Do any of you guys run 16 in wheels on your 5.0 AWD's

[jremington59]

I have 15 in wheels and tires on my 97 AWD, but found a nice set of 16 inch chrome rims. Mine are 235-75r-15 and the 16's are 235-70-15.

Will this cause a problem with the AWD? I know I'd have to have the speedo calibrated afterwards but my main concern is if these other rims are ok to use.

 

[Packin]

I also have a 2001 AWD 5.0L Limited and it came stock with 16's

 

[drothgeb]

wouldn't you only need your speedometer recalibrated if you are running a tire in different height than stock? I believe that as long as all tires are the same size then your AWD should be just fine.

 

[99ex22]

You will be fine. Mine came stock with 16's. I'm now running 265/75/r16's. Get em!

 

[my pos mounty]

I think that from '98 on the 16 inch rims were standard on the AWD/ 5.0. I am running the 265/75/R16's as well.
The only thing you would have to worry about would be that all tires were the same circumfrance and speedo issues. You won't have any clearance issues. My speedo has been off by up to 7 MPH (depending on speed) since day 1, I actually use my Garmin as a speedo, more of a heads-up kinda thing.

 

[X6StringerX]

The tire size is what matters to the AWD tcase.

I've had 2 '98 5.0/AWDs and my current '01 5.0/AWD. All of them came with 15" wheels from the factory. With that being said, you can use 16" wheels with no problems as long as you get the correct bolt pattern, backspacing, etc. The tire size is what is key with the AWD system. Each tire, whatever size you choose, needs to be VERY VERY close in terms of tread wear. I just had an unrepairable flat a few weeks ago and rather than take the risk and buy a brand new 235/75/15 that would obviously be a little larger than my already half worn 235/75/15s, I upgraded all of my tires to 31x10.50x15s.

 

[CDW6212R]

The speedometers in the 95-01 Explorers is most accurate with a 30" tire. The 235/75/15's are 29", those trucks are reading fast. The stock 16's were often a 255/70/16, a 30" tire that makes the speedometer very accurate. Do the 16's.

 

[my pos mounty]

I think that from '98 on the 16 inch rims were standard on the AWD/ 5.0. I am running the 265/75/R16's as well.

Actually, after thinking about this, 16's were an option, not standard. Not that it matters any.

 

[Blazepet7]

i second stingerx post as long as the set of 4 tires are the same size tread wear B/S etc you are good also if you change the tire/rim size the spare has to be the same circumference if just in case you need to use it someday so your better off getting a set of 5...