HEY gang ... I'm new to this forum after lurking a year on TDR. Thanks for TONS of fantastic info, I'm amazed the spectrum of mods vs stock and who likes what/why.

I'm getting a Carli starter kit installed Tuesday (2-3" front, 1" rear, level) and next up before winter is hopefully wheels and tires. Right now, stock 265/70-17s. Was originally hoping to go with (11.5") 35s on 20s, with correct BS wheels (5.5" or more), and get lower RPMs crusing at 80 mph. I see this on Ford trucks.

But NOW after talking around, reading posts, looking at wheel + tire weight, sounds like 18s will be cheaper, ride better, easier to balance, more variety in tire size/spec, better MPG. Don't want to go too wide (narrow for better MPG and snow driving in Colorado). But was hoping to get up to 34" in E rated, for lower crusing RPM on the 48RE.

I'm not finding many narrow 34s on 18s ....maybe I'm missing the point?
would love some comments from those that have tried both...

thanks, and esp. thanks to those have posted pix of great trucks!

 

There would be better mpg if one set had less mass than the outher so would the 20 s do that ??

 

Go with the 20's for sure. The smaller side wall will make for better towing and looks better. I had 20"s on my Dodge and now have 18's on my Chev and the 20's look much better than the 18's do.

-Seeder

 

If I had a smaller truck(short bed) I would go with aftermarket 17s or 18s and put 33 12.50s on it. The truck would still have great power and get good mileage. Your not gonna find a 35 11.50 20. And I'll tell you now the 35s are gonna kill your gas mileage, yea you will gain a little back on the interstate(not going 80 mph) but will lose it in the city cause everytime u stop and go it takes alot to get that weight moving again.

 

Just a note, when purchasing new tires, the 20's will cost ya, the bigger the rim the more the tire costs

 

THAT'S what I was thinking!! shorter sidewall, better cornering, less rubber/more wheel (so less mass overall), and hopefully looks good to go with!

but keep coming across dissenting opinions (and the price of 20" tires) to make me question my judgement. And, wondering if 18s will ride better. Smoother ride is always a plus with the lady that hops in with me. BUT don't do any off-road other than the occasional trailhead access (5 mi easy gravel/rough jeep road).

thanks again -zack

 

THANK YOU dodge CTD, I had read elsewhere on the 35s costing serious MPG in town. Luckily don't have to do much short in town driving, but still. Just getting the thing warmed up costs me!

 

Yea 20's look good, unless you dont have enough tire to go around it imo. But my set up now, 35 nitto mud grapplers on 20'' dc1s robbed way more power and hurt me noticeably on gas mileage over my stock wheels with 315 bfg all terrains. If you have a 33'' tire with an 18'' wheel its gonna ride better than a 20'' wheel on the same size tire. More sidewall is a cushion so to speak but it will not corner as well. Me personally I did not buy my truck to take corners fast anyway so I would rather have a better ride.

 

so that's the next question, if after all this research finding 20s with almost 6" backspace, anyone have 18s they like with almost close to stock BS ?? I have found Eagle Alloys, Centerline, and Pro Comp in 20s (x8.5) that have nearly 6" BS.

(and for tires someone recommended Toyos in 35x11.5x18 ... I see they make them but few sell them!)

 

THAT'S the thing, if you run 20s you have to have 35 tires or else it looks like a road racer. Nothing wrong with that, and I do drive mostly pavement, being realistic ... but living in Colorado I WILL NOT have my truck looking street!!

I've been looking at pix for weeks now, and 35s on 20s the only way to go, but between barely clearing them on a level kit, and losing some mpg, and the cost of rubber, I'm leaning the other way to 18s.

and from the threads, I know ALL the new guys like me go thru this!

thanks to the VETS of truckin, and all else ...

 

I might be able to help there too...I believe most will say 5.5'' is the sweet spot. If you get a wheel with the same back spacing and a larger tire you will rub the control arm at full turn, Not a big deal just lettin you know. Stay away from 4.5'' or you wont be able to turn very well without tire and the back of the front fender meeting, mine did that untill i modified it ha

 

I thinks they would both would look good...that said the diff in wheel price could buy an performance upgrade and then when you buy tires same deal. Thats a lot of mulah that could go unto more power, or stereo, or retirement...scratch that last part think of the upgrades man!!!

 

you guys rule, thanks !! moolah is ALWAYS good .. wish ther was more

 

...i think i smell a smarty,or studs,or maybe its springs and a cam I smell, or maybe a JL stealth box w/ a w3...no it was a smarty all along:-()

 

...nope it was a turbo...in my defense they are very similar scents