What is the offset on the Ford Ranger stock?
The stock wheel offset for a Ford Ranger is not a single fixed value; it varies by year, trim, and wheel size. In general, factory Ranger wheels use a positive offset around 40 millimeters (ET40), but exact numbers can differ. For precise specs, check the vehicle’s build sheet, the owner’s manual, or Ford’s official specification resources for your exact year and trim.
What wheel offset means for the Ranger
Wheel offset is the distance in millimeters between the wheel’s mounting surface and its centerline. A positive offset (like ET40) places the hub mounting surface closer to the wheel’s outer face, which affects how far the wheel sits inboard and how it aligns with the fenders and suspension. For the Ranger, the offset is chosen to preserve steering feel, track width, and clearance, and it may vary between generations and wheel sizes.
Stock offset by generation
Current generation (2019–present)
For the modern Ranger, factory wheels are configured to maintain appropriate clearance and handling characteristics. While many trims use wheels with a positive offset around ET40, exact offsets and available wheel sizes can vary by trim level and optional packages. Always verify the specific offset for your exact build if you’re changing wheels.
Earlier generations (1983–2011)
Older Rangers used a variety of wheel sizes and offsets depending on market and option packages. While the general approach favored positive offsets, the precise ET value differed across years and configurations. If you’re restoring or replacing wheels on a vintage Ranger, consult the official spec sheets or a trusted parts database for your exact year and model.
How to verify your Ranger’s stock offset
Use this checklist to confirm the offset on your Ranger’s wheels and ensure any replacements match OE specifications.
- Inspect the wheel stamping: many OE and aftermarket wheels show a mark like "ET40" on the inside rim or hub face. The number indicates the offset in millimeters.
- Consult the official documentation: your vehicle’s build sheet, owner manual, or Ford’s parts catalog (by VIN) can specify the exact wheel size and offset for your exact configuration.
- Ask the dealer or Ford Parts: provide your VIN and trim, and a dealer can pull the precise OE wheel spec for your Ranger.
- Measure if needed: with the wheel off, you can measure the distance from the hub mounting surface to the wheel’s centerline and compare it to OE references from Ford or trusted spec sheets.
Verifying the stock offset helps ensure that wheel replacements or spacers do not alter handling, rubbing clearance, or alignment beyond what Ford designed.
Why offset matters for the Ranger
Offset influences track width, steering response, suspension clearance, and tire fitment. Using a wheel with too little or too much offset can cause rubbing, changed steering geometry, or altered load on suspension components. If you’re upgrading wheels or adding spacers, aim to match or closely approximate the OE offset to preserve safe handling characteristics.
Summary
The Ford Ranger’s stock offset is not a single universal figure; it depends on year, trim, and wheel size, but a common reference point is around ET40 (positive offset). To be certain, consult your specific build sheet, the owner’s manual, or Ford’s official parts resources for your exact model, and verify wheel stamping or VIN-based specs before buying replacements. Matching the OE offset helps maintain proper clearance, alignment, and overall driving performance.
