how do you know if rims can or will ft over the hubs on a 1st gen? thanks

are you asking how to determine if the bolt pattern matchs up? If so then id say you measure from one wheel stud to directly across, inbetween the 2 oposite wheel studs on the other side, and take a measurement. That measure should be the same on the rims you would like to put on you explorer. I found that a difficult way to measure so i took my wheel off and used the front locking hub to determine if the wheels i got from the junk yard would fit my truck. The hub i am talking about would only be on a 4x4 and just because the rim fits the hub doesnt mean you in the good, theres still other clearances you need to deal with in the fender itself.

Probably useless rant ended

haha no i know the bolt pattern and backspacing etc. I want to get some 18s or 20s but the hub sticking out of first gens is a big problem. anyone with "street" rims on a 91-94, how did you fit them?

Street rims aren't meant for 4x4's, you'll have to cut a hole through the middle of the front 2 rims.

what do you mean cut a hole? there are still many people with first gens and some big ol rims. Im just wondering what they did to make it that way.

They also have 2WD. 2WD don't have big hubs sticking out.

Can't you go to the manufacturer's web site and check their fitment guide?

Sometimes they'll just list '91+ Explorer, not including whether it's 4x4 or not. You'll have a hard time finding "street" rims to fit your 4x4. I've seen a couple 4x4's with holes cut out, you can do that or do a 2WD swap. Maybe even trade your X for a 2x4, winter's on its way ya know.

yea ive thought of that but i need the 4x4 for the winter. any ideas?

Convert to 2WD or drill, those are the only ways.

if you get them drilled, would it affect 4x4 in any way? and when you say drill what exactly is being done? the hub gets drilled out and then i can fit anything like a 2wd?

The rim gets drilled, right through the middle so the hub can stick through. Doesn't look good IMO but some people like it.

ohhhhh i was all screwed up. yea i dont think it would look very good. what about spacers or something so it can clear the hub?

Spacers won't work.

couldnt u make the 4 wheel drive work full time to eliminate the hubs? somhow?

Yeah you could do that for about a mile or two, then it would turn into a permenant 2WD because the t-case would be on the ground. :D

what about swapping to awd

Swapping to AWD just to get some rims to fit?

This is a first gen we're talking about, theres nothing to "swap" over. It would be a pain to make it AWD.

When you buy the rims they will ask what they are going on to make sure you get the right application. You'll have to have the proper center caps for your truck to allow passage of the front hubs.

Make sure you tell them it's 4x4 though. What kind of rim are you thinking of getting? If it's an offroad rim than most should have a big enough hole for the hub. Car rims most likely won't work.