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18” vs 20” Wheels

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Old Aug 14, 2018 | 07:45 PM
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18” vs 20” Wheels

What are the pros and cons between 18” vs 20” wheels? Will be my daily driver with a 100 mile round trip for work. Looking to tow 5er upon retirement.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2018 | 08:10 PM
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Ride. Ride. Ride. Smaller sidewall equates a smoother ride.


 
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Old Aug 14, 2018 | 09:02 PM
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Larger sidewalk smoother ride.

I just made same comment in another thread. My truck is a 250 crew cab, 6.7, fx4 package and camper package.

Bc of camper package it came w 18” wheels and AT tires. Truck rode really well. I swapped to the ford 20” machined wheel with 285/65R20 tires. Ride was much stiffer. I then added Rancho 9000XL’s. I feel like I’m back to square one, but would have really been nice to have Rancho’s w 18” wheels.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2018 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by brentadams646
Ride. Ride. Ride. Smaller sidewall equates a smoother ride.


By the looks of your SD, I think you meant “larger” sidewalls equate to a smoother ride...extra larger sidewalls are like hovercrafts!
 
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Old Aug 14, 2018 | 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by WVSD
I swapped to the ford 20”
Why the swap, as ride seems important to you? Stance, looks...?
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 05:37 AM
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Originally Posted by rtraviator


Why the swap, as ride seems important to you? Stance, looks...?
I loved the machine 20’s. I think for a stock wheel they are one of the best looking.

Also I didn’t expect there to be that much difference in Ride.

My last truck was a raptor so big difference in ride, but I love the SD and the 6.7.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 06:21 AM
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Originally Posted by WVSD
Larger sidewalk smoother ride.

I just made same comment in another thread. My truck is a 250 crew cab, 6.7, fx4 package and camper package.

Bc of camper package it came w 18” wheels and AT tires. Truck rode really well. I swapped to the ford 20” machined wheel with 285/65R20 tires. Ride was much stiffer. I then added Rancho 9000XL’s. I feel like I’m back to square one, but would have really been nice to have Rancho’s w 18” wheels.
I have camper package also. Stock 18's and rancho 9000Xls. My ride is pretty darn good considering. Only option I have that don't need or wish I didn't have is the front plow springs. Ride could even be better with the standard springs.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 07:58 AM
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The 20's handle better onroad BUT off road less sidewall to absorb shocks.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 08:01 AM
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18" tires will be easier to find at $200 ea. 20" tires are easily $300 ea. Spend more on wheels to spend more on tires. Honestly, if I found someone who wanted to swap my 20" wheels for some non-chrome 18" wheels, I'd do it without hesitation
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 09:04 AM
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I can't find the specs right now, but I thought the 18's had a higher load rating than the 20's? If the OP is looking to tow a fiver, maybe take that into consideration too.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Sterling_47ag
I have camper package also. Stock 18's and rancho 9000Xls. My ride is pretty darn good considering. Only option I have that don't need or wish I didn't have is the front plow springs. Ride could even be better with the standard springs.
which is why I chose the 3.31 with 18” wheels instead of 3.55 so I didn’t have to have extra HD front suspension or camper package. Ride was great stock but went ahead with the adjustable Rancho 9000 xl’s which sweetened the ride. I’ve had truck for 10 weeks and still get extra happy every time I drive the truck.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 01:54 PM
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If ever going to tow a 5er, then I would suggest going with the 18" tires if you can. I have the 20" (the 18's weren't an option in my trim level), and am nose high on my 5er due to the bed height of these new trucks. I've since upgraded the wheels/tires on my 5er to help address the nose high situation, but still not quite level. Every little bit helps.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by brentadams646
Ride. Ride. Ride. Smaller sidewall equates a smoother ride.


I think you have a typo there. Smaller sidewalls is harsher ride.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Larrymac52

which is why I chose the 3.31 with 18” wheels instead of 3.55 so I didn’t have to have extra HD front suspension or camper package. Ride was great stock but went ahead with the adjustable Rancho 9000 xl’s which sweetened the ride. I’ve had truck for 10 weeks and still get extra happy every time I drive the truck.
Exactly the same here. 3.31 with 18" on my 350 CC PSD. People who ride in it are shocked at how well it rides. (yes, I see what I did there). I will be adding the XLs too.

 
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by rtraviator
What are the pros and cons between 18” vs 20” wheels? Will be my daily driver with a 100 mile round trip for work. Looking to tow 5er upon retirement.
yes the 18”s ride substantially better. My friend and I purchased the exact same trucks in 2008. Only difference is that his has 18” wheels vs my 20” wheels. I couldn’t believe the difference. Which brings me to today and why I’m ordering a new Lariat F350 with 18” wheels. I will never own another set of 20’s.
 
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