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Can you put 20 inch rims on a Ford Ranger?

The short answer is yes, you can put 20-inch rims on a Ford Ranger, but it may require some modifications and considerations. The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck, and the size of the wheels and tires it can accommodate is an important factor to consider when customizing the vehicle.

Factors to Consider

When installing larger rims on a Ford Ranger, there are several factors to consider:

Wheel and Tire Size: The Ford Ranger is typically equipped with 16-inch or 17-inch wheels, and the maximum recommended tire size is typically around 265/70R16 or 265/65R17. Upgrading to 20-inch rims will require larger tires, which can affect the vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency, and clearance.

Wheel Well Clearance: Larger wheels and tires may not fit within the Ranger's wheel wells without modifications, such as fender flares or suspension lifts, to provide the necessary clearance.

Brake Caliper Clearance: The larger wheels may also interfere with the brake calipers, requiring the use of smaller brake components or custom wheel spacers.

Speedometer and Odometer Accuracy: Changing the tire size can affect the accuracy of the vehicle's speedometer and odometer, which may need to be recalibrated.

It's important to carefully research and plan any wheel and tire upgrades to ensure they are compatible with your Ford Ranger and meet all safety and legal requirements.

Installation Considerations

If you decide to install 20-inch rims on your Ford Ranger, there are a few additional considerations:

Wheel and Tire Compatibility: Ensure that the new wheels and tires are the correct size, offset, and bolt pattern for your Ranger model.

Suspension Modifications: Depending on the size of the new wheels and tires, you may need to make suspension modifications, such as a lift kit, to provide the necessary clearance and maintain proper handling.

Professional Installation: It's recommended to have the wheel and tire installation performed by a professional automotive shop to ensure proper fitment and safety.

By carefully considering these factors and working with a reputable automotive specialist, you can successfully install 20-inch rims on your Ford Ranger and enjoy the custom look and performance.

What size wheels can I put on my Ranger?

Best Size Wheels For Ford Ranger

Bolt Pattern: 6×139.7 Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD)
Wheel Diameter: 15 inch to 24 inch.
Wheel Width: 6.5 inch to 12 inch.
Offset Range: -24 to +35 mm.
Suspension Setups: stock suspension up to 6 inch lift kit.

What is the maximum tire size for a Ford Ranger?

Hi mate, I went with 265/70/R17. That is the biggest tyre you can get legally without a lift. Went to flinders rangers and did some pretty serious 4WDing and got away without a lift but only just.

Do 20 wheels affect gas mileage?

Yes, 20-inch rims can negatively affect gas mileage primarily due to increased weight and potential changes in aerodynamics. Heavier rims require more power to accelerate and brake, which leads to higher fuel consumption. Additionally, the larger size and different designs of 20-inch wheels can create more wind resistance, further decreasing fuel efficiency.

Key reasons for the impact on gas mileage

Weight: 20-inch rims and the tires that fit them are often heavier than smaller options. This increased rotating mass requires more energy, and therefore more fuel, to get the vehicle moving and to maintain speed.
Aerodynamics: Larger wheels, especially off-road or more open-spoke designs, can catch more wind. This increased air resistance, or drag, means the engine has to work harder to overcome it, reducing your gas mileage.
Rolling Resistance: The larger surface area of wider, 20-inch tires can increase friction with the road. This higher rolling resistance contributes to a lower MPG because more energy is needed to keep the tires moving.
Potential for taller tires: If the 20-inch rims are paired with tires that are taller than the original equipment, it can also affect gear ratios, which can negatively impact fuel economy in stop-and-go city driving.

Factors that can influence the impact

Tire and wheel design: The specific design matters. Lighter-weight 20-inch rims with an aerodynamic design will have less of a negative impact than heavy, less aerodynamic ones.
Tire profile: The height of the tire's sidewall affects the ride and handling. Tires with lower, or "shorter," sidewalls that come with 20-inch rims can provide better performance but may result in a bumpier ride and still lead to a fuel economy decrease.

What year to stay away from Ford Ranger?

The Ford Ranger years to avoid include the 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2019 models due to common problems like transmission issues, engine troubles, and electrical faults. Other years to approach with caution are 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2020, which may have specific issues such as timing chain problems or first-model-year bugs.

This video discusses the Ford Ranger's issues to avoid: 59sEveryman DriverYouTube · Oct 18, 2019
Key years to avoid and their common problems

1999: Frequently cited as one of the worst models, with issues including engine gauge problems, transmission and engine failures, and electrical and suspension issues.
2001: Noted for transmission problems, rough shifting, and a flashing overdrive light. It also had numerous recalls.
2002–2006: This period had spotty reliability and included models with timing chain problems (especially the 4.0-liter engine), automatic transmission durability issues, and front suspension wear. The 2002 and 2004 models are specifically mentioned for engine and transmission issues.
2019: This first-model-year for the new generation had issues like rough or shuddering gear shifts and costly transmission problems. Other reported problems include poorly fitting rear doors and flaking paint.

You can watch this video to learn about common problems in used Ford Rangers: 54sCars.co.zaYouTube · Jul 17, 2025
Other years to be cautious of

2000, 2005, 2008, and 2011: These years have also been flagged for various problems, including engine and transmission faults.
2020: Has been cited as a year to avoid due to first-model-year bugs that were later addressed, such as transmission and build quality concerns.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.