Does F150 and Expedition have same bolt pattern?
Yes. Both the Ford F-150 and Ford Expedition generally use a 6x135 mm bolt pattern, which means many wheels are interchangeable across modern models. Still, it’s essential to confirm year-specific specs, including hub bore and wheel offset, before swapping. This article explains what that means in practice and how to verify compatibility.
Bolt pattern basics
The bolt pattern (also called lug pattern or wheel bolt pattern) is defined by the number of lug holes and the diameter of the circle that passes through the centers of those lugs. For both the F-150 and Expedition in their current and most recent generations, the standard is 6 lugs on a 135 mm bolt circle (often written as 6x135 or 6x5.315 inches).
To help vehicle owners and wheel shoppers gauge interchangeability, here is a quick snapshot of the common pattern across these two models:
- F-150 (1997-present): 6x135 mm bolt pattern.
- Expedition (1997-present): 6x135 mm bolt pattern.
Conclusion: In practice, this shared pattern means wheels and rims that fit one vehicle will generally fit the other, provided the hub bore, center bore, and offset are compatible.
Additional fit considerations
Even when the lug pattern matches, wheel compatibility depends on several other factors that can affect fit and safety. The following checks help ensure a proper, safe swap:
- Hub bore compatibility: Ensure the wheel's center bore either matches the vehicle’s hub or you use a suitable centering ring. Ford hub bores are typically around the 87 mm range, but verify for your exact year.
- Brake clearance and caliper size: Some wheels may rub or fail to clear large calipers or rotor hats. Check brake components on both vehicles.
- Offset and backspacing: The wheel offset/backspacing must suit both vehicles to maintain correct track width and avoid rubbing on suspension components or fenders.
- Wheel size, diameter, and width: Ensure the wheel diameter and width are appropriate for tire clearance and the fender/wheel well geometry.
Bottom line: A same-pattern wheel can fit both vehicles, but proper fitment depends on bore, offset, and clearance. When in doubt, consult a wheel specialist or a dealership service department.
Summary
The F-150 and Expedition share a common 6x135 mm lug pattern across most generations, which enables wheel interchangeability when hub bore and offset are compatible. Always verify exact year specs and consider professional installation to ensure safe fitment and braking clearance.
What bolt pattern is a Ford Expedition?
The Ford Expedition's lug pattern is 6x135 for model years 2003 and newer, while the 1996-2002 models have a 5x135 lug pattern.
- 2003-Present: The lug pattern is 6 bolts with a 135mm bolt circle diameter (6×1356 cross 1356×135).
- 1996-2002: The lug pattern is 5 bolts with a 135mm bolt circle diameter (5×1355 cross 1355×135).
Will F-150 rims fit on an Expedition?
Yes, Ford Expedition wheels will generally fit a Ford F-150, as they share the same 6x135mm bolt pattern and have compatible hub bore sizes. However, the fit can be tight, and you may need to use wheel spacers or grind down the rear axle's threaded shaft to fit the center caps.
For Expedition wheels on an F-150
- Bolt pattern: Both the F-150 and Expedition use a 6x135mm bolt pattern, so the wheels will bolt on correctly.
- Center caps: A common issue is the rear axle's threaded shaft protruding too far for the center cap to fit.
- You can either run the wheels without the center caps.
- Or, you can trim the axle shaft by about 1/4 to 1/2 inch with an angle grinder or hacksaw.
- Wheel spacers: Some users have reported needing small wheel spacers, especially on the rear, to get the center cap to fit properly.
For F-150 wheels on an Expedition
- Bolt pattern: The bolt pattern is the same, so they will bolt on correctly.
- Center caps: The rear axle on the Expedition can also cause the center cap to not fit, requiring similar modifications.
What bolt pattern does a Ford F-150 have?
The F-150 bolt pattern is 6x135mm for all models from 2004 to the present. Older models have different bolt patterns: the 1997-2003 F-150s use a 5x135mm pattern, and the 1992-1996 models use a 5x139.7mm pattern.
You can watch this video to learn how to identify wheel bolt patterns: 53sChrisFixYouTube · Jan 17, 2019
Ford F-150 bolt patterns by year:
- 2004-Present: 6x135mm
- 1997-2003: 5x135mm
- 1992-1996: 5x139.7mm
Important considerations for wheels:
- Hub Bore: The center hub bore is 87.1mm for most modern F-150s. When using aftermarket wheels with a larger hub bore, you will need to use hub-centric rings to ensure a proper fit and prevent vibrations.
- Offset: The stock wheel offset ranges from +44mm to +44mm, but aftermarket options can go as low as -76mm.
- Lug Nuts: For 2004-2014 F-150s, the thread size is M14x2. For 2015-2023 models, it is M14x1.5.
Will F-150 rims fit Explorer?
No, Ford Explorer wheels will not fit a Ford F-150 due to different bolt patterns and hub sizes. The F-150 uses a 6-lug, 6x135mm bolt pattern, while most Explorers use a 5-lug, 5x114.3mm pattern. You would need a wheel adapter to make them fit, but this is generally not recommended due to potential safety and alignment issues.
Why they don't fit
- Bolt Pattern: The F-150 has a 6-lug bolt pattern (6×1356 cross 1356×135 mm), whereas most Explorers have a 5-lug pattern (5×114.35 cross 114.35×114.3 mm).
- Hub Size: The center bore (hub size) of the Explorer wheels is smaller than the F-150's hub, which prevents the wheel from sitting flush on the hub.
- Offset: The wheel offset is also different, which could affect the vehicle's handling and wheel alignment.
Alternatives
- Get F-150 wheels: The safest and most reliable option is to purchase wheels specifically designed for your F-150.
- Use adapters (not recommended): While adapters can be used to change the bolt pattern, they are not recommended for safety reasons, as they can be a potential failure point.
