6 Inch Lift Rim Size Q's

Hey there.

I'm doing a 6 inch BDS lift on Taco, do I have to go with an 18" rim? Or will 17's be okay, I just like the meatier tire look.

 

First off they're wheels, a rim is what you play basketball with.

Second, you don't "have" to get any size wheel. It's your choice

 

Yes ! you do need to pay very close attention to the rim shape, size and back spacing that you get with a 6" lift. First you need a rim style that will clear the front brake caliper most wheels that are flat in middle will not clear the caliper. There are multiple clearance factors and there is a nearly universal requirement for a 4.5" back spacing on a DB 6" lift kit. The other factor is the clearance from the back of your rim or tire to the front surface of the spindle at all angles of suspension flex etc. A rim or tire that sits too close to the spindle may rub the spindle as the suspension cycles and stuff flexes etc. Last but not least it is critical to understand that any 6" kit that tells you it " clears 35's " is total and complete bullshit unless you call driving in a straight line and never hitting a bump " clearing 35's ". Under no circumstances should you crank your CO's all the way to try and turn it into a 7" lift... The ride will totally suck and it will still rub. You must notch the cab mount , flatten your pinch weld and keep cutting plastic to have full lock to lock with no rub.

I think the reason they may state 18" rims is that a 17" x 8 with a 35" tire may have more tire clearance issues with the spindle...could be wrong but it makes sense that the further you go up the spindle the farther way you are from it because of how it angles ?

Long story short don't buy anything that has not been mounted and test fit on your truck.

 

Well unfortunately, I will not be able to test fit anything.

BDS is saying the 18" wheel is mandatory, so I guess that decision is made. Not a chance I will be going with 35's, I'll most likely be doing a 285/70/R18, around a 33.5". That way I won't have to completely molest my inner fender wells.

 

295 70 r17's wrapped around a 17x9 wheel

4" spindles and Icon coilovers.

Absolute ZERO rubbing issues and minor trimming of plastic was necessary.