hey y'all...got a 05 Explorer, 4wd, 4.0...clean unit but the wheel have begun to corrode...I can get a smoking deal on a set of 2008 Fusion Rims...I have searched and have been unable to answer my question...

Will 17" Fusion (2008) Rims, fit a 2005 Explorer? I will get new tires, just need some insight.

thanks for your help.

~grizz

 

<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR bgColor=#efefef><TD>FORD</TD><TD>EXPLORER & SPORT TRAC 2WD, 4WD</TD><TD noWrap>2002-08</TD><!--<td bgcolor="#efefef">5 x 4.5</td>--><TD noWrap>5 X 114.3
5 X 4.5 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR bgColor=#efefef><TD>FORD</TD><TD>FUSION</TD><TD noWrap>2006-08</TD><!--<td bgcolor="#efefef">5 x 4.5</td>--><TD noWrap>5 X 114.3
5 X 4.5 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

looks like they are the same size...so...have any of you done it?

 

Looks like they'll fit the lugs, but the backspacing on the Fusion wheels is not the same as the wheels on the Explorer. You'll need the backspacing specs on both.

 

just heard back from the tire shop...the back spacing is the EXACT SAME from the Fusion to the Explorer...pictures will be posted tonight!

WOO-HOO



~grizz

 

Wow, I honestly didn't expect the backspacing to be the same. Interesting. Can't wait to see pics.

 

so...after scouring the internet I discovered that 17" rims for a Ford Fusion are identical in all aspects to the 17" Ford Explorer...in all aspects but the HUB BORE.

I dropped my truck of this morning, got a call from the tech how said no problem...went to pick up my truck...BIG PROBLEM.

Choice is to:
a: sell rims and buy a/m or oem rims that are for an Explorer
b: bore out center of Fusion Rims
c: light myself on fire

what a pain in my a$$.

So to answer the original hypothesis. NO, FUSION RIMS DO NOT FIT AN
EXPLORER.



~grizz

 

d: adapters

 

you Da Man Macattack...

so I picked.....D.

I ordered 1.5" wheel adapters from Fearless Fred Goeske. He said no problem. So...maybe this time next week I will have some Fusion Rims on an Explorer.

I am still WAY under budget with these rims and adapters then I would be buying a/m rims. Plus my stance will be a little wider.

 

not sure how you use your ex, but what about the difference in load rating between the wheels? i am not saying there is a difference, but is stands to reason

 

load rating should be the same...as everything about these rims are IDENTICAL..but the center bore

 

well....I've done it. Let me know what you all think (I understand...haterz going to hate)

 

All in all not bad honestly. They look very similar to some of the later gen's offerings.
I just hope that the load rating on those wheels is up to snuff with the Explorer. The Expl weighs about 1000lbs more than the Fusion, plus any load you wish to carry.
From an appearance standpoint...it works nicely.

 

Chandler,

You keep talking about wheel load capacity...I can't find anything on the topic...I have found a lot about TIRE LOAD capacity...

For me the same exact tires fit both rims...so my opinion is the LOAD REMAINS THE SAME, since it is the same tires.

Can you help understand if that is not the case?

thanks,

~grizz

 

I'm definitely not speaking towards tire load ratings. I feel as though I'm well versed on that subject.

However, wheels are built to different specs on strength based upon the application they are intended for.
For instance, towing capacities on the 04-08 model year F150s dropped by 500lbs when you stepped up to the optional factory 20" & 22" wheels because they were deemed by Ford to not be as strong as the 17" & 18" factory wheels.
The aftermarket wheel makers specifically state load ratings for their wheels because unlike the factory wheels made to fit a specific vehicle, the aftermarket wheels will most likely fit a number of vehicles if they share bolt patterns, etc.
In all likelihood, you're fine with the Fusion rims on your Explorer.

Here's an excerpt from "wheel sizing" on Wiki:
Wheel sizing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Load capacity:
Load capacity is the amount of weight a wheel will carry. This number will vary depending on the number of lugs, the PCD, the material used and the type of axle the wheel is used on. A wheel used on a free rolling trailer axle will carry more weight than that same wheel used on the drive or steering axle of a vehicle. All wheels will have the load capacity stamped on the back of the wheel.