Wheel spacers. Best size? for 20x8.5 with i beleive 36mm offset

[Eastcoastmod]

HI all

I'm having trouble figuring out which adapters to buy. I have looked through the 3rd gen pics many times. I see some with 2 inch spacers that stick way out and some that appear to be flush with the fenders.

I'm lowered about 2 inches. 31inches to the fender on worn tires. I picked up a nice set of 20 x 8.5's from a buddy but they are 5x5.5. Assuming I would want spacers anyway for the right look I bought them. They have new rubber 275.45./ If I measure from the back of the rim to the edge of the tire I get 6 inches of backspacing. It looks like 5.75 for the rim plus a bit for the tires because they stick out a bit more than the rim.

Although I have given up on finding adapters with the right hub bore I have found a bunch with spacing anywhere from 20mm to 1.5 inches. I want a nice flush look.

Which size do you think I should get to put the tires about even with fenders?
And at what point will I need to grind my existing studs?

I am ready to order the 1.25 but just want your expert opinions before I order. I'm not 100% sure if I've been measuring to the right spots or not. ie outside edge of rim or inside etc.

Thanks in advance for the help. I get more and more ideas from this site every day.

2003 limited 4.6 lowered about 2 inches, springs only.
The rims are American Racing 608 if that helps.

 

[Kazer]

the explorer bolt pattern is 5x4.5, 5x5.5 is f-150/expedition/etc., so you'll need adapters to convert the bolt pattern (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2pc-1-25-Ad...es&hash=item4d01e189e3&vxp=mtr#ht_2149wt_1185). the minimum width for these is 1.25" or just shy of 32mm. so effectively, you'd have roughly a +4 offset. Ronin8002 has 0 offset on his rims to give you an idea or where your rims will sit. IMO a 0 to +18 offset looks the best on these trucks


the hub bore on those adapters is 73mm. 3mm shouldn't be an issue. my rims have a larger bore than 70.3 and theres no vibration or anything even at 80mph+

 

[Eastcoastmod]

Sounds good. I was thinking about the same. I was torn between the 1 inch or 1.25. I actually found them as small as 20mm. They were called skinny adapters. to change from 4.5 to 5.5. I was a bit leary because it just doesn't sound thick enough to get a wheel nut burried in their without compromising the strength. I found a bunch of 73mm but that was the smallest I could find. I was worried about vibration not being concentric. I will just have to be extra carefull that they are lined up correctly. Thanks for the earlier tip on the BTF's... I heard back from Brandon right away. Unfortunately the wife insisted I keep it lowered.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

the explorer bolt pattern is 5x4.5, 5x5.5 is f-150/expedition/etc.,

1996 was the last year the F-150 used 5x5.5 bolt patern. In 1997 they changed it to 5x135mm

 

[Eastcoastmod]

i was looking at the following.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270988904658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
1.25

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251073073044?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
1inch

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120807518380?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
20mm

 

[Kazer]

1996 was the last year the F-150 used 5x5.5 bolt patern. In 1997 they changed it to 5x135mm

and changed to a 6 bolt after 2003 for both, i know

 

[Kazer]

i was looking at the following.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270988904658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
1.25

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251073073044?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
1inch

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120807518380?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
20mm

just tighten you lugs untill theyre all hand snug, then tighten criss cross and youll be fine. anything under 1.25" spacer and youll have to use a die grinder or cut off wheel to trim down you're factory wheel studs

 

[Eastcoastmod]

Thanks Kazer. I appreciate all the help. I put my back out or I would have measured the studs myself.

 

[krajik1]

Hey man I'm looking to lowering my truck how did u do it..and what did u buy and I got 20s on mine and was told I need spacers as well so if u find any let me or post some pics