Will they fit?

[Calfdemon]

I have some 16.5 wheels that I was going to sell when my original plan was to lower my truck. Now, I am contemplating leaving it stock or even raising it if needed just so I can keep my slot mag wheels (lets not get into the cost of 16.5 tires or how easy/hard they are to find... Been there, done that).

My questions are these: I have a 72 F250 2wd Camper Special. If I keep my 16.5 wheels, the smallest tire I can run is 33x12.5x16.5. Does anyone know if that size will work with the stock height or will I have to lift the truck some? I currently am running tires that are 235/85/16 which is about the equivelant of a 31.7 tire but thinner. The 33's should be about an inch and a half more diameter, but definately wider. Just looking at the side of my truck with the naked eye, the current tires fill the wheel wells pretty well and is even closer in the front, so I am not sure if stock will work. Just looking for some input from someone that might have actually tried.

Now, if I do have to lift it a bit (which I am not opposed to doing), what is the best way to go about it or the best "kit" to get for lifting the truck? Again, this is a 2wd, so its more for looks and to clear the bigger tires. This is not going to be an off road beast and other than the occasional dirt road, should see most of its life on paved roads. So any advise in this area is appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance!

[forrestbump]

http://www.autofab.com/65-79.htm They've been around a long time. Good price, relatively speaking, and they properly bend the I beams.

Back many years ago, I ran 12.00 X 16.5 Off Road Tires on 9.75 X 16.5 Aluminum Slots on my F250 Bump and had to trim the leading edge of the front fenders as the tires rubbed in that area only. I didn't raise the truck up though and that would have eliminated the rubbing problem.

[ScreaminZ]

Since your front wheels are narrower, you could always run 9.50 or 9.75 tires on the front, which would clear just fine. There's tons of room in the rear for the 33's on a stock 2wd.