Im ready to buy new wheels but Im hesitant because I dont know if I will want to get a lift kit later on. Ive heard that the wheel backspacing will make a difference on what kind of lift I can install, if any, because of tire rub. I dont know if there is any truth to this because I have yet to lift any of my vehicles. Does the backspacing/size of the wheel affect lift options?

 

backspacing will allow wider tires without rub... thats all i know

 

Sometimes with the right backspacing you can squeeze on one size bigger (taller and/or wider) tires. If you go 6" or higher on a lift, having wider wheels and tires that stick out farther increases the trucks stability. Lifted truck have the tendency to want to roll ( no sh*t right?, lol ) this just gives it better footing.

 

if your planning a lift, do the lift first before changing the wheel size. a lift gives more options of wheel sizes to go with.

 

I have MKW A520 wheels (18x9), 35's, and a 4" fabtech suspension lift. The rims lower the hieght of the tire to 33.5". The tires stick out about 1/3 of the tread surface from the truck. The tires will rub, but, only when turning and the suspension is really compressed. The rims only come in one offset measurement.
I don't think the offset will effect the size/type of lift but may limit the width of tires you are able to use.

 

why is it that I can only find 6 inch lifts for my truck. You go to a website it doesn't matter what brand and all they promote are 6 inch or bigger lifts all I want is 3-4 inches. Am I an idiot for looking in the wrong places or what?

 

No, most of the lifts are "big" (6"+) lifts. Very few offer less than that. I would rec getting a tortion bar set that will raise the front 2" for around $300 I think. Other than that you'll have to go 4" lift which will run you around $2K. Spring Tech and Rancho make a 4" for 99-06. Other than that you just gotta keep lookin. You'll find one.

 

Got to 4wheelparts.com. They have 2-4" lift kits for 2 wheel drives, and some 4x4. Mostly fabtech makes the smaller lifts.