Wheel upgrade

[JosERW]

I'm debating upgrading my 18" wheels to Ford OEM 20" wheels (I like the 5 spoke hyper silver wheels they offer). I just had a few questions in regards:

1) Do I have to reprogram the computer for 20" wheels/tires and if so, can Ford do that for me?

2) Can/do I have to reuse/reprogram my TPMS sensors and if so, can Ford do that for me?

3) Is the recommended tire pressure different on the 20" wheels than on the 18" wheels?

Thanks!

 

[peterk9]

I'm debating upgrading my 18" wheels to Ford OEM 20" wheels (I like the 5 spoke hyper silver wheels they offer). I just had a few questions in regards:

1) Do I have to reprogram the computer for 20" wheels/tires and if so, can Ford do that for me?

2) Can/do I have to reuse/reprogram my TPMS sensors and if so, can Ford do that for me?

3) Is the recommended tire pressure different on the 20" wheels than on the 18" wheels?

Thanks!

I have the OEM 20" wheels on my Limited and use the Base model 17" wheels for Winter. The radius difference is -1.66% which means that I'll be running about 1 mph slower than with the 20's. With an 18" tire that difference will be even less to the point where I wouldn't bother with any adjustments. The PSI for the 20' is 35. I'm not sure if both use the same TPMS sensors. You may be able to check fordparts.com for that info.
Keep in mind that 20" tires are much more costly and have a smaller selection.
I personally wished that I could have chosen 17" wheels as an option on my Limited. Less danger of scraping against curbs and less or no 'flat spotting' in colder temps.

Peter

 

[JosERW]

Thanks for the info! I know the tires are most expensive but Michelin offers the same tires that come with the 18" wheels in 20" so I'd probably just stick with the Michelins. I probably only drive about 7500 miles a year so my tires last me a while. Thanks again!

 

[peterk9]

Thanks for the info! I know the tires are most expensive but Michelin offers the same tires that come with the 18" wheels in 20" so I'd probably just stick with the Michelins. I probably only drive about 7500 miles a year so my tires last me a while. Thanks again!

If you go from the 245/60R18 to 255/50R20 your speedo will read 1.55% too fast. The site I use says that if your speed is 62 with the OEM's then it will actually be 63 with the 20 inch tires. I don't think 1 mph either way would likely justify the cost of recalculating everything. As for the TPMS, according to fordparts.com, the number is 1A189 but it shows two different frequencies. TPMS-12 = 315MHZ and TPMS-23 = 433MHZ. Not sure if they are specific to wheel size or not. Your dealer parts department should be able to tell you.
As for you annual mileage, you have me beat. I've had mine 2 years have amassed a total of 8600 miles. I'm running the Yokohama Parada Spec-X 20" tires on mine.

Peter

 

[grosa_2002]

I'm debating upgrading my 18" wheels to Ford OEM 20" wheels (I like the 5 spoke hyper silver wheels they offer). I just had a few questions in regards:

1) Do I have to reprogram the computer for 20" wheels/tires and if so, can Ford do that for me?

2) Can/do I have to reuse/reprogram my TPMS sensors and if so, can Ford do that for me?

3) Is the recommended tire pressure different on the 20" wheels than on the 18" wheels?

Thanks!

What's to debate? The 20" polished aluminum X-Limited wheels are sweet. The TPMS learning tool is around $45 and the difference in tire price is not substantial. The car will roll even nicer on the highway, that's my motivation. I haven't seen a set for less than $1500 which calms my motivation down quite a bit. I'd rather have a K&N Cold Air Intake and Magna-Flow Cat back Exhaust system instead. I'd take a pic of the data plate on the limited to make sure you get all the tire size and pressure specs right instead of just guessing. Perhaps they've already been posted.

 

[spr]

I prefered the 18" wheels. Drove both and believe, to me at least... the ride was better on the 18s. The Michelins on the 18s are nice too.

Not as flashy looking as the 20s..if you actually like that look of the 20s - I'm not sure I do. 18's are more forgiving when you hit a pothole etc. For me its more about ride and actual functon on iffy terrain than big wheels. I dont mean to sound insulting - but thats how I see it. But I'm old and calous and grumpy.

and they dont look THAT bad, do they?

 

[peterk9]

What's to debate? The 20" polished aluminum X-Limited wheels are sweet. The TPMS learning tool is around $45 and the difference in tire price is not substantial. The car will roll even nicer on the highway, that's my motivation. I haven't seen a set for less than $1500 which calms my motivation down quite a bit. I'd rather have a K&N Cold Air Intake and Magna-Flow Cat back Exhaust system instead. I'd take a pic of the data plate on the limited to make sure you get all the tire size and pressure specs right instead of just guessing. Perhaps they've already been posted.

Not sure why some owners are installing the cold air induction and cat back exhaust systems. As I posted earlier, according to a segment that aired on Motorweek, the air induction system only increased mileage by 0.4 MPG and any increase in HP would likely be offset by increased gas consumption. Also the Explorer was optimally tuned with the OEM parts and systems.:scratch:

Peter

 

[JosERW]

Just another thought... if I switch to 20's from 18's will I need a different spare wheel/tire?

As for the K&N, I currently am a subject in the People's Republik of New Yorkistan... the K&N is illegal here :/

 

[peterk9]

Just another thought... if I switch to 20's from 18's will I need a different spare wheel/tire?

Very good question. I never actually thought about the spare. With 24 hour roadside assist I don't anticipate changing mine. But then I only have the 17" wheels on for 5 months. I looked at fordparts.com and they show different part numbers for the spares depending on the OEM size but when I click on the number, the descriptions have me somewhat confused. Best to check with your dealer parts department but if you plan to use the 20's year round, I think it would likely be a good idea to get the corresponding spare.

Peter

 

[roamingphantom]

Two things - why is K&N illegal in NY (did i understand that correctly). Also i have had my Trailblazer for 10 years and just touched 50K and changed the tires once. Kinda makes me feel good to get the 20 inches.

 

[JosERW]

I don't know but the K&N for the 11+ Explorer isn't 50 state street legal according to their website.