What is the bolt pattern on a Ford 8 lug?
Ford’s 8-lug trucks typically use an 8x170 bolt pattern, meaning eight lug holes arranged on a 170 millimeter bolt circle. This pattern is standard on Ford’s heavier-duty pickups and related vehicles, though exact fit can vary by model, year, and wheel specifications.
Bolt pattern basics
The term 8x170 describes two things: there are eight lug holes, and the distance across the circle that passes through opposite holes is 170 millimeters (about 6.69 inches). This pattern is paired with a specific center bore and hub-fit characteristics that influence wheel mounting and alignment. For Ford trucks, the center bore is typically around 106.0 millimeters, but always verify the exact specification for your vehicle and wheel combo.
Ford’s 8-lug configuration is most commonly associated with its heavier-duty platforms. The following are the primary applications historically using this exact bolt pattern:
- Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks (F-250, F-350, F-450, and newer generations)
- Ford Excursion, a large SUV built on the Super Duty chassis
These applications have been the standard reference points for the 8x170 bolt pattern. Some other Ford commercial or specialty vehicles have used the same or very similar lug arrangements in certain years, but for wheel replacements and aftermarket fits, the 8x170 specification is the key detail to confirm.
How to verify the bolt pattern on your vehicle
Before buying wheels or adapters, confirm the exact bolt pattern on your vehicle. The steps below help you verify quickly and accurately.
- Count the lug holes on the wheel hub. If there are eight, you’re in the 8-lug family.
- Measure the bolt circle diameter by drawing a line across two opposite lug holes through the center of the hub. If the distance is about 170 millimeters (6.69 inches), you have an 8x170 pattern.
- Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual, service manual, or the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact bolt pattern, center bore, and recommended wheel fitment.
- Note the center bore size and whether the wheel is hub-centric or lug-centric, as mismatches can affect fit and vibration.
When in doubt, contact a dealer, refer to the official spec sheet for your model year, or bring a sample wheel to a reputable tire/wheel shop for confirmation.
Additional considerations for compatibility
Center bore and hub-centric fit
Most Ford 8x170 wheels have a center bore around 106.0 millimeters. Some aftermarket wheels require hub-centric rings or adapters if the bore does not match your vehicle. Using wheels with the correct hub fitment helps ensure proper alignment and reduces vibration.
Aftermarket wheels and availability
Aftermarket wheel options for Ford 8x170 vehicles are common, but you’ll still need to match bolt pattern, center bore, offset, and backspacing. Verify the offset and clearance to avoid rubbing on fenders, brakes, or suspension components. If you’re unsure, consult a professional to confirm compatibility before purchase.
Summary
The Ford 8-lug bolt pattern you’re most likely dealing with is 8x170 (eight bolts on a 170 mm bolt circle). It is standard on Ford heavy-duty platforms like the F-Series Super Duty and the Excursion, with the usual center bore around 106 mm. Always verify the exact pattern, bore, and offset for your specific vehicle and wheel to ensure a proper, safe fit.
Is the Ford 8 Lug the same as Chevy?
No, modern 8-lug Ford and Chevy wheels are not the same, though older models had compatible bolt patterns. Ford switched to an 8x170mm pattern for its Super Duty trucks starting in 1999, while Chevy uses 8x180mm, making them physically different. Before 1999, Ford and Chevy (along with Dodge) shared an 8x6.5-inch pattern, but even then, a smaller center bore on Chevy wheels could prevent them from fitting on Fords.
Differences between Ford and Chevy 8-lug wheels
| Ford | Chevy | |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt Pattern (pre-1999) | 8x6.5-inch | 8x6.5-inch |
| Bolt Pattern (1999 and newer) | 8x170mm | 8x180mm (for newer trucks) |
| Center Bore | Larger on older models | Smaller on older models, leading to fitment issues |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_O9clae6eB4jsi-gP7byc0QY_200';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
Key takeaways
- Older trucks are different: A 1998 Ford and an older Chevy might both have an 8x6.5-inch bolt pattern, but the center bore size is often the deciding factor for fitment, with the Chevy's being smaller.
- Newer trucks are incompatible: A modern Super Duty Ford (1999+) with an 8x170mm pattern and a modern 8-lug Chevy with an 8x180mm pattern will not be compatible.
- Aftermarket wheels are different: Aftermarket wheels are often made with a larger center bore to fit a wide range of trucks, regardless of the factory differences.
- Check before you buy: It's crucial to confirm the specific year and bolt pattern of both your truck and the wheels you plan to use, especially when buying used OEM wheels.
What is the Ford 8 lug bolt pattern?
Ford's 8-lug bolt pattern is not a single standard, but typically refers to one of two sizes: 8x170mm (8×6.698 cross 6.698×6.69") for newer Super Duty trucks (1999-present) or 8x6.5" ($8 \times 165.1$mm) for older 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks (e.g., pre-1999 F-250 and F-350). To determine the correct pattern, you must check the specific year and model of the Ford vehicle, as they have used both sizes depending on the generation.
| Bolt Pattern | Metric Equivalent | Applicable Ford Models |
|---|---|---|
| 8x6.5" | $8 \times 165.1$mm | Older F-250/F-350 (e.g., 1961-1998) |
| 8x170mm | 8×6.698 cross 6.698×6.69” | Newer Super Duty F-250/F-350 (1999-present) |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_O9clae6eB4jsi-gP7byc0QY_163';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
Is 8X6.5 and 8x165 the same lug pattern?
Yes, "8x165" and "8x6.5" refer to the same bolt pattern, as 165.1 millimeters is equal to 6.5 inches. The notation 8x165 uses millimeters, while 8x6.5 uses inches, but they both describe a wheel with eight lug holes spaced in a circle that measures 165.1 mm or 6.5 inches across.
- 8x165: This notation uses millimeters to measure the bolt circle diameter.
- 8x6.5: This notation uses inches to measure the bolt circle diameter.
- Conversion: 165.1 mm≈6.5 inches165.1 mm is approximately equal to 6.5 inches165.1 mm≈6.5 inches.
- Compatibility: Wheels designed for an 8x165 bolt pattern will fit on a vehicle with an 8x6.5 bolt pattern, and vice versa.
What year do Fords have an 8x170 bolt pattern?
The 8x170 bolt pattern is found on Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty trucks, and some E-Series vans from 1999 to the present. This pattern was introduced in 1999 and continued through the most recent models, while older Ford trucks (like F-250s and F-350s before 1999) have a different bolt pattern, such as 8x6.5.
- Years: 1999-present
- Applicable models: Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty trucks
- Other applicable models: Select Ford E-Series vans (E-250 and E-350)
