MikeMotorhead

I am planning on installing a 6 in. lift kit on my 2005 quad cab shortbed CTD.
I need help with deciding what tires and wheels to get. I like the stock Aluminum wheels but am not sure if they will work with the larger tires. I understand that I can fit 37/12.5/17's under with a 6 in. kit. Can I go larger??? I do almost entirely street driving but tow a 32 ft. camper and a 24 ft. enclosed trailer for my drag car.
What size and kind of tires are you guy's running and should I try and use my stock rims or go aftermarket? If aftermarket rims,what backspacing works the best?
Also can you post some pictures of your 6 in. lifted trucks for me to drool over. My wife also wants to see what it will look like when completed.?
Thanks Mike

Backwoods Bumpers

Sorry, can't help with the pics. You can definitely go bigger if you want. Several of my buddies are running 37's on factory wheels with a 2" leveling kit. However, anything bigger than that when pulling your camper or enclosed trailer might be pushing it.

Nsomniac05

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6" lift with parts pieced from various companies, mostly pro-comp. 37x12.50 17 or 18. definitely could have went with 39s since I have the longer control arms and all front end components. Don't want to go that high because of the mileage trade off. I'm thinking about going down to a 4" kit with higher end components and keeping 37s, so they fill up the wheel well, and it makes the truck a little more managable. I would say 6" lift w/ 37s would almost definitely ruin your towing abilities. whhen I had 35s and no lift on mine back home, I had to adjust the gooseneck on every stock trailer I towed all the way up just to get my truck under there. i have a 6" drop hitch for tag-alongs and it makes them relatively normal. I have been forced to not tow a friends toy hauler to Barstow CA and we had to rent a trailer because it wouldn't fit. Also bear in mind that lift springs= softer ride and more flex for off-road= max tongue load reduced due to sag. Which is why a lot of people go with air bags in addition to their rear lift springs to keep that towing capability. I have Deaver springs and IMO they tow almost as well as stock, but ride much smoother. When I trade other components out for Carli/Thuren, they will probably stay. Just make sure to consult with the peanut gallery when you make a decision on all your components to hear about lessons learned in the past. I wish I had known about this site when I started modding my truck, I would have done a lot differently the first time.

MikeMotorhead

Thanks for the replys and photo's.
Quote: "i have a 6" drop hitch for tag-alongs and it makes them relatively normal."
My trailer and camper are both tagalongs not Goosenecks so I don't anticipate any problems other than getting an adjustable hitch to accomodate the new height of the truck!
Thanks Mike