I have a 2002 7.3 Excursion currently sporting 17" wheels on a small lift. The tires look a little small so I'm looking to pick up something different for the winter shoes… I've been looking for the '04 18" wheels without success. So I've found a few other options and I'd like your opinions.

Option 1: 2008 18" Factory rims


Option 2: 2010 18" Factory rims


Option 3: 2011 20" Factory rims


Option 4: 2002 16" Factories that I took off…
No pic needed, we all know what they look like, just wrap them in some big rubber.


I believe all of these options require HUB CENTRIC wheel spacers. What is the verdict on the use of spacers? I know this topic has been talked about over an over. But I'd really like to go with some ford factory rims, and I'd like bigger then the 17"s I have now. These options are all local and priced right from fellow FORD owners. The 20's looks awesome, but either set of 18"s are better priced and I know will look great.

Thought's, Opinion's, suggestion's… I'll take them all!

 

Personally I'd never use spacers for a set of rims.
If I was, i'd choose option 3. Just looking at the backspace offset you'd need a pretty big spacer to mount those with the proper offset.
IMHO i'd shop for some correct rims for your year. I believe the 05-06 and up had different axle widths.

 

IMO, I like option 1. Here is what I went with (Inspired by "Jolly Green Giant"). 2006 F250 OEM 20's with 1.5 inch hub centric spacers. I just put on Toyo Open Country MT's (295/65/20), and love it. Is your Excursion just a daily driver or do you haul/tow a considerable amount of weight?

 

Brandon, I don't tow much if at all. I do go off road and use as a daily driver. Those wheels look awesome!

 

Thanks, I personally do not have a problem with a daily driver and hub centric spacers. However, I have not ran them long. No bad experience so far. Others despise. I had a look in mind and went with it. If I towed heavy frequently, I may reconsider. Locally these wheels run about $600 on craigslist. Maybe option 5. Good luck.

 

In 8 months I haven't seen a single set of 04's on CL here or even 05-06's...

 

Really, I can probably get you a set reasonable. Problem is getting them to you. I will be glad to help, if I can.

Search Greenville, SC Atlanta, GA Charlotte, NC craigslist. Might could pick up local and ship to you. Just send PM with cell number.

 

Of course, I do a quick search and nothing of interest shows up. I just bought the ones I have, and a friend just sold a set just like the ones I bought. I see a lot of aftermarket wheels, so where do the OEMs go?

 

What is the correct "offset" I would be looking for in an aftermarket rim?

 

I believe this to be correct. Stock 16x7 OEM wheels 4.5 inches b/s. All 05 and up ford 20 inch OEM rims are 8 inches wide with 6 inch b/s. This the reason I have 1.5 inch wheel spacers. I will try to get a picture to show down the side so you can see. Mine wheels and tires are still under the fenders. Tires come out to be 35.4 x 11.8 on a 20x8 rim. Didn't want to beat the paint off. Removed body armor and mud flaps.

 

Wheels on the white X are nice, just not for me. Option 3 would be my pick to make it look great without going aftermarket. If you do go aftermarket, I would look at XD wheels, not rockstars, but another one. Let us know with pics which one you choose!

 

Hub spacers are not that bad if you use the hub centric ones. I would not recommend doing serious off roading with them.

The OEM take offs probably end up being scrapped. Have you tried ebay?

 

Of the 3 choices offered, I like #2 best. I like having a little bit more sidewall on my tires than a lot of 20" options allow for, however Brandon's white EX above looks sweet with those 5 spoke 20"s (and thanks for the mention of my Giant!). There are a few different styles of 18" 5 spoke OEM rims available that would keep Brandons look and keep you in the slightly cheaper (mostly) 18" tire selection. I tow heavy a lot so I wanted to stay away from spacers and I got lucky with a set of the 04 18"s for a decent price. I just recently mounted some 35"s on them. Nitto Dura Grappler (Highway tread) 305/70R18E. Bad picture but it's the best I currently have.

 

eBay is $300-$400 each for the 04 18" options. Thus I keep looking aftermarket.

 

I like the '08 18" ers. Always a fan of the OEM choice. I know all 3 are but those are it.