Tire Sizes And Suspension/Steering Components

[Machspeed]

I've been talking about putting 31/10.5/15" tires on my truck. Manufacture's decal specifies 235/75/15, which is what is on it now. Looking at Discount Tire's website, it appears that some of our trucks came with 265/75/15's which is fairly close to the above desired tires I want to go with. My concern is the steering components. Logic dictates that a wider tire puts more wear and tear on the steering components. I'm wondering if those trucks that came from the factory with the 265/75/15 tires had beefier steering components? I'm not sure what the wider tires would have come on. Perhaps F250 4x4's??? Input appreciated.    

[Gary Lewis]

The steering components didn't change due to tire size.  You can see the part #'s at our page on Documentation/Suspension & Steering/Steering/Tie Rods & Drag Links.  And while there were several different parts that changed over time, in many cases the same part was used for F100, F150, F250, and F350's.

So I think the components are easily capable of handling a bit larger tire.  

[Machspeed]

Yes.... before I posted this I went to Rockauto and typed in different size trucks (F150, 250, etc), trucks I assumed might have a wider tire. Noted no real differences in parts. Just wanted a confirmation.

I'm a little leery about messing around with the steering, as I've replaced the steering components twice on this truck. Last year when I replaced it, the stuff was plum wore out. In fact, so badly I felt lucky that I wasn't left stranded in a ditch or even worse in a bad accident after the steering let go.

Thanks Gary!

[Gsmblue]

I am running 31/10.5/15" on my F150 as in my profile picture. They fit great and I have not noticed any ill effects on the steering.   For completeness the tires are Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac.  

I mentioned in another thread I am going to put 33/10.5/15" BFG KO2 tires on my Bronco and by the sound of it no one thinks they will be an issue for the standard steering set up.

[351FUN]

I've run 285/75R16, 37x12.5R16.5 and now 315/75R16 on my F250 with all stock suspension and steering for the last decade and never had to replace any steering components.  The shaft is about read and I have the upgraded on to put on soon, but the truck still drives straight and doesn't have a lot of play in the wheel.  A tire as small as you're looking at won't be any extra strain really.

[Machspeed]

Thanks, gentlemen!

[85lebaront2]

The only steering oddity I have found is the Crew Cab F350s, the tie rods are peculiar to those applications and I do not know about any other parts, steering knuckles primarily. I know Darth will turn inside of a 1994 Super Cab 4WD F250, drove my BIL nuts the first time I did that. I know the inside front wheel will go nearly 90° to the frame.