Well, we all know what's going down with our Wilderness AT's. So RIGHT NOW seems like the logical time to do that wheel upgrade that I've been pondering! Hmm, where do I begin?

jf26 = me FCSA = Ford Customer Service Agent

jf26: (picks up phone, dials)

jf26: hello, yes I wanted to upgrade my rims from the stock
15" to a 16". Will this create any difficulties or
cause any problems that I should be aware of?

FCSA: yes sir, you could create greater instability leading
to a greater chance of roll over on cornering or
emergency handling.

jf26: (thinking) (wha?)

FCSA: You will throw your speedometer and odometer off
and could ruin your transmission.

jf26: Ruin my transmission? Doesn't Ford put 16" rims on
Eddie Bauers stock?

FCSA: I don't know sir, I've never actually seen an Eddie Bauer.

jf26: So, if they do ... is there a design difference
in transmission between the XLT and the Eddie Bauer...
to compensate for the different tire sizes....?

FCSA: I don't know sir, I'm not technically inclined

jf26: How about the speedometer problem, is that controlled
by the computer chip, would I have to buy a new one
to handle my new wheel size?

FCSA: I don't know sir, I'm not technically inclined

jf26: Do you have a number where I could speak to an
engineer on the subject?

FCSA: We used to but disconnected it, something to do with
liability in giving info over the phone.

jf26: So you replaced it with this line?

FCSA:

jf26: Can I speek to such an individual (engineer) at a Ford Dealer?

FCSA: All Ford dealers are independently owned and operated.

jf26: Ok, thank you.

FCSA: Thank you and have a nice day sir.

Wow ok, this sounds like it'll be a snap. Now which wheel........?