I know this was addressed in other threads, but I needed some additional clarification. I just purchased an 05 Excursion with the 20 inch OEM Platinum wheels. I do not have the truck with me to confirm as it is in the shop getting bulletproofed. I believe there are no wheel adapters/spacers on them. I noticed rubbing noises when I turn so I am assuming I may need them. Here are my questions:

1. If I can live with the rubbing (not sure what's rubbing at this point since I just got the truck), do these OEM wheels allow the lugnuts to grab all of the wheel studs? I am not sure if the backspacing/offset interfere with this?

2. If I do go with the steel spacers from Fred Goeske, do I diminish my payload/towing safety. I heard nothing but good things about his steel spacers., however there was one comment on a youtube video which said the installer forgot to shave the tips of the stock stud when installing thus causing the wheel not to be flush against the adapter. Wheel came flying off. Definately an error on the installer's part, however I don't want to have to pay 600 dollars for wheel adapters if I don't need to.

Bottom line I want to tow and carry passengers safely and would prefer to stay with these OEM rims/tires since they are practically brand new. But if I have to with Fred Goeske's product, I don't want to worry about it failing at some point. Any input would be appreciated.

 

Dang that this is clean and looks awesome. Congrats. For any suspension questions on the Excursions, Cary at CT Performance is one of the most knowledgable you will find. He is more than happy to help with those type questions. (775) 835-3569

 

Never mind all that, I've got a really clean 04 without those wheel spacer problems that I'll trade you straight up.

 

Your Ex is begging for the coil spring swap.

You have gone to considerable expense to give your excursion a newer model look it makes sense to update to the newer suspension and give it the performance to match.

 

Sweet looking EX!
I think that it may already have spacers on it judging by the wheel placement in the photos and how far inside the center cap the front locking hubs are. If they are there it would pay to pull the rims to verify that the stock lug studs are in fact below the spacer face and to ensure the spacers are hub centric and properly torqued.

Did I mention how good your new wagon looks.

 

All good info, but back to your questions!
Backspacing has nothing to do with the lugs bottoming out; it is the relationship of the rear of the wheel hub to the rear edge of the wheel/tire sealing lip. It is about 5.25" on those wheels, and stock is 4.5".
For spacers 1" or less, you'll need to trim the truck studs a bit so the lugs will seat all the way.
Fred's spacers are totally safe if installed correctly.
Nice lookin' ride!

 

I believe Tom is correct in his assessment.

Let's see some pics of the inside.

 

Thanks! I have Cary's info and have contacted him about upgrading my suspension and shocks. I just emailed him about the spacers too. Thank you!

Thanks for the offer, but I'll deal with the spacer problems, if any.

I definitely would like that upgrade, but I think I am not up to the task. I hear you have to move some transmission lines and other things I've never attempted. One shop quoted me 3500 parts and labor to do the swap. Maybe in the future. I'm already spending 7k+ for a thorough bulletproofing for a truck I just got. I have to give it some time before I purchase or do anything else.

That's what I was thinking, it does look spaced out pretty well now. I just don't have the truck in front of me to check. I already contacted my mechanic to double check so if I need Fred's adapters I will just go that route. Thanks!

I think I understand what you mean. Sorry it takes me a while. Yes I think Fred's adapters are more than adequate, I just have to make sure that the Ford wheel studs are trimmed properly so the rim will sit flush.

Thanks! I'll get more pics eventually. I still have to get my second row captains swapped with the bench seat I have. Debating on weather I should re-upholster the bench before I put it in. But again, this bulletproofing has taken a lot of my funds. Hopefully I never have issues for a long time after all this work is done.

 

I have Fred's on mine. No rubbing.

 

Great looking truck. Have you considered selling wheels and going aftetmarket? Wider wheels . You can also check out some of the guys that have added fender flares to get front and rears to match better. Cary knows his stuff, I just ordered 4 link setup for 2010 axle swap.

 

OT: Can someone in this thread verify what 2000 Excursion would have for Thread Pitch!

 

Coarse (ten char).

 

That's a sharp X, love the '11+ front end on them.

 

14mm X 1.50

 

A 2000 would have 14 x 2.0 (course). 2003+ have 14 x 1.5