changing wheels

[dchild]

Hi, I have a 2002 explorer - can I put my wheels and tires on a 1999 explorer? How about a 1995? Did something about the bolt pattern change? Thanks

 

[Blee1099]

It'll work.. All the explorers are 5 on 4.5".

 

[dchild]

So the new explorers have a 4-1/2 or a 114.3mm pattern. Is this the same?

 

[Chew_12]

All the explorers are 4.5.....Im not really sure what 114.3 is in inches

 

[hockeytodd]

What is the biggest tire size for a XLT 2002 Explorer? Stock are 235/70/16 's way to small. There is enough room for another tire between the top of the tire and the wheel wells. looks kinda stupid. lol

 

[EricM]

Ford changed the offset on the '02+. The new wheels won't look good on an older X - they'll sit in too far. And you can't fit really wide tires on the new wheels either. 255 is probably the max unless you get some new wheels with less offset.

If you do get new wheels, then there's plenty of room for big tires on the new X. I have 275-60-17 on cobra wheels, and I'm not close to rubbing anything.

 

[EBInterceptor]

So is it better to have more offset or less? Would I be better off with a number like 4.25 or closer to 3.25?

 

[EricM]

Those are probably backspace measurements. '98s have 4.5" backspace stock (I think), and 3.75" is the popular aftermarket backspacing. Less backspace moves the wheel out. It also gives more clearance inside, which is where people initially have rubbing problems when they get wider tires.