang GT- NASA American Iron sports car http://picasaweb.google.com/nascarj20/Racing2007
If you check, I think you'll find the rolling diameter of the factory 20's is larger than the 18's, and the skinnier sidewall thought doesn't apply. I find with the 20's, the truck is a bit more sluggish out of the hole because of the extra weight to get rolling, but the extra lift is nice... just a pain to get into when lifting the kids up. The Crapinentals are best replaced by BFG KO's, and then the 18's look more massive, but either way, the 18's and 20's will cost dearly to replace. I'm considering having the dealer upgrade the Continentals on my next 2008 right away for about $400. That's about $900 savings over the 20's from the factory. I just think the 20's look boss, and these new 18" Lariat wheels on the 2008's look stupid.
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2007 Ford F-250, C/C, S/B, 4X4, 6.0L, Dark Toreador/Silver, Chrome Package, 20's
2007 Ford Lariat SuperCrew F-150 (SOLD 05/07).
2006 Ford F-250, C/C, S/B, 4X4, 6.0L (SOLD 11/06).
2005 Ford Lariat SuperCrew F-150 (SOLD 02/05).
2004 Ford F-250, C/C, S/B, 4X4, 6.0L (SOLD 05/05).
2003 Ford F-250, C/C, S/B, 4X4, 7.3L (SOLD 07/04).
2003 Ford Excursion Limited. 4X4. V-10 (SOLD 03/05).
2002 Ford F-250, C/C, S/B, 4X4, 7.3L, Hypermax 330 Chip, DPPI 4 Inch Turbo Back, Isspro Dual Gauge. (SOLD 09/03).
2004 Kubota 7510 w/302 FEL and 60" MMM (Diesel)
If you upgrade you will still have an 18" spare - mounted up with the Continental tire. Supposedly a 20" spare doesn't fit underneath - something I need to check out when the weather gets nicer.
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F-350 08 PSD CC Long Bed. Auto, 3.73, Dark Shadow Grey, Line-X, LT275/65R20 BFG Goodyear Wranglers, Leer Canopy. 2 German Shorthaired Pointers riding shotgun.
From what the tire guy was telling me, I can get a 275/65/20 in load range E, and the tire is only about 1.5" taller than the current 18" tire I have on it. I found the tires I like on the Nitto tire web site. It will probably cost in the neighborhood of $2300 for 20" tires and the spoked rims I like. Still thinkin.
I would not do it. I purposefully got the 18" wheels on mine b/c I like a little sidewall. I run Toyo AT 285/75/18, load range E on mine and I like the look / fit of them. They are 5% larger than stock. I got them mounted and balanced, out the door, for less than 1K.
I have the 20's on mine and purely LOVE them. They are the first factory rim I have liked in a long time ('96 alcoa aluminums). I was worried they might ride rougher than my 16" tires on my previous Superduty, but I think the whole truck rides awesome for a F350. I installed a set of 35-12.50 Pro Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains and so far I really like them. They come in a load range E. My dad has a set of Pro Comp Xtreme All terrains on his '05 and the mud terrains are by far a better tire. No matter what tire you get, just make sure that you get a 3 ply sidewall. With having less of a sidewall, an extra ply sure won't hurt. And alot of tire guys don't know the difference between load range E and sidewall ply. Hope this helps.
-Funkster-
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2008 F350 4X4 SRW Crewcab, Lariat, 6.4L, Torque Shift, Linex Liner, Trailer Tow Command, Stabilizer Package, Factory 20's w35-12.50-20 ProComp Xtreme Mud Terrains: Dark Pearl Blue w/Pueblo Gold
2005 F250 4X4 Crewcab, XLT, 6.0L, Torque Shift, Backup sensors, Camper Package, Tow Package, Offroad, AFE Stage II Plus, Accu Fab Polished Elbow w/17X9 American Racing Trax chrome rims, 305-65-17 ProComp Xtreme AT's
I put he BFG 275/65/20's load range e on my 08 F250 lariat, Dark Stone over gold. 3 inch level kit, front and back, Ranch hand bumper replacement. Loaded to the gills.
I put he BFG 275/65/20's load range E on my 08 F250 lariat. These tire are great, little pricey but worth it. I ran Terran Grapplers and Toyo open country and they looked nice but lasted for about 28K to 33K, and that was roatating and balancing every 5 K. The BFG should get close to 50k +. worth the money. They do have raised letters as well.
Going to a larger diameter tire will effectively change your gear ratio downward (3.73 will become something smaller like 3.55-3.60). This can help your mileage if you are a conservative driver or it can drive you nuts if you want hole-shot performance. I didn't see anyone mention this possible side affect so I thought I would chime in with my $.02. I ran 315x70x17's on my last truck which had 3.73 and stock came with 265x70x17. It was very sluggish at best. You can sometimes get your dealer to make computer adjustments for tire sizes, but not always. Do your homework before dumping a bunch more cash. You don't want to be unhappy with your end product, I promise you that. Been there, done that.
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08 F350 DRW FX4 CC 172" Black on Black Leather Job#1 Remote Start Rhino liner Extang Express Tonno cover (14,800)
I put factory 20's on my rig. It made my truck look awsome! A great upgrade.
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06 6.0 Super-cab Xlt Sport long bed FX4 4wd, True blue Black Int, Harley headlights, Factory 20's,Go-Rhino Step bars,Jason Hugger hard Tonno,BedRug, Banks Intercooler,Auto meter Pryo gauge,4'' turbo back exhaust,AirDog fuel system, Diesel-site coolent filter setup,Mag-hytec rear end cover,Donnelly electronic rear-veiw mirror, Ford mobile ease Bluetooth,Factory Power rear slider,line of fire rear LED bar, Reacon LED 3rd brake light.
06 F-250 XLT Sport. FX4
85 Mustang SVO new project.
90 Vw Corrado G60 restored.
67 Vw Bettle 2nd owner restored.
In addition to what Fulltilt3 had to say, going from a 265/70 to a 315/70 is a heck of a jump. I had a '99 stroker w/315's on it and in comparision it was sluggish vs the stock 265's, but on these new superduties, they come with a 34/11.50/20 (I think that's the right width). You won't notice the truck being sluggish like the older superduties. These trucks were designed for the 20" tire setup w/34" tall tire. And te be honest with you, I really think these trucks need these bigger tires since we're dealing with alot heavier truck than we were 10 yrs ago. Grant it the tires aren't cheap to replace, but if you really like the 20's what the heck. By going with a 315 it isn't much bigger than the stock 20's.
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2008 F350 4X4 SRW Crewcab, Lariat, 6.4L, Torque Shift, Linex Liner, Trailer Tow Command, Stabilizer Package, Factory 20's w35-12.50-20 ProComp Xtreme Mud Terrains: Dark Pearl Blue w/Pueblo Gold
2005 F250 4X4 Crewcab, XLT, 6.0L, Torque Shift, Backup sensors, Camper Package, Tow Package, Offroad, AFE Stage II Plus, Accu Fab Polished Elbow w/17X9 American Racing Trax chrome rims, 305-65-17 ProComp Xtreme AT's
Thanks for all the replies! I ended up staying with the 275/70/18 this time. I put the Nitto AT Grapplers on it. Really is a good looking tire, and from what I have heard, will wear pretty well. I kinda figure that when I wear these out, hopefully in no less than 2 years, it will be time to treat myself to something, so I'll put the 20x10" fancy rims with some taller rubber!
Still thinkin.
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