285/60R18 on XD Monsters - PICS!!!

After a full weekend of searching and contemplating the choices out there...AND THERE ARE MANY...I decided on the XD Monsters and Cooper Zeon LTZ's in a 285/60R18. My truck is not lifted, so before anyone asks, yes it rubs like hell on the front mud flaps. I've trimmed them as much as I can and still keep their structural integrity and they still rub. Damn. I wasn't planning on lifting, but in order to get enough clearance, it appears I'm going to have to do it. However, instead of a 3", I'm going to go with an 1.5". That should give me enough clearance all around and improve the overall looks.

The only other option I thought of is ditching the Cooper's and going with a 265/60R18. This would put me back into the stock sizes. The problem with that is there are only a few manufactures that make an aggressive A/T tire in that size. One being the Hankook ATM RF10's...but they just don't look as mean as these Coopers. I'm think I'm leaning toward the lift option. At any rate, take a look as the pics and let me know what ya think.

*EDIT* - Had a couple of PM's...The specs on the rims are 4.5" backspace and -12mm offset. Would have LOVED to have found some 18x8's with a 5" backspace and +12mm offset. This would have fit perfectly with no rubbing...even on the flaps.

Before - mostly stock


Now










About 2.25" past the fender




You guys think the tires stick out too far or is it just STOUT?

 

i think it looks awesome man

 

I think it looks good. Whether you go 1.5" or 3" you are going to have some trimming to do. You might as well start now, and I would take those mud flaps off, I have a 3" lift and had to trim them and one fell off from the tire hitting it. Looks real good how it is now though.

 

yeah i agree take the front mudflaps off too

 

I may have to remove them...but I REALLY don't want to. I'm going to fight it tooth and nail. If I had about a quarter inch more room, I'd clear everything. I thought the 1.5" would gimme enough...

 

BTW, don't you guys without the fonts flaps get all kinds of sh!t all over the side...I mean ALL OVER?

 

The only thing I notice without the flaps is rocks tend to fly up and hit the side. Tends to get muddier offroading. You are still going to have some serious trimming with 1.5. So if that is the route you want to go I would suggest starting the trimming now.

 

Really? Now wait...this is not going to be going offroad, so I think the day-to-day commuting won't rub too much, no?

 

I still rub, and I notice it at full turn backing up, and especially if I hit a bump. Just start some trimming and hopefully you can get the rubbing as minimal as possible.

 

those wheels are dope

 

the truck looks badass. I personally would lose the flaps. I was rubbing them with 285's and a 3" lift, especially in reverse or offroad. Since I took them off, its been great! I think it looks better w/o em also.

 

Take off the mud flaps. i sold mine on ebay and got 197.00 for them. Its quick money. Also the 3in lift in the front looks best in my opinion

 

Looks like a whole new truck! I like it alot! Since its gonna be an on-road truck, you can remove the front mud flaps man. and besides the tires stick out past them on the sides anyways...haha

 

Damn man those look great! Should come together well with a small lift.

 

I've been doing some browsing in the forum and, wow, it's amazing how many people remove their front flaps! Whether they need to or not. Has there been a poll for this. I bet it would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 65-70%.

 

I think it looks awesome man! Definitely beastly lookin! Keep mods coming

 

Looks amazing stock and lifted! Great job!

 

Looks GREAT

 

Looks great! I understand your desire to keep the mudflaps. I like having them to protect the lower rocker area from rock chips.