Wheels 18" or 20" - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

Explorer XLT 98 · 03-08-2003, 11:06 PM

I have decided to go with the Mondera B52. My question is what size should I go with 18" or 20" does one have an advantage over the other or does one size look better then the other kinda confused on this cause all i have seen for this wheel is the 20" on the explorer plus the 20" is more ????? is it really worth the???? over the 18". Tell me your opinions. Oh also I know the tire size for the 20 is 275/45/20 what is it for the 18 Thanks

*TeamXPLO* · 03-08-2003, 11:13 PM

I bought 18's...Wish I had twenty's. Think about it...If you really want to set your truck apart, why get a rim that's only one inch bigger than a lot of stock rims? Tire size I have are 255/45/18. I would think that the 275's would rub in the front, especially with 20's.

*Hartman* · 03-08-2003, 11:15 PM

275s will not rub at all with 20s. Most people go with 255/55's with 18s.

gdh · 03-16-2003, 10:53 AM

Hartman, looks great, I can now see the future of the '96 XLT that I have kept totally stock until now.

ChuckyD · 03-16-2003, 11:11 AM

to me.. 18's are more sport truck'ish and Dubs are more for show...

**james t** · 03-16-2003, 05:38 PM

might as well go ahead and get 20's. everyone i know that got 18's eventually wanted 20's, so do it like you want the first time.

here are the wheels you want in 20's on an xplorer. this is AnabolicFrolic's ride.

Critical_Level2 · 03-17-2003, 09:55 PM

I would go with 18's. I know people with 20's and every 2-3 months they need to get the wheels straightened. I do not see a purpose to getting them unless your X is not a daily driver. Just my opinion. I plan on getting 18's because I do not want to spend another 12-1500 dollars for the rims. I plan on useing the money I save to upgrade my stereo in "Critical Level 2" (my X) to go even louder than it is.

*Hartman* · 03-17-2003, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Critical_Level2
I would go with 18's. I know people with 20's and every 2-3 months they need to get the wheels straightened.

Ummmmm, okay.

**Alec** · 03-17-2003, 09:59 PM

Between 18 and 20 I say go 18. They'll probably ride better, are cheaper, the tires are cheaper, and you have less of a chance of messing them up.

ShadowA2J · 03-17-2003, 10:00 PM

I plan on getting 18's come spring. I don't see spending the money for 20's, and they aren't that special anymore. Everybody has 20's on their car/truck. Bigger is better, if you have the money. But to me, it's not worth it.

98svt · 03-18-2003, 12:30 AM

just to give you my opinion i have 18's with 255/5518 tires......i switched to 18's after having 20's becouse the truck rode like crap....they do look nice but my 98 has very stiff torsion and leafs and is dropped 2 in so the twentys were way to rough and like the guys here are saying the are very expensive to keep up with.....but when they say go with what you like first they are right on.....get what you want the first time....or you will never be happy with what you end up with....good luck

Slick · 03-18-2003, 03:18 AM

Is this even a question? obviously 20s...jk I'd say go with whichever you like more. If you want to bling n shine and whatever then go with 20s, if you just want a better, sportier look go with 18s. Heck even look into Hartmans 18s hes got a really good deal going with those, I think they are still for sale.

AnabolicFrolic · 03-19-2003, 02:00 AM

WoW i must be the only one who thinks the ride with 20's is better. Its not a luxury car ride.. doesnt ride like a lincoln navigator.. But its not rough or annoying. It gives me a better feel of the road and handles better to boot. The ride on the stock tires feels numb to me.

My thoughts on the 18's or 20's issue is this:
Yes 20's are more expensive than 18"rims. but 18's are expensive too. I wouldnt want to pay the money for 18's which are way too similar to 17's which are common on lots of SUVs these days. If im gonna invest my hard earned cash on wheels its gonna be on something that will really set it off.

Garth · 03-19-2003, 02:12 AM

Help yall, I am wanting to get 18's but since no one sells wheels for the x I want to know what info I will need to order some. I will be doing it online so I would like it to fit the first time.
I know I can use 7-9" wide with a 5 bolt patern but what are the numbers for backspacing and offset and whatever else for a 18" wheel.
I plan to put 285 50's on them.
Thanks

AnabolicFrolic · 03-19-2003, 02:17 AM

u need a 5x4.5" bolt patter.. cant just call it a 5 bolt pattern.
backspacing/offset are the same thing.. just the reverse.
As long as your getting a wheel designed for an SUV/truck you will be fine.
When i was looking for wheels online i found that most sites including manuf. web sites didnt list backspace/offset specs.

Garth · 03-19-2003, 02:23 AM

So you are saying with a 5X4.5 bolt pattern and 8.5" wide wheels I shouldn't have a problem with any rubbing of such??
Thanks for the previous info.

*TAS98xlt* · 03-19-2003, 09:19 AM

Question: I found some 18 x 8 wit +21mm backspace will this work?

*Hartman* · 03-19-2003, 03:03 PM

As long as the rim is RWD you will be fine.

Viggen2002 · 04-02-2003, 12:28 PM

Will 285/50R18's fit without rubbing? Or can you do 285/50R18's in the rear and 255/55R18's in the front?

Explorer46L · 04-02-2003, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Viggen2002
Will 285/50R18's fit without rubbing? Or can you do 285/50R18's in the rear and 255/55R18's in the front?

285/50 is the proper size for a 18/9" wheel. 255/55 is the proper size for a 18x8" wheel. I had 18s on my last Sport and those even bent over time. Guess the streets in Ma are just terrible.

03-08-2003, 11:06 PM	#1
Explorer XLT 98 Wannabe Elite Explorer Rhode Island 98 Explorer XLT Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 49 Vehicle Specs	Wheels 18" or 20" I have decided to go with the Mondera B52. My question is what size should I go with 18" or 20" does one have an advantage over the other or does one size look better then the other kinda confused on this cause all i have seen for this wheel is the 20" on the explorer plus the 20" is more ????? is it really worth the???? over the 18". Tell me your opinions. Oh also I know the tire size for the 20 is 275/45/20 what is it for the 18 Thanks

03-08-2003, 11:15 PM	#3
Hartman From lowered to lifted Indianapolis, IN '95 4WD Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,118 Vehicle Specs	275s will not rub at all with 20s. Most people go with 255/55's with 18s. __________________ 32x11.5x15 BFG A/Ts, TT/shackles. college = no money for mods.

03-16-2003, 11:11 AM	#5
ChuckyD Moderator Emeritus Elite Explorer ECX Member Oceanside, NY 03 4Runner SR5 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,873 Vehicle Specs	to me.. 18's are more sport truck'ish and Dubs are more for show... __________________ ChuckyD's Mugshot and Info.. NEW PICTURE!!!!!!!! 10/02 My Xplorer Page "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." -- William Shakespeare http://www.myspace.com/therealsicilian9

03-16-2003, 05:38 PM	#6
james t moderation Texarkana AR/TX 94 SAS sport Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 10,642 Vehicle Specs	might as well go ahead and get 20's. everyone i know that got 18's eventually wanted 20's, so do it like you want the first time. here are the wheels you want in 20's on an xplorer. this is AnabolicFrolic's ride. __________________ my rebuild

03-17-2003, 09:59 PM	#9
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	Between 18 and 20 I say go 18. They'll probably ride better, are cheaper, the tires are cheaper, and you have less of a chance of messing them up. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-08-2003, 11:13 PM	#2
TeamXPLO Elite Explorer Chicago, IL '99 Sport Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 100 Vehicle Specs	I bought 18's...Wish I had twenty's. Think about it...If you really want to set your truck apart, why get a rim that's only one inch bigger than a lot of stock rims? Tire size I have are 255/45/18. I would think that the 275's would rub in the front, especially with 20's.

03-16-2003, 10:53 AM	#4
gdh Wannabe Elite Explorer Orangeville, Ontario, Canada 1996 XLT Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 27 Vehicle Specs	Hartman, looks great, I can now see the future of the '96 XLT that I have kept totally stock until now.

03-17-2003, 09:55 PM	#7
Critical_Level2 Wannabe Elite Explorer Ridley Park, PA 1999 XLS R.I.P. Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,046 Vehicle Specs	I would go with 18's. I know people with 20's and every 2-3 months they need to get the wheels straightened. I do not see a purpose to getting them unless your X is not a daily driver. Just my opinion. I plan on getting 18's because I do not want to spend another 12-1500 dollars for the rims. I plan on useing the money I save to upgrade my stereo in "Critical Level 2" (my X) to go even louder than it is.

03-17-2003, 10:00 PM	#10
ShadowA2J Wannabe Elite Explorer Fort Gratiot, MI '01 Sport, '80 Vette Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 810 Vehicle Specs	I plan on getting 18's come spring. I don't see spending the money for 20's, and they aren't that special anymore. Everybody has 20's on their car/truck. Bigger is better, if you have the money. But to me, it's not worth it.

03-18-2003, 12:30 AM	#11
98svt Wannabe Elite Explorer tampa florida 98 xlt 5.0 awd Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 126 Vehicle Specs	just to give you my opinion i have 18's with 255/5518 tires......i switched to 18's after having 20's becouse the truck rode like crap....they do look nice but my 98 has very stiff torsion and leafs and is dropped 2 in so the twentys were way to rough and like the guys here are saying the are very expensive to keep up with.....but when they say go with what you like first they are right on.....get what you want the first time....or you will never be happy with what you end up with....good luck __________________ 98 5.0 350hp 385tq

03-18-2003, 03:18 AM	#12
Slick Wannabe Elite Explorer Arizona 1995 Sport 2wd Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 741 Vehicle Specs	Is this even a question? obviously 20s...jk I'd say go with whichever you like more. If you want to bling n shine and whatever then go with 20s, if you just want a better, sportier look go with 18s. Heck even look into Hartmans 18s hes got a really good deal going with those, I think they are still for sale. __________________ Slick Sold the explorer! 2005 F150 XLT Supercab Desert Edition, black, 5.4L v8, billet grille and bumper grille

03-19-2003, 02:00 AM	#13
AnabolicFrolic Wannabe Elite Explorer Bend, Oregon 01 XLT Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 289 Vehicle Specs	WoW i must be the only one who thinks the ride with 20's is better. Its not a luxury car ride.. doesnt ride like a lincoln navigator.. But its not rough or annoying. It gives me a better feel of the road and handles better to boot. The ride on the stock tires feels numb to me. My thoughts on the 18's or 20's issue is this: Yes 20's are more expensive than 18"rims. but 18's are expensive too. I wouldnt want to pay the money for 18's which are way too similar to 17's which are common on lots of SUVs these days. If im gonna invest my hard earned cash on wheels its gonna be on something that will really set it off. __________________ ..::2001 Explorer XLT 4.0SOHC::.. [K&N FIPK2, Euro-Antenna, Sylvania Silverstar Headlamps, H1 Xenon Foglights, Flowmaster Delta 40 w/ custom cat-back, Billet Grill, Lund Windjammer] [Stereo: Alpine 9815 HU w/ 6disc MP3 changer, Diamond Audio HEX components, Diamond Audio M3 6.5" rear-fill, 2 12" Alpine Type R's, RF 1001bd amp & RF 851X Amp.. Got Bass?]

03-19-2003, 02:12 AM	#14
Garth Wannabe Elite Explorer Mt Vernon NY 98 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,207 Vehicle Specs	Help yall, I am wanting to get 18's but since no one sells wheels for the x I want to know what info I will need to order some. I will be doing it online so I would like it to fit the first time. I know I can use 7-9" wide with a 5 bolt patern but what are the numbers for backspacing and offset and whatever else for a 18" wheel. I plan to put 285 50's on them. Thanks

03-19-2003, 02:17 AM	#15
AnabolicFrolic Wannabe Elite Explorer Bend, Oregon 01 XLT Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 289 Vehicle Specs	u need a 5x4.5" bolt patter.. cant just call it a 5 bolt pattern. backspacing/offset are the same thing.. just the reverse. As long as your getting a wheel designed for an SUV/truck you will be fine. When i was looking for wheels online i found that most sites including manuf. web sites didnt list backspace/offset specs. __________________ ..::2001 Explorer XLT 4.0SOHC::.. [K&N FIPK2, Euro-Antenna, Sylvania Silverstar Headlamps, H1 Xenon Foglights, Flowmaster Delta 40 w/ custom cat-back, Billet Grill, Lund Windjammer] [Stereo: Alpine 9815 HU w/ 6disc MP3 changer, Diamond Audio HEX components, Diamond Audio M3 6.5" rear-fill, 2 12" Alpine Type R's, RF 1001bd amp & RF 851X Amp.. Got Bass?]

03-19-2003, 02:23 AM	#16
Garth Wannabe Elite Explorer Mt Vernon NY 98 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,207 Vehicle Specs	So you are saying with a 5X4.5 bolt pattern and 8.5" wide wheels I shouldn't have a problem with any rubbing of such?? Thanks for the previous info.

03-19-2003, 09:19 AM	#17
TAS98xlt Out of mod money San Diego,CA '98 XLT 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,164 Vehicle Specs	Question: I found some 18 x 8 wit +21mm backspace will this work? __________________ Ted 1998 5.0 XLT Engine Bay Interior Underbody

03-19-2003, 03:03 PM	#18
Hartman From lowered to lifted Indianapolis, IN '95 4WD Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,118 Vehicle Specs	As long as the rim is RWD you will be fine. __________________ 32x11.5x15 BFG A/Ts, TT/shackles. college = no money for mods.

04-02-2003, 12:28 PM	#19
Viggen2002 Wannabe Elite Explorer Radford, Va 98 XL Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 22 Vehicle Specs	Will 285/50R18's fit without rubbing? Or can you do 285/50R18's in the rear and 255/55R18's in the front?