What's a good size rim to run on the Excursion? BFGoodrich has stopped making the all-terrain 33x12.50x16.5 size tire and I thought I would find some new tires to replace them but Interco are just to expensive and aggressive for a daily driver. So i am going to buy some new rims but I want to buy something that looks good and is a popular size so I don't have to buy new rims again down the road.

The lift I have 3.5" hanger kit which suggests the following tire 295/75 R 16 =

Outer Diameter: 33.42 "
Section Width: 11.61 "
Rim Size: 16"

I guess I could always go back to BFGoodrich all-terrain 35x12.50x16.5 which are 34.6" OD that came with the Ex when I bought it used. But I just didn't like the rubbing and RPM's while driving on the freeway.

 

To be honest, 16.5's are very nearly phased out in everything but a dedicated street tread - even those are going away.

18's are popular, as are 20's - more and more manufacturers are putting them stock on off the floor vehicles so either is a smart choice.

What didn't you like about the freeway RPM's? Gas or diesel, you'll be turning lower RPM and saving some fuel compared to the stock size.

 

Keep the stock rim size, they will carry up to 315/75R16 with no issues. Plenty of tire options in the 16" sizes. The stockers are available for cheap on CL if you only have 16.5's.

 

I was thinking about going with 18's. I guess I should of been a little more clear about the RPM's it's more about it hunting for a gear to stay in while I am towing my boat to the river. Also, it could just be me but the Ex just seems more driver friendly while towing with smaller tires. BTW it's a diesel 4x4.

 

My current rims are Centerline WILDERNESS - WILDCAT 16.5x10 with a 4.5 backspace. I like the rims so I am going to see if I can find a deal on some similar ones.

Again the 3.5" Hanger Kit says to use 295/75R16 tires w/16x9.75 wheels w/4 5/8" BS w/minor trimming. So where can I fudge a little with these recommendations?

I found some that are 18.0 x 9.0 x 5.0". Would they work?

 

It's going to come down to specs and everything. Keep in mind if you lift the front, you going to have to sort out the rear as 3.5" hanger kit is going to lift your nose way higher than the rear, especially while towing.

I just snagged a set of 18x10 with -25 offset wheels, with my 2" drop hanger kit and V codes up front, they clear - barely. I need to take a 45° off the corner of the bumper trim to clear the tire tread for steering over bumps or uneven roads - perfectly flat garage stall they cleared with maybe 1/4". Somehow the wheels stick out about 1/2" over my current 16x8's of unknown specs (craigslist find).

For towing, I keep the O/D off unless I'm on a flat stretch of road and will be for a while. Granted I'm also churning out more power, and have a tuner so it helps out significantly.

18's will provide a little more stability, personally I would find a set that you like or see if your existing wheels are offered in that size. The smaller sidewall over a 16" rim will flex a little bit less, plus you can find the same overall size tire in an 18, 295/65R18's for example.

 

Thanks, the 3.5" hanger set-up and 2" rear blocks are all ready installed. I also have air bags. When I look up the rims on Center Line's webite the 18's are 18x9 with only two options 4.5" or 5.25" backspace. So if I understand backspacing right the 4.5" would tuck my wheels farther in under the fenders because the rims width is smaller than my current rim?

http://www.crawlpedia.com/bolt_patterns.htm

 

Well I am getting closer to needing new tires so I think I am going to go with the size that my lift recommends 295/75/16. I like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 so I think I am going to go with them. They are priced well and in my budget at $205 per tire plus all the other fees.

I am also thinking about the Level 8 Tracker wheels. What do you guys think? I haven't bought wheels in so long I have no clue. It also seems like the in thing is to go with the black wheels. I am actually kind of pissed that I have to get rid of my Centerline wheels.

 

Have you read this thread on Ford produced wheels that fit the Excursion? Proably be a Craigslist find... but you live in Cali, so you may have no problem finding a set you like - maybe even save a few bucks?

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ls-thread.html

a lot of good info there

 

Most of the wheels discussed in that thread would require spacers/adapters to correctly fit an EX as they are from the '05+ SD pickups, so that would escalate the cost involved in using them. Another wheel family to consider is the '04 OEM 18" that came on some model pickups for that single year, back before the SD suspension changes in '05 that brought about the newer wheels that need the spacers. Here is a thread that discusses those wheels. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...excursion.html

 

Thanks for the links guys.


I kind of like this look. This guy is running V codes which I think gives a 2" lift to the front but he says he is rubbing the leaf springs. I have 3.5" hangers in the front with 2" blocks in the rear.

Wheels are 16x9 Offset: -12 Backspacing: 4.5 and the tires are Toyo Open Country A/T II 295/75

 

The leafsprings are going to be there regardless of whether you have stock with 3.5" drops, V's, X's, or a one-off custom 14". It still has to bolt on to the axle beside the wheel.

Also, do what YOU like. It's YOUR vehicle, not anybody else's. Personally I prefer the look of the polished ones you posted as the have the same contours and design asthetics as the old alcoa style wheels from the OBS line.

While I like my BFG KO2 AT's for their road manners, balance, and noise level... they have started wearing absurdly fast after the 30k mark and I'm not alone on that. Razzi's needing new tires as well already, and he's either stock or one size up.

 

If im correct u can run a 305/70/16 on stock lift. 295 u shouldnt have any problem

 

Just remember 305 is the width and 70 the aspect. Best to check diameter and revs per mile when comparing among sizes.

 

I went through a lot of time comparing all of the options. I have F250/350 springs but no additional lift. What I concludes was that 18" rims was the best option. It gave me a wide variety of tires to choose from, lower prices for the same diameter compared to 16", better availability, and better ride/looks then going for the ghetto 20"+ rims.