I have a 2004 F-250 and I am looking to upgrade my factory rims. My question is what is the weight capacity rating for the factory rims. I want to make sure that I at least get the same weight rating for my new rim so that it will take my 5th wheel. FORD cannot answer this question. Which is amazing to me based on the fact that they sell the truck. I was told by one of the tire shops that only forged steel rims will work for withstanding my 17,000 lb 5th wheel. These rims are around $300 a rim so I'm hoping that maybe this guy is just trying to sucker me and I don't necessarily need FORGED rims for my truck. I don't think Ford rims are forged. Any help is welcomed

Another question is that I remember seeing 04 Ford F-250 and F-350 right before the 05's came out with different types of rims other than the regular XLT and lariat rims. Does anyone know if these rims were 16" or did they move to the 17" right before the 05's came out? I'm looking at maybe just getting those rims if they are also 16". Let me know. Thanks.

 

The rims that probably came on your 04 are Alcoa's. They are hub centric...and I do believed they are forged...but I could be wrong.

If you want to replace the rims with similar features..you are going to be limited in choice. I do know that WELD Racing are Forged and Hub Centric.. I think there is a new company coming out called USA Forged or something to that effect..that are also Forged and Hub Centric.

 

Bear hunter what do you mean by hub Centric?

 

Blu,

The weight of the truck is supported by the Hub vs. the lugs. Most aftermarket wheels are lug centric.

 

So by going with a wheel that is lug centric this is dangerous or is just different? Can you hurt somthing by going with jug centric.
Ryan

 

3415 pounds

fleet.ford has a body builders advisory site with specs with loads of good info...

Check p61 of the F250 specs for your factory wheels.

American Eagle makes good inexpensive alloy wheels rated at 3420 pounds.

 

Thanks redhawk. I will check out american eagle.

 

The Ford Manual also states to use Hub Centric wheels...but then again it also says not to modify your suspension....(Whoops!)

This is how I understand it:

Hub centric wheels are a feature on newer vehicles. I'm not sure exactly when they came out. Older vehicles used lug centric wheels. People have been towing all this time with their older vehicles on lug centric wheels. The newer vehicles as stated came with hub centric...I don't know if the load/tow capacity increased as a result, but it would be interesting to find out. I also don't know if the lugs are different on newer trucks with hub centric wheels (ie..the design as it relates to structural integrity of the entire system for Hub Centric). If it is different (which I'm not sure of)..then I would guess that the load rating of a lug centric wheel on a truck meant for Hub Centric would really not mean much. I have heard of newer trucks fracturing a lug centric wheel...I don't recall the make of the rim, but I want to say it was a cheaper after market wheel.

What does it all mean? Well, if you tow a lot and tow heavy...I would get Hub Centric just for my piece of mind. Also if your vehicle is still under warrantee and you switch to a lug centric wheel...and have a failure that is related...Ford could choose to refuse warrantee work.

Thats what I've heard FWIW.

 

Cool Bear Hunter I will ask my tire shop about hub centric wheels. Thanks for the info. Any info on the other part of my message about the new style of rims on the 04's right before the 05's came out?

 

Blu,

I don't know....My guess is that it would have been made by Alcoa since there are very few companies that make hub centric wheels. You might try their website and see if you can't find it.

 

Thanks I'll check them out...

 

...whatever you decide...don't get a cheap cast aluminum wheel for your $45000 truck. Forged Aluminum is stronger and I believe the finish will also last longer. Cheap cast wheels are structurally weaker and will pitt and fade over time, especially in adverse weather conditions. Also be weary about cheap chrome wheels...do your research and make sure the quality is what you are expecting. Cheap chrome wheels can flake. It would be better to stay with your factory wheels under those conditions.

...just my opinion

 

Im on centerline's website right now looking at wheels how can you tell if its hubccentirc or lug? i cant find where it says it

thanks ryan

 

Center bore on a hub-centric wheel is 4.93"

I agree that a hub-centeric forged one piece wheel is the best route to go.....I'm about to order some Weld Cheyenne 8s for my truck.