Are all F-150 6 lug patterns the same?
The short answer is no: six-lug wheel patterns on Ford F-150 pickups vary by year and model, so not every F-150 uses the same bolt circle. To swap wheels or install aftermarket rims, you must confirm your exact pattern for your truck’s year, trim, and configuration.
Understanding why this matters requires a look at how bolt patterns are defined, how they evolved across F-150 generations, and how to verify yours before making a wheel purchase. This article explains what to check and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Why bolt patterns differ on the F-150
Bolt patterns (lug counts, bolt circle diameter, and center bore) are determined by the vehicle’s hub design and braking system. Over the years, Ford updated the F-150’s wheels and hubs for various generations, which means that even among six-lug F-150s, there can be different bolt-circle sizes and bore specifications. Confident compatibility requires matching the exact pattern for your specific truck.
How to identify your truck’s bolt pattern
This practical checklist helps you verify the correct pattern before buying wheels or adapters.
- Count the lug holes on the hub to confirm you’re dealing with a six-lug arrangement.
- Measure the bolt circle diameter by spanning the center of opposite lug holes; round to the nearest millimeter.
- Check the wheel center bore size and whether the wheel is hub-centric or lug-centric.
- Cross-check the exact year, trim, and whether you’re using factory wheels or aftermarket parts, using the vehicle’s VIN or door placard and Ford’s parts catalog.
With these checks, you’ll avoid ordering wheels that won’t fit or that require unsafe adapters, saving time and money.
Practical shopping tips for wheel compatibility
When shopping for wheels or tires, compatibility goes beyond just counting lug holes. The following guidance helps prevent mismatches that affect safety and performance.
- Do not rely on visual guesses or the number of holes alone—confirm the exact bolt circle diameter and pattern.
- Request the precise bolt pattern and bore size from sellers and compare with your vehicle’s official specifications.
- If you consider adapters to reconcile a mismatch, understand that they can alter offset, brake clearance, and handling, and may be subject to local regulations.
Always prioritize a pattern that matches your F-150’s factory specs, or consult a tire and wheel professional before making a change.
Summary
Not all F-150 six-lug patterns are the same. Across generations, Ford has used different bolt-circle sizes and hub configurations, so a wheel that fits one F-150 may not fit another. To ensure a safe and reliable installation, verify the exact bolt pattern for your specific year and trim—using the door placard, VIN-based catalogs, or a dealership—and consider center bore, offset, and caliper clearance. If in doubt, seek professional guidance.
Are all Ford F150 lug patterns the same?
When replacing the wheels, ensure they have the correct bolt pattern for your vehicle. Fortunately, the F-150 bolt pattern has been the same in all model years from 2004 to the present, so you won't have to do a lot of leg work visiting Normal-area tire shops to find wheels with the lug pattern you need.
What year does the F-150 have a 6x135 bolt pattern?
All 2004 through present Ford F-150s feature a 6x135 bolt pattern. For offset options, we recommend an 0ET for a fantastic off-road stance.
What is the bolt pattern on a Ford F150 6?
The Ford F-150 has a 6-lug bolt pattern of 6x135mm for model years 2004 through 2025. Before 2004, the F-150s had a 5-lug pattern, while the 6x135mm pattern has been standard on all 6-lug F-150s from 2004 to the present.
Key specifications for the 6x135mm bolt pattern
- Bolt Pattern: 6x135mm
- Center Bore: 87.1mm
- Lug Nut Size: M14 x 2.0
- Recommended Torque: 150 ft-lbs
Is 6x135 and 6x139 7 the same?
The main difference is that 6x135 is a bolt pattern used by Ford trucks and SUVs, while 6x139.7 is used by many other manufacturers, including Chevrolet, GMC, and Toyota. They are not interchangeable, and wheels with a 6x135 bolt pattern will not fit on a hub with a 6x139.7 bolt pattern, and vice-versa. You can only use an adapter to convert between the two patterns.
This video explains the compatibility of Toyota and Chevy 6-lug wheels: 58sSyrus54YouTube · Nov 6, 2017
Key differences
- 6x135: This bolt pattern is specifically used by Ford vehicles, including the F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Mark LT/Navigator.
- 6x139.7: Also known as 6x5.5 inches, this is a common bolt pattern for many other brands, such as Chevrolet, GMC, and Toyota.
- Incompatibility: A wheel with a 6x135 bolt pattern cannot be directly mounted onto a 6x139.7 hub because the spacing between the lug holes is different.
- Solution: To use wheels from one pattern on a vehicle with the other, you must use a wheel adapter. These adapters are designed to convert one bolt pattern to another, allowing the wheels to be properly mounted.
Important considerations when using adapters
- Center bore: Adapters must match or be larger than your vehicle's hub bore, which can differ between brands even with similar bolt patterns (e.g., Ford vs. Chevrolet).
- Offset: Adapters can change your wheel's offset, which affects how far the wheel sits from the hub. This can be useful for achieving a desired look or clearing wider tires, but it's important to choose the correct thickness to avoid rubbing issues.
- Hardware: Ensure the adapter's studs and lug nuts are high-quality and have the correct thread pitch for your vehicle.
