New Struts and Lift kit parts have arrived! Need Tire size help!

[0627Devildog]

So I have been wanting to put a minor lift and bigger meats on my 05' Expedition for the better part of 3 years. But, since 3 years ago my tires were in great shape I decided to wait until I needed tires.

Well that time has come, and I am ready to lift/level the old girl with 3.5" in the front, 2.5" in the rear.

(Using the kit found here Carbon Steel Coil Spacer Lift Kit Front 3 5" Rear 2 5" 4x2 2WD 4x4 4WD | eBay)

She also has turned 102K recently so while I am in there I am figuring I will replaced the struts with Bilsteins to get my ride comfort back in order.

So I have a few questions. . . . . . .

1.) While she is all apart what other repair/upgrade considerations should I be making. (i.e. Ball joints, drive axles, Hub bearings, etc. . . . )

2.) What size meats can I fit without having rubbing issues while in full flex? I am off-road often (on the beach and in the woods) and I do not want to have to trim anything. The kit claims up to 35's but I am leaning towards 33's or 34's.

3.) Can anyone tell me what size tire I can fit in the factory spare location? I have the stock tire in there now and it appears as though I should be able to fit a slightly larger (maybe 33" tire?) under there. If anyone has any insights on that I would appreciate it.

4.) Should I do RIMS in addition to new tires? Are there any advantages to moving up in RIM size from 17 to 18 or even 20? (i.e. Tire availability, tire cost, etc. . . ?

Thanks to all in advance for any information you can share.

 

[Stoned06]

While you are in there installing your lift kit, I would also do the upper and lower control arms/ball joints. I have 103K on my '06, and I just replaced everything up front and it rides like a new car again. New upper and lower control arms with new ball joints and bushings, new outer tierod ends, and new end links. I decided to replace the whole lower arm instead of just the BJ so I would have new bushings too. Glad I did as the bushings were getting a little brittle on the edges.
I wasn't planning on the tie rod ends, but once in there, I noticed they were getting pretty loose so I just decided to do them at the same time. Now I should be good for another 5 years or so.

 

[0627Devildog]

While you are in there installing your lift kit, I would also do the upper and lower control arms/ball joints. I have 103K on my '06, and I just replaced everything up front and it rides like a new car again. New upper and lower control arms with new ball joints and bushings, new outer tierod ends, and new end links. I decided to replace the whole lower arm instead of just the BJ so I would have new bushings too. Glad I did as the bushings were getting a little brittle on the edges.
I wasn't planning on the tie rod ends, but once in there, I noticed they were getting pretty loose so I just decided to do them at the same time. Now I should be good for another 5 years or so.

Thanks for the recommendation. . . .What was the cost in parts?

 

[Stoned06]

Roughly $550 for everything. It was $400 for the 4 control arms, $100 for the outer tie rod ends, and $30-50 for the end links (can't remember as I bought these a while ago).

 

[sgtowing]

Like Stoned, Replace it all while you have it apart. A little more now means a lot less later

 

[0627Devildog]

Like Stoned, Replace it all while you have it apart. A little more now means a lot less later

Totally agree, that is why I posted it. . . . . = )

I am procrastinating due to tire size selection anyway, so it will give me time to order up everything required.

Any ideas on the tire size question?

 

[Stoned06]

Totally agree, that is why I posted it. . . . . = )

I am procrastinating due to tire size selection anyway, so it will give me time to order up everything required.

Any ideas on the tire size question?

From what I have read here, with a 3/2 lift, a 35" tire will rub slightly unless a little trimming is done. 33's are the recommended unless you really want to fill the wheel well, and then 35's with a little trimming of the lower corner of the fender flare.

 

[Jigabeer]

my 04 EB has the same setup. 3.5 Front - 2.5 Rear. I fitted 285/70-17 (equals 34,1 inch) on stock rims. No rubbing whatsoever, after alignment ride is firm and straight as an arrow.
Stock wheels because if tire cost, comfort and mostly i trust stock wheels more then some China handcrafted wheels with no certification. Its still a heavy truck and i don't want to take chances.

Stock 17 inch rims are extremely light and durable for what they are.

I didn't replace the Shocks yet, had to pay other bills first. 95k on her and next bigger expense is Bilstein shocks and complete rebuild of front and rear suspension.

 

[sgtowing]

I personally like a little space between the tire and the fender, that's why I would do 33's

 

[tallsville]

I'm running a 285/70/17 AT which the tire company said equaled 33". The MT was a little taller at 33.3" I have my stock spare but then again when they put my exhaust the added another piece of metal to make sure my tire wouldn't come into contact with hot exhaust. I think you should be able to fit a 33" tire in there. But with it being a wider tire it will stick down a little lower. Im running treadwright tires which are retreads and they were about $600 including shipping. I was running ##'s with no lift and had some rubbing on the inner fender. Now with the lift rub every now and again depending on the angle the tire/axle is in.