Wheel identification help?
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Wheel identification help?
Hey all - last night my lovely bride and I purchased a new to us 2003 F-350 XLT. We're going to use it to tow a fifth wheel.
The truck came with these 18 inch wheels and tires, which I'm trying to identify. I'd almost rather go back to the stock 16 inch wheels, unless anyone tells me why a tow vehicle with 18 inch wheels is better.
Can anyone help me ID these? And is anyone close to New Hampshire who might want to trade stock + new tires for these?
Thanks!
jay
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE Georgia
what do they have stamped on the inner portion of the rim?
18" will give you better stability. but at the cost of more $$$ when you buy tires. I'm really liking the OEM 16" rims for that aspect. Big tires are CHEAP compared to what I've dished out in the past for 17-20" rims.
got any pics of the rest of the truck. we like our truck **** here
18" will give you better stability. but at the cost of more $$$ when you buy tires. I'm really liking the OEM 16" rims for that aspect. Big tires are CHEAP compared to what I've dished out in the past for 17-20" rims.
got any pics of the rest of the truck. we like our truck **** here
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
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From: Gulf Coast, FL
Well for the correct fitment any 16"-18" OEM wheels from 1999-2004 would work fine. Any aftermarket wheel 16" and bigger with the proper load rating of 3K lbs+ will work just as well.
It really depends on what you want to run in the end. There are plenty of great Load Range D-E 18" tires on the market.
I would suggest you check to see if there is a spacer installed behind that wheel. Verify wheel-to-front spring pack clearance during full lock-to-lock turns.
Plenty of guys run spacers using the newer wheels. I haven't read any recent posts describing negative effects.
I don't mean to start you into a panic about this but you asked to ID the wheel. I hope the info helps.
It really depends on what you want to run in the end. There are plenty of great Load Range D-E 18" tires on the market.
I would suggest you check to see if there is a spacer installed behind that wheel. Verify wheel-to-front spring pack clearance during full lock-to-lock turns.
Plenty of guys run spacers using the newer wheels. I haven't read any recent posts describing negative effects.
I don't mean to start you into a panic about this but you asked to ID the wheel. I hope the info helps.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
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From: Gulf Coast, FL
It's not about what tire/rim size is best for towing. It's more about proper load ratings for the intended use. Sure you could buy a cheap wheel, slap on tires and go. In the long run it can be a very bad decision. Your truck is rated for a certain weight, the wheels and tires carry that load.
I have 20" aftermarket wheels that are rated at 3500lbs, I use Load Range E tires for use up to 3500+ lbs. My truck came off the line with OEM 18"s rated close to that so I don't expect any issues at any time.
I have 20" aftermarket wheels that are rated at 3500lbs, I use Load Range E tires for use up to 3500+ lbs. My truck came off the line with OEM 18"s rated close to that so I don't expect any issues at any time.
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Thank, you're very helpful. Since the fronts are rubbing on the springs, my guess is that there aren't spacers installed. I know the tires are E rated so I think I'm ok there. Just want to rid myself of the rubbing, assuming these wheels are ok for towing, and if they are Ford wheels, chances are they are.
Where do most folks get these spacers?
Where do most folks get these spacers?
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Cargo Master
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This video explains the correct way to use a 2005 and newer wheel on a 1999-2004 Super Duty and Excursion (but there are a few errors, like he states 2006 is the year that the suspension changed).
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