20" Wheels?
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 30
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20" Wheels?
I have a 99 Ford Explorer 4.0l vs OHV.
In the spring and summer time I run 20" Chrome wheels. Make my truck look so beautiful. Question is this? My normal stock wheels are only 15". Am I doing any harm to my front suspension.
I have taken my 20" wheels off now and replaced with my stock 15" due to winter now here in Minnesota, but in the past few months I have had a #of things done to my truck.
I have had all new shocks put in, had lower ball joints replaced, and Right CV-Shaft replaced. I do have 102,000 miles on my vehicle which i would think maybe the cause of the replacements lately, but one mechanic told me by running the bigger custom wheels, I am wearing my front suspension out faster.
Said my front end was not made to endure the size, width, and weight, of the 20" wheels.
Is this correct? Does anyone else run bigger wheels?
In the spring and summer time I run 20" Chrome wheels. Make my truck look so beautiful. Question is this? My normal stock wheels are only 15". Am I doing any harm to my front suspension.
I have taken my 20" wheels off now and replaced with my stock 15" due to winter now here in Minnesota, but in the past few months I have had a #of things done to my truck.
I have had all new shocks put in, had lower ball joints replaced, and Right CV-Shaft replaced. I do have 102,000 miles on my vehicle which i would think maybe the cause of the replacements lately, but one mechanic told me by running the bigger custom wheels, I am wearing my front suspension out faster.
Said my front end was not made to endure the size, width, and weight, of the 20" wheels.
Is this correct? Does anyone else run bigger wheels?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Newport News, VA
Those tires and wheels as a package are probably heavier than stock and that will put greater stresses on bushings and bearings. Generaly anything over 18" will be much heavier than stock. These 20" wheels (and larger) are designed for use on show vehicles only and not everyday driving. It would really suck if you had a flat out in the boonies somewhere and the nearest store that carries oversize tires is 300 miles away!
The whole idea is to reduce unsprung weight not increase it! Greater unsprung weight will increase stresses and ultimately damage suspension components.
Another question is are the 20"ers the same exact outside diameter as the 15"ers. If not the truck has been been driving at a different rate of speed and distance then indicated by your speedometer/odometer.
The whole idea is to reduce unsprung weight not increase it! Greater unsprung weight will increase stresses and ultimately damage suspension components.
Another question is are the 20"ers the same exact outside diameter as the 15"ers. If not the truck has been been driving at a different rate of speed and distance then indicated by your speedometer/odometer.
