V/B swap wheel help
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 143
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From: S.E. MI
V/B swap wheel help
Ok, I have nearly saved up the $$$ for the V/B swap, and I am trying to line up some wheels. Now Cary at CT performance recommends minimum 18" wheels wider than 8", and I trust what he says when it comes to V/B swaps. Now, I have not found a hub-centric aftermarket wheel, and 05 and up wheels are max of 8" wide and require a spacer which seems to be a no-no if towing. So what are my options? There are only 2 factory rims that are 18x8 for 99-04 models, the Harley wheel and a 5 spoke that looks similar, correct?
Please help with my options.
Thanks
Please help with my options.
Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
I got steel spacers for mine and I tow heavy. I run Ford 20'', F250 wheels, (8 wide) with 275x65-R20 tires. $700+ Yes they are expensive, and yes high quality aluminum are used even off road... but these spacers will not fail unless it's a installation error.
Fred Goeske is the man!
http://www.wheeladapter.com/
Fred Goeske is the man!
http://www.wheeladapter.com/
Last edited by DavenTn; Apr 29, 2014 at 11:43 AM. Reason: added link
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: S.E. MI
I was looking into those adapters, but I have to admit I am skeptical or nervous of using them, not saying I won't use them though. I have come across a few really good deals on the 05 and newer 20' wheels which is the reason I am looking at the adapters.
So, I have a question. which would be the better option, 05 and newer Ford wheels with Fred's adapters OR aftermarket wheels?
So, I have a question. which would be the better option, 05 and newer Ford wheels with Fred's adapters OR aftermarket wheels?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
I was looking into those adapters, but I have to admit I am skeptical or nervous of using them, not saying I won't use them though. I have come across a few really good deals on the 05 and newer 20' wheels which is the reason I am looking at the adapters.
So, I have a question. which would be the better option, 05 and newer Ford wheels with Fred's adapters OR aftermarket wheels?
So, I have a question. which would be the better option, 05 and newer Ford wheels with Fred's adapters OR aftermarket wheels?
I bought wheels many moons ago on line and had a problem with air loss through the wheel. Cost me a whole lot of time and money to get resolved. Never again. First time shame on them, second time shame on me.
...just sayin'
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From: Media PA
Ok, I have nearly saved up the $$$ for the V/B swap, and I am trying to line up some wheels. Now Cary at CT performance recommends minimum 18" wheels wider than 8", and I trust what he says when it comes to V/B swaps. Now, I have not found a hub-centric aftermarket wheel, and 05 and up wheels are max of 8" wide and require a spacer which seems to be a no-no if towing. So what are my options? There are only 2 factory rims that are 18x8 for 99-04 models, the Harley wheel and a 5 spoke that looks similar, correct?
Please help with my options.
Thanks
Please help with my options.
Thanks
As far as the '04 18" wheels you are correct that they are fairly rare but there are actually 3 styles of them. The chrome Harley ones with the H-D logo on one spoke and the center caps, the King Ranch version is polished with tan painted pocket holes with similar ridges along the rim inside the pockets like the Harley's and the K-R logo on the center caps and the Lariat version which is also polished but has silver painted pocket holes. All three styles can still use the stock EX center caps too.
I found my Lariats on CL with 50% tires for $600, they needed a little bit of love with some rubbing and polishing compound to take care of some surface scratches but cleaned up well. This one was one of the worst looking ones when I got them.
My EX is now running 35"s with a 4" lift along with these wheels, the Nitto Dura 305/70R18Es just touch the springs at full lock enough to hear the slight rub.
These wheels work great on our leaf sprung trucks and usually cost less than a good set of spacers for the later ones, they can be tough to find though. You just have to keep doing regular searches for them.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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Why the need for hub-centric? Millions of trucks run non-hubcentric wheels with absolutely zero problems................
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Florida and Tennessee
....prove it. My guess... your running lug centric aluminum hubs. Just a guess.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: S.E. MI
As far as the '04 18" wheels you are correct that they are fairly rare but there are actually 3 styles of them. The chrome Harley ones with the H-D logo on one spoke and the center caps, the King Ranch version is polished with tan painted pocket holes with similar ridges along the rim inside the pockets like the Harley's and the K-R logo on the center caps and the Lariat version which is also polished but has silver painted pocket holes. All three styles can still use the stock EX center caps too.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
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Not running aluminum hubs I'm not even sure they make those for Excursions? However I am running lug-centric wheels with, of course, no issues.
Your snarky reply didn't include any relevant information regarding why someone would have an issue with lug-centric wheels?
As for proving my claim i really don't care whether you believe it or not? All you have to do is consider how nany sets of aftermarket wheels are sold everyday and extrapolate from there. I know, big words, use google......
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: S.E. MI
Very valid point, there are alot of our trucks running after market rims and tow, there are also alot of our trucks running 05+ OEM wheels w/spacers. I am just trying to figure out what is best for me, and my feelings on what I am comfortable running.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
It takes better machining to make them hub centric... therefore higher cost for a better product. Why are they better? 'cause the vehicle load is transferred to the hub as designed, not to the studs... then to the hub. Quality machining isn't cheap, especially using 6061-T6 aluminum (hardened). Most of your "inexpensive" hub adapters are made in China. Steel is best. Your hubs are made from steel. Your factory aluminum wheels are hub centric.
you can buy in order of quality;
Chinese made adapters
Chinese made hub centric adapters
Chinese made 6061 hub adapters (never seen T-6)
consider only these;
American made hub centric adapters using 6061-T6 Alcoa Aluminum
or
Steel hub centric adapters.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: S.E. MI
Still no luck on OEM 2004 18" wheels, still a lot of 05+ 20" wheels for sale. I am leaning toward the spacers and OEM 20s. I should have the V/Modded B done next week, and it looks like I will be driving around with the stock 265-16s until I can make up my mind/
Logistics Pro
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For what it's worth I have CT's V/B with 2" level running "35's" on 16" wheels and it works just fine. I understand the reasons for a larger wheel but my budget didn't allow for the money required to throw on 18's and associated tires. I trust Cary's advice and word a LOT, but the truck handles and drives just find. Personally I prefer more sidewall anyway, I take it off-road frequently and having the ability to air down a bit is nice.
