Timberline wheels on 2020 XLT

[Rapid Red Rocket]

Has anyone thought of swapping Timberline wheels onto a regular XLT? The Ford performance website didn't really seem promote much of anything for any Explorer besides foglights for the Timberline. The tire size would only change slightly from 255/65/18 to 265/65/18.

 

[peterk9]

I asked my dealer's manager about the possibility of putting 20" wheels on a proposed Nautilus in place of the 21" the options called for and he said they couldn't do it because of possible warranty issues. Now, this was to be either an order or an off the lot purchase. He stated that when the vehicle leaves the factory, the individual items on it are 'registered' to that vehicle. Now if you're no longer under factory warranty or don't worry about such things then I don't see any issues.

Peter

 

[themishmosh]

That makes no sense Peter. You are not going to affect warranty. We are not even talking aftermarket wheels either, which won't affect warranty. There is no reason you can't put Timberline wheels on an XLT. In all likelihood, they will even fit and perform fine on an ST with Street Pack. What kind of warranty repair is going to be denied by going with Timberline wheels? Part of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is that you do NOT need original equipment parts on your vehicle. Parts just need to meet the original engineering design.

 

[peterk9]

That makes no sense Peter. You are not going to affect warranty. We are not even talking aftermarket wheels either, which won't affect warranty. There is no reason you can't put Timberline wheels on an XLT. In all likelihood, they will even fit and perform fine on an ST with Street Pack. What kind of warranty repair is going to be denied by going with Timberline wheels? Part of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is that you do NOT need original equipment parts on your vehicle. Parts just need to meet the original engineering design.

I'm just passing on what the manager of the dealership said. I can't see what if any effect changing out the same sized wheels would have on a warranty. The Detailed Vehicle Specifications sheet for my VIN only shows D2HBG 20X8 ULTRA BRIGHT MACHINED and D3ICL 255/ R20 A/S TYRE.
I could see where if the size/weight of a different wheel was installed that it could possibly be an issue since that could affect brakes/suspension.
Also, that 'Act' has several exclusions written into it.

Peter

 

[quickfix]

I'm just passing on what the manager of the dealership said. I can't see what if any effect changing out the same sized wheels would have on a warranty. The Detailed Vehicle Specifications sheet for my VIN only shows D2HBG 20X8 ULTRA BRIGHT MACHINED and D3ICL 255/ R20 A/S TYRE.
I could see where if the size/weight of a different wheel was installed that it could possibly be an issue since that could affect brakes/suspension.
Also, that 'Act' has several exclusions written into it.

Peter

That's a strange thing for the dealership to say. How do they account for the seasonal change of wheel assemblies?
I lived in Ottawa for six years. There certainly was a need for aftermarket rims and tires for winter use.

 

[peterk9]

That's a strange thing for the dealership to say. How do they account for the seasonal change of wheel assemblies?
I lived in Ottawa for six years. There certainly was a need for aftermarket rims and tires for winter use.

Good question. I'll try to remember to ask that. Perhaps it only applies to when first buying the vehicle.
This is the first time that I've just had the winter tires installed on the OEM wheels instead of having a dedicated set.

Peter

 

[GryzTimberline]

Has anyone thought of swapping Timberline wheels onto a regular XLT? The Ford performance website didn't really seem promote much of anything for any Explorer besides foglights for the Timberline. The tire size would only change slightly from 255/65/18 to 265/65/18.

A few months back i saw someone do this, and i didn't see any issues. both the timberline and th xlt run 18 inch rims so brake clearance shouldnt be an issue. the timberline is 0.8 inches higher, so you might have some clearance issues in the wheelwell but i dont think so. i have aftermarket mudgaurds on mine, it stickes about .5 inches into the wheelwell and at a certain steer angle and with the suspention slightly compressed it rubs, nothing big but it still does

Hope this helps

 

[peterk9]

A few months back i saw someone do this, and i didn't see any issues. both the timberline and th xlt run 18 inch rims so brake clearance shouldnt be an issue. the timberline is 0.8 inches higher, so you might have some clearance issues in the wheelwell but i dont think so. i have aftermarket mudgaurds on mine, it stickes about .5 inches into the wheelwell and at a certain steer angle and with the suspention slightly compressed it rubs, nothing big but it still does

Hope this helps

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter

 

[Cww123]

Has anyone thought of swapping Timberline wheels onto a regular XLT? The Ford performance website didn't really seem promote much of anything for any Explorer besides foglights for the Timberline. The tire size would only change slightly from 255/65/18 to 265/65/18.

Glad I used the search feature here…was literally about to post the exact same question.

Was there a final verdict on whether the stock XLT tires could be swapped with slightly larger tires like the 265/65/18’s? Looking at a set of new AT tires to replace my stock ones, would love to get a more off-road look without actually having to buy an off-road model…as tempting as that is.

 

[peterk9]

Glad I used the search feature here…was literally about to post the exact same question.

Was there a final verdict on whether the stock XLT tires could be swapped with slightly larger tires like the 265/65/18’s? Looking at a set of new AT tires to replace my stock ones, would love to get a more off-road look without actually having to buy an off-road model…as tempting as that is.

Welcome to the Forum.
If you are going from 255/65R18 to 265/65R18 there should be no issue. You are well within the generally accepted maximum diameter variance of 3%. 255/65 R18 vs 265/65 R18 Tire Size Comparison Table with Graphic Visualization (inch difference)

Peter