18X9 fit on 02+ 4-Door X?

[Explorer46L]

I am looking to get some 18X9 wheels for my 02 XLT. I was wondering if the there will be any rubbing problems? Also which size tires would be best? Thanks guys.

 

[jssong]

18s generally dont rub. make sure itz rwd and dont get a tire wider than 275.

 

[Explorer46L]

I was wondering if it was different with the IRS. Like I know some people have problems with the Y2K Cobra R's that are 18x9.5.

 

[Haggard]

You just have to make sure the wheel you get have the proper offset

 

[Robb]

You may want to research that wheel size a little more................18x9s tend to rub A LOT!!

 

[Explorer46L]

Well now I have a conflict in opinions. Does anyone have 18x9" wheels on their 02+ Explorer? I know the wheel offsets changed with the entirely new front and rear suspension set-up. I figured that if someone was running them without problems then it would be fine.

 

[Hartman]

It all depends on what size tires you go with. I wish I knew a little more about the 02 suspensions, then I could give you a more definate answer. If the wheels are RWD and you don't go with a super wide tire, you should encounter little or no rubbing.

 

[Explorer46L]

I was just thinking of getting 255/55's on 18x9. It's a good all around size. What about offset. What would be too large?

 

[Hartman]

Which rim do you have in mind?

 

[Explorer46L]

I was mainly looking at Mustang wheels. I looked at the chrome Binno's that are 18x8.5". I would love the Y2K Cobra R's but they are 18x9.5" and I hear that they will rub. The new 18x8" S Style(new Eagle Saleen replica) are also cool because I could get them in white, the color of my X. I also was thinking about the '03 Cobra rims which are 17x9". Do you think that the 03 Cobras would fit? I know you can mount a 255 on them. I think chrome 03 Cobras would be real nice looking without the trouble of 18s(I bend at least one 18 on my old Sport).

 

[explorer4x493]

Hey if you're going for replicas, then AFSwheels.com has the '03 cobras for 18x9.

I'm actually deciding myself whether to get 17's or 18's.
AND where to find them for cheap. The best bet i've found is ebay.

Anyone experienced ebay shoppers?

 

[gordonma]

I have a 2002 XLT and just bought 20s. I just ordered the tires, 275/45/20 and am awaiting them soon. I say go with 20s, on the new xlts, i had the 17' rims, and it would be ridiculous to pay the money just for an extra inch. Spend a few extra bucks and get 20s, you wont be dissapointed. I will let you know if there is any rubbing once my wheels are put on.

 

[Explorer46L]

I guess 20's are the key if you want to (1) bend rims yours (2) hurt your acceleration and braking and (3) look like a wanna-be rapper.

No offense to Blackmagic because his Sport is great and tasteful.

 

[gordonma]

Well lets see. First, I don't know what type of rims you buy, maybe the ones from pepboys or kmart, but i choose sturdy reliable wheels that will not bend. Second, the accelration will lessen as will the spedometer be misconfigured... but guess wht.. so will 18s!!! Maybe not on the same scale, but my friend unfortunately put 18s on his... and lo and behold.. SAME PROBLEM. Lastly... it seems if I am a so called "wanna-be rapper" then you are just going to look like a POOR wanna be rapper with chrome 18s instead of the 20s that were unaffordable. 18s... HA.

 

[Explorer46L]

(1) The wheels will bend because there is no side wall to the tire. You go over a bump and it will be like you are driving on the rim. (2) Your speedometer will NOT be thrown off by new rims if you get the proper tires. Doesn't matter, 15s 18s 20s, all the same if you get the correct tire. The problem is that those chrome 20's that you are getting weigh a ton. That is why performance is hurt. (3) I say the problem with 20s is that you can't get tasteful styles. The 18 Saleen rims are basic 5 spoke rims. Most 20" chrome wheels are just plain ugly. They are only made to grab attention, not blend in with the rest of the truck/car.

 

[james t]

its just a matter of what the owner likes.

you will not bend a set of 20's on an X because everyone that runs them on an X uses a (somewhat) tall tire. the wheel bending thing is a myth. it only happens with the super tiny "band aid" tires that no one here uses.

there is not much weight difference between an 18x9 and a 20x9-10. both with appropriate sized tires are considerably heavier than stock. you would not even notice the difference between the two. comparing weight differences between 18's and 20's with truck tires on them is like comparing a sack with 40 potatoes in it to a sack with 45 in it. both are heavy.

 

[Stephen]

Explorer46L, we'd appreciate it if you wouldn't drive away the new members by trashing their preferences when they have done nothing to provoke.

Gordon, welcome to the site! Please shorten your signature though, we have a limit of 6 lines

If you'd like to know how to create a link to more info about your truck PM a moderator.

 

[Explorer46L]

Stephen - Sorry about that. I didn't even look at how many posts he had. Not trying to scare away any new members.

Jamest - I don't know about anywhere else, but yes 20's do bend in Ma. I had 18s on my 98 that bent, and I do in fact know people with 18s and 20 who have bent rims. Of course you aspect ratio is higher on a X than a Celica, but if you drive on roads with large potholes you can bend almost any rim. And the larger the rim, and shorter the profile, the easier it is to bend. It snows a lot here in Ma, therefore they have to plow a lot and temporary fillings of potholes get ripped up and made worse. Driving in the city you will find some large potholes, and you can't always avoid them. So all I know is that rims in Ma can be bent, have done it a few times myself.

 

[Heath]

Originally posted by Explorer46L
you can bend almost any rim. And the larger the rim, and shorter the profile, the easier it is to bend.

He's right, I bent my 15" rim with 31" tires on them... You really can bend any rim... And if you think about it, its much easier to bend a rim in the city than while I'm offroading, when I'm offroading I'm not going very fast... I'm not saying it can't happen, just not nearly as likely... But one of my steel wheels has a bent lip...

 

[Rick]

When Char had her '94 Camaro we bent two rims aluminum rims in the 6 years we had it. I beleive they were 16s.