i have a 2002 ram 1500 4x4. i am looking to put new tires on my truck, but i dont want to stay with the factory 20 inch wheels. i was looking to put some 17 inch wheels on it. i was wondering if anyone out there knows of how big of a tire that i can put on there with the factory height. from what i can tell it looks like the biggest size that might actually fit would be 33x12.5x17. and if this is right does anyone know of the backspacing/ offset that i might need to get these tires under the truck without any rubbing on turns or bumps.
my second question is about a lift for the truck. this will be later on down the road, but i am researching it now so i will know. i called a local 4 wheel drive store and was asking the guys there about the leveling kits and they reccomended that i not do this due to the fact that it wears out the rubber boots on the front axle very very quickly. i was looking at getting something around 2-4 inches of lift, but would not like to have to give up my first born child to afford this lift. can anyone help with any of these question? thanks for the help

 

33's will fit easily. for a cheap lift, just crank the torsion bars about 3-4 turns. That will give about 1.5-2" of lift. same effect as the leveling kits but not as high and a lot cheaper. there a people out there running 35's with a leveling kit and only rubbing at full lock.

 

i have heard that when you crank up the torsion bars, its pretty much like the leveling kits and tears up the boots on the front axle. if i do this is it going to be something that pretty much drains my bank account cause i will have to spend $150 a week on the new boots for the front axle?