17" vs 18" rims and tires

[fishhuntwork]

I currently have a 2009 Ford F150. Its in need of tires, it currently has 255/75/17 on there. I could buy a complete set of 2012 Ford F150 rims with tire 275/70/18 for $1000. I figure buying 17" replacement tires will be right around $1000. I was looking to get a little more ground clearance. What should I do??

[Macgyver55]

The overall Diameter of the 17 is: 32.05 in

The overall Diameter of the 18 is: 33.15 in. and is over 3/4 in. wider than the 255/17

In total, you will gain just barely over 1/2 inch of ground clearance.

18 inch tires compared to 17 inch of similar brands, will generally cost more, will require speedometer correction and will often reduce your mileage due to the greater rolling resistance from wider width and weight of the tire.