Wheel fitment
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 108
From: Staten Island, NY
I would imagine that they'll fit but you're going to have to reprogram the computer. That's a BIG change in tire circumference so virtually everything in the drivetrain will be affected. Keeping the same axle ratio with this tire change will be like having 4.10's in it.
A quick online check shows that the 20's make about 690 revolutions in a mile while the 17's would make about 830.
A quick online check shows that the 20's make about 690 revolutions in a mile while the 17's would make about 830.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
As long as the actual tire diameter is the same, I don't see where there would be a difference in what size wheel you run. I am more concerned about fitment over the brake calipers.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 108
From: Staten Island, NY
You may have a problem with that. From the info I can find on line the stock tire for your vehicle was a 255/50R-20 with a tire diameter of about 30 in. It also appears that almost all of the 17 inch tires that you could use have diameters ranging from 24 to 26 inches. To get out to a 30 inch tire you would probably have to go with a light truck tire.
What is it your wife doesn't like about the 20's? The look, the ride? I had a '14 Sport with the 20's and the ride was terrible. That was one of the reasons I traded it after 3 years.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 108
From: Staten Island, NY
A quick look around the web at tire and wheel suppliers shows the smallest wheel to fit the Explorer as 18". Your best bet would be to go to a tire / wheel retailer and have them try to mount a 17" wheel on the vehicle. I doubt it will fit.
If you do go over to a light truck tire you'll give up a lot of the handling the Explorer is good at. The tire construction and tall sidewalls of a 30" diameter LT tire will make it actually handle like a truck. I agree, the 20's didn't look or ride that well on my Sport but I did enjoy the handling.
If you do go over to a light truck tire you'll give up a lot of the handling the Explorer is good at. The tire construction and tall sidewalls of a 30" diameter LT tire will make it actually handle like a truck. I agree, the 20's didn't look or ride that well on my Sport but I did enjoy the handling.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Minnesota
It's not a sports car, so handling like one is not a priority. All season tire choices are more of a factor for us, which pretty much do not exist in the 20" wheel sizes. Also, not looking forward to replacing a wheel when one gets destroyed by a pothole or other crappy road malady found here. I don't believe a 4x4 should have the big wheel/rubber band tire combo. Just my opinion.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Minnesota
You state the smallest wheel to fit an Explorer is an 18". I thought the Base models came with 17s.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Broken Arrow
My 2013 base model Explorer came factory with 17" wheels running a 246/65/17 tire. Just check your backspacing and a 17 will work great.
Update: the limited my be equipped with "heavy Duty" brakes. If this is the case 18" wheels will be the smallest you can run.
Update: the limited my be equipped with "heavy Duty" brakes. If this is the case 18" wheels will be the smallest you can run.
Last edited by Aciancio; Jan 22, 2018 at 11:38 PM. Reason: Additional information
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