Swapping 20" wheels for 18"?

[Chris Gustin]

I have driven Explorers with both the 18" and 20" wheels. The ride was smoother with the 18". Is it possible to swap my 20" for 18"? The salesman at Discount Tire and the on-line sales rep for American Racing Wheels were both not sure if it would work. I don't know why it wouldn't work but I won't do it unless someone else already has and it was a good swap.

 

[peterk9]

I have driven Explorers with both the 18" and 20" wheels. The ride was smoother with the 18". Is it possible to swap my 20" for 18"? The salesman at Discount Tire and the on-line sales rep for American Racing Wheels were both not sure if it would work. I don't know why it wouldn't work but I won't do it unless someone else already has and it was a good swap.

Welcome to the Forum Chris.
For your info I use the Ford Interceptor 18" steel wheels in place of my OEM 20" for Winter.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...-sport-compatible-and-allowed-with-18.460214/
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/18-or-20-wheels.421533/

Peter

 

[Chris Gustin]

Welcome to the Forum Chris.
For your info I use the Ford Interceptor 18" steel wheels in place of my OEM 20" for Winter.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...-sport-compatible-and-allowed-with-18.460214/
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/18-or-20-wheels.421533/

Peter

Thanks, Peter. It seemed to me that Ford would not have different suspension/brakes/clearances for the different wheel sizes as implied by both American Racing Wheels and Americas Tire Store. That would make production and figuring out parts a real nightmare. Now I just to have to find a set of wheels that no one else has put on an Explorer!

 

[1995E]

Thanks, Peter. It seemed to me that Ford would not have different suspension/brakes/clearances for the different wheel sizes as implied by both American Racing Wheels and Americas Tire Store. That would make production and figuring out parts a real nightmare. Now I just to have to find a set of wheels that no one else has put on an Explorer!

The base through limited uses the same type of macpherson strut and same clearances.

There is indeed a difference between the Sport suspension as that one rides lower with different struts and springs and its stiffer.

The Interceptor also has a unique suspension as well and is very stiff.

The Platinum rides on the same suspension as the base - limited Explorer for comfort purposes.

 

[Chris Gustin]

Wow! You folks are on this stuff. As a semi-retired restorer of British motorcycles (I still have a fully modified 1975 Norton Mk III Electric Start as my daily ride) I was always amazed by what details and tricks people knew and shared. I am really impressed with the response. Thanks.

 

[peterk9]

Thanks, Peter. It seemed to me that Ford would not have different suspension/brakes/clearances for the different wheel sizes as implied by both American Racing Wheels and Americas Tire Store. That would make production and figuring out parts a real nightmare. Now I just to have to find a set of wheels that no one else has put on an Explorer!

The brake size was standardized for all trim levels in December 2013.

 

[Chris Gustin]

The brake size was standardized for all trim levels in December 2013.

Every once in a while, industry hits upon the conspicuously obvious. Now if the electronic industry would standardize power packs and charging systems.... Oh well.

Thanks again for your info and insight.

Chris

 

[DMG632]

Welcome to the Forum Chris.
For your info I use the Ford Interceptor 18" steel wheels in place of my OEM 20" for Winter.
Peter

Peter, do you have to reset the ABS, speedometer or reprogram anything when you switch from 18" to the 20's???

 

[peterk9]

Peter, do you have to reset the ABS, speedometer or reprogram anything when you switch from 18" to the 20's???

Hi Don. No, I don't do any of those items when going from 20" to 18" (not sure if that is what you meant). I only adjust my driving to reflect the actual speed difference. The only thing I had to do with the Winter wheels was to get new TPMS sensors since the ones they had in them were not compatible with the new 2016/17 four wheel display. They were originally used on my 2014 MKT which like the other year Explorers just indicated a tire was low but not which one. If these Winter tires have to be replaced I'm going with 235/65R18 in place of the 235/60R18. They are about as close to OEM as you can get in an 18'.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

I have driven Explorers with both the 18" and 20" wheels. The ride was smoother with the 18". Is it possible to swap my 20" for 18"? The salesman at Discount Tire and the on-line sales rep for American Racing Wheels were both not sure if it would work. I don't know why it wouldn't work but I won't do it unless someone else already has and it was a good swap.

I noticed a slightly smoother ride over the 20's when putting on my 18" Winter wheels. That is because there is more sidewall and thus more flex/absorption.

Peter

 

[Chris Gustin]

I noticed a slightly smoother ride over the 20's when putting on my 18" Winter wheels. That is because there is more sidewall and thus more flex/absorption.

Peter

That is what I was thinking - more rubber would smooth out the ride. I am guessing that if I buy the correct size tire per the Owner's manual there shouldn't be a big difference in speedometer and/or odometer readings. Fortunately here in California there are radar speed detectors near most schools so I can adjust as needed. Again, thanks for all of the input.

Chris

 

[peterk9]

That is what I was thinking - more rubber would smooth out the ride. I am guessing that if I buy the correct size tire per the Owner's manual there shouldn't be a big difference in speedometer and/or odometer readings. Fortunately here in California there are radar speed detectors near most schools so I can adjust as needed. Again, thanks for all of the input.

Chris

A 235/65R18 would be almost an exact replacement for a 20" OEM. That is what I'll replace my 235/60R18's with when the time comes. The current ones were used on my previous 2014 MKT for Winter wheels.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=255-50r20-235-65r18

Peter

 

[Chris Gustin]

A 235/65R18 would be almost an exact replacement for a 20" OEM. That is what I'll replace my 235/60R18's with when the time comes. The current ones were used on my previous 2014 MKT for Winter wheels.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=255-50r20-235-65r18

Peter

Perfect! Thanks Peter

 

[orthoguy]

I wish you lived closer to me, I would swap my 18's for your 20's

 

[Chris Gustin]

I wish you lived closer to me, I would swap my 18's for your 20's

After I do the swap I'll give the rims to you if you pay for shipping.

 

[Chris Gustin]

OK, so the honest answer is that if I don't do something for a month I forget how. I received a message from drudis@ford.com but could not figure out how to reply because his message didn't look anything like this format. Is there another way to communicate on this forum? He wanted to buy my 20's and I'll give them to anyone willing to pay shipping and handling.

Chris

 

[peterk9]

OK, so the honest answer is that if I don't do something for a month I forget how. I received a message from drudis@ford.com but could not figure out how to reply because his message didn't look anything like this format. Is there another way to communicate on this forum? He wanted to buy my 20's and I'll give them to anyone willing to pay shipping and handling.

Chris

Hey Chris. drudis is a member here. You can find him under 'Members' at the top of the page and then select Registered Members and do a Search on the name.
To save you the trouble, I already did that and you can use this to send him a PM (Private Message), http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?conversations/add&to=drudis
The address you quoted is an email address and has nothing to do with the Forum but you could use that as well.

Peter

 

[Chris Gustin]

Hey Chris. drudis is a member here. You can find him under 'Members' at the top of the page and then select Registered Members and do a Search on the name.
To save you the trouble, I already did that and you can use this to send him a PM (Private Message), http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?conversations/add&to=drudis
The address you quoted is an email address and has nothing to do with the Forum but you could use that as well.

Peter

Thanks Peter. Getting old means I have a cheap excuse for forgetting tech stuff.

 

[Born2Golf]

Peter, do you have to reset the ABS, speedometer or reprogram anything when you switch from 18" to the 20's???

I am NOT and expert in any way, but If you do wish to change the wheel size in the car's computer so your speedometer is accurate it seems pretty easy. You just need a ODB2 adapter (less than $20 on amazon) and the free Forscan software to access the onboard computer. I was in the car's computer last week enabling my remote start, and I saw the settings for wheel size in there.

 

[drudis]

A 255/50-R20 is the exact same diameter (circumference) as a 255-60/R18.
Notice the 60-series is 60% of 255 (which is 1"), which is 2" overall. Add the extra 2" of tire (to the -2" smaller 18" rim) and you get 20".
EXACT same.
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.ne...=a0a2163f95c20b9eeb4f9681f0b5e8b3&oe=5A4E3770


Oh sure, you are off in a few YELLOW measurements.
Namely 9mm farther outward, and scrub radius is microscopically altered... but basically almost negligible differences.