I've done enough research to know the basics between the 18" and 20", and what years are direct fit and which require spacers....and I've read the pros/cons/opinions on steel spacers vs aluminum spacers.

I really like the look of the newer F250/350 OEM rims, particularly a '15 set that i found.

Details:

2002 Excursion, V10, 3.73 gears
No lift - may put V-codes on the front to level truck out.
Towing - 3000-5000 lbs, 6 times a year, total of 3000 towing miles.
Total mileage on EX during a year, maybe 6000 miles. Is not my daily driver.

Other than more expensive tires for the 20's, is gearing an issue?

What are the pros/cons of 18" vs 20"?

Just looking to dress the truck up a bit. Something like this...not sure these are 18's or 20's though.

 

I recently put a set of 99-04 20in aftermarket wheels with 2015 Super Duty Michelins on it (34.5in tire) on the F250 and although I like the look the power decreased over the stock 265 tires. Paid $400 for the rims, $40 for 2 missing caps, $40 for lug nuts, $500 for the tires with 8k miles, and $80 to mount and balance. With the lack of power put a PHP Hyrda in it. My speedometer is not 5mph off.
BTW, the tires rub but it's not too bad. Was told the rims and tires would never work under a stock Excursion. I have a set of aftermarket 16in wheels with either 285 or 295/75/16's that rub about the same on the Excursions as the 20's on the SD.
You can find like new 2011-2016 OEM Ford SD 20's with tires for fairly cheap.

 

The wheels pictured above are 20"s.
20"s will tend to be more expensive tires than 18"s, but depending on the exact tires that can be reversed.
Gearing does matter with the V-10, these motors make their best power a little high in the RPM range. So moving over the stock 31.6" tire height will effectively reduce the gear ratio and rob the EX of some performance as well increase the stresses on the transmission, especially when towing.
If I recall, your EX has the 3.73 gears, if so you would want to try to keep from going too tall with either 18" or 20" tires.
A quick look online shows a 275/70R18 at 33.2" and a 275/60R20 at 33", it's up to you if the look of a 33" tire on a 20" wheel is groovy or gaudy.

 

I was just outside looking at the OEM 16's on my truck, and they are in great condition and in reality, don't need to change them at all. They have Michelin LTX's on them that are at 75% as well. But, this is definitely a 'want' relationship vs a 'need' relationship already.

I also just got off the phone with a local off road center that specializes in truck accessorizing/lifting/rims/tires, etc...and talked to to them about a set of Pro Comp +2" leaf springs for the front. I'm about to pull the trigger on them. $500-600 for parts/install.

Wha'ts your thoughts on those WE3ZS?

And yes, 3.73 gears.

Thanks dougger. '04 Harley rims were my lst choice if i can find them. I may narrow my search to the 18's if i go that route.

 

Went from 20s to 17s, rides so much better

 

Looks good and makes sense. More rubber, less metal = better ride i'm assuming.

 

Here's what I'm wanting to dress up a little...

 

There are a few guys around here running the Pro Comp lift springs on their EXs and they seem happy with them. I don't know anything about the pricing you posted, I got my springs (X/B) for free, so all I bought were the new U bolts and F-350 blocks and I did the installation myself.
I like the '04 18"s (obviously ) and I'm a fan of more sidewall vs rubber band tires. Patience and persistence is the key to finding the '04 18" wheels, you have to look every day and be prepared to pounce when they hit the market!

 

I'm heading to the off road center now (that's actually the name of the shop in Cincinnati). I'll probably pull the trigger on the Pro comp springs.

And as far as searching for 18" rims go, I'm a craigslist, ebay, forums... parts finding fool. I'm off this wknd and not whole lot to do except go pick up a new 7x16 enclosed trailer tomorrow 100 miles away.

 

I am running a set of 20" 2009 f250 lariat rims with OEM 275/65r20 Goodyears on them. I have a good set of freds spacers and tow heavy quite a bit for short hauls with my skid steer / attachments and havent had any power issues and running 3:73 gearing.

Really happy with the ride and look over the stock rims and tires. No ruvbing for me on stock suspension, but the truck only has about 50k on the odo so there may be more life left in the suspension than others rigs.

good luck.

 

Damn it...I really like the look of the 20's. I'm only gonna be towing 4000lbs. Can't imagine i would lose so much power that i would notice it with such a small amount of weight.

 

Don't focus on the wheel size, it's the tire size that determines the effective ratio. Towing a max of 5k I don't think you will be totally frustrated with a 33"/34" or so tire and those 3.73 gears.

 

Anybody running '16 F250 Platinum rims?

 

A buddy of mine is running late model Platinum 20in wheels on his 05 6.0 2wd X. He did spacers and a 4in lift. He also added late model OEM power fold tow mirrors. The wheels look good on his X.

 

I found a set of '16 platinums for $750 with 40k on the michelins.

The tires would probably last me the year or two. Im gonna look at the tomorrow.

I really like the 8spoke flats