Clearance on some of the back roads i run on would be better with a change from 16 inch wheels to 17s. Has anyone done this and would this cause any problems with my on road ride. I am running a 2002XLT. I have 4 wheels that were inherited from an expedition. Thanks all. Great Forum for information.

I think the bolt pattern is different between the explorer and expedition.

Dan

Hi Dan, thanks for the reply. You are absolutly correct. The bolt pattern is different. Do you know if i use the proper rims will this conversion work? I have to clear some king size rocks on the way into our hunting area. The extra hight will get me past the bad area. Ken

what are you asking?.....Rim size isnt going to increase your clearance unless you get bigger tires as well. If the bolt pattern is differnt they wont fit, period. Just keep your wheels you have and buy some larger tires. Thats all you can do in a 3rd gen.

My fingers typing don't always match what im trying to say. The clearance at the rear of my XLT causes me to bottom on some of the roads im on. I would like to replace the rims and tires with a larger version to boost my ground clearance. Just looking for an idea as to what my options are and how it will affect my on the road driving. Looking for a few numbers to start with. Thanks for the reply. Have had most of my problems solved in this forum. I find going thru the posts and the answers to be right on the mark. Hope someone has the answer. Ford says i cant do it without causing damage to the drive train.

Are you getting an extra set of rims so you can return it to stock? What size are you tires now? The largest tires you will likely fit will be 31's.

Mbrooks Yes. Im getting a set of four new rims and will look into the tires you suggested. Have to check with the local supplier. Have you used the combination? I have the stock 16s that came with it new.

Rim size has nothing to do with groung clearance, or lift. Actually the larger rim you have offroad is more likely to get damaged. 31's might not fit. They might rub under compression, or at full lock. What is your factory tire size?

I am running Michalin P265/70R 16s. Any help appreciated.

Your 265 70 16's have an overall diameter of about 30.5. If you kept the same width and profile, but on a 17 inch rim you would have a tire diameter of about 31.5. If you went with a 75 series(265 75 17) you would have an overall diameter of about 32.5. I am skeptical if you could clear a 32 inch tire. Even if you could you would only gain an inch of ground clearance.

Thanks Mbrooks for the fast response. Thought it was to easy just to change tires etc. Guess ill have to destroy the rocks in question. I can straddle them but its tough in the dark. Well ill just buy a bigger truck. :D

I'm not saying they won't fit. I'm sure someone with a definitive answer will give some advice.