My wife's '98 EB Expedition 4x4 has the stock 17" wheels. We would like to upgrade to a nicer looking 17" aftermarket wheel but need some help with the sizing.

What is the size of the stock 17" wheel and how much backspacing does it have?

thanks.

Rob

 

Aw crud...I do not have this info commited to memory. HOWEVER! Most sites will show you wheels that are compatible with your truck. That info may be contained there also.

Have you visited www.tirerack.com for example?

I believe the width is 7.5 but am unsure of the backspacing (although easily measured with the wheel removed...)

 

I went through the same thing, trying to find information on the backspacing. More accurately, they are called "offset". The offset information turned out to be very difficult to find. Tirerack, tire shops, catalogs, this Forum, and other online sources, no one seems to know.

The 17 x 7.5" wheel on my 2002 Navigator has a 14mm (positive) offset and 5 x 135 mm bolt pattern. This information should always be stamped or cast on the back of each wheel (I was too lazy to remove the wheel to look).

The other piece of information that is important is the hub-bore size. I believe the OE wheels are hub-centric. This puts the load of the wheel on the hub rather than the studs. It's important to get wheels that have the same hub bore size for proper centering. I haven't been able to get the OE specs, and good luck getting that information from aftermarket makers.

Lastly, any 8" or 8.5" wheels that I've seen that would fit have 0 mm offset. This means that you are pushing the wheel away from the axle about 3/4" after the math is done. This puts more load on the wheel bearings and suspension, and can change the handling characteristics/alignment.

JAMES.

 

that is some good info! Thanks for posting snoVVVman.

 

You're welcome. Do keep in mind, though, that your 04 (and 03s) has a 6-lug hub rather than 5 (up to 2002).

JAMES.

 

I got lucky. I was able to pick up off of Ebay a set stock 04 XLT than had been chromed. Some one had bought a set of new stock wheels from Ford and then took them into a Chrome shop for plating. He could not pay for them so the Chrome shop put them up on Ebay. I was able to get them for #200.00 plus $80 shipping. I then was able to pick up a set of EB center caps ( chrome) for $40 plus shipping. Last week when the weather got nice I had Big O Tire install the with the OEM Conti tires, Mounted balanced and pressure reinstalled on new wheel for $60. So for under $400 I was lucky enough to get some nice look wheels. Now for new pads to get rid of brake dust. For me they are fine I did not want to go with larger rims, just wanted nicer look wheels. So far the Conti tire are fine no probles other than they are noisy. Never have had a good OEM time. When I get my IRS refund I will take my share I buy better tires and put the Conti back on original rims for winter us (no snow in Sacramento CA) Good luck, look on Ebay

Tom

04 XLT Estate Green 5.4, 3:73, Hd towing, tan Leather.(wife's)
66 Mustang Notch back, gold/black vinyl top, 289 4spd, shelby suspension, original owner (ours)
Non Ford pickup.(mine)