What rims fit a Ford F-150?
Most Ford F-150 rims fit a five-lug pattern (5x135 mm) with a hub bore near 87.1 mm, and wheel sizes typically span from 15 inches to 22 inches depending on year and trim.
Beyond the basic measurements, exact fit depends on the generation, brake caliper size, offset, and clearance. This guide outlines how to verify compatibility and what sizes you’re likely to encounter when shopping for F-150 wheels.
Key compatibility metrics you must verify
The following items are the core checks you should perform before buying rims for an F-150.
- Bolt pattern (PCD) and lug type: Most F-150s use a 5-lug pattern around 135 mm (5x135) with common lug-seat types; confirm your vehicle’s specific lug nut style (cone seat vs. other) and pattern.
- Center bore: The hub bore is typically around 87.1 mm. If the wheel’s bore is larger, hub-centric rings may be needed; if smaller, the wheel will not mount properly.
- Rim width and diameter: Factory wheels for the F-150 range roughly from 15–20 inches on many trims, with aftermarket options up to 22 inches available. Ensure the width and diameter you choose won’t rub fenders or brake components.
- Offset and backspacing: The wheel’s offset should keep tires centered in the wheel wells and avoid rubbing on suspension or brake components. Stay close to the stock offset for your exact year and trim, or consult a fitment guide or shop if you are considering a significant change.
- Brake clearance and caliper size: Larger or differently shaped wheels can clash with calipers, rotors, or ABS sensors. Check fitment at full steering lock and with the suspension compressed if you’re upgrading to very wide or very large-diameter wheels.
- Load rating and tire compatibility: The wheel must support the vehicle’s weight and be compatible with the intended tire load and speed rating. Confirm that the wheel’s load rating meets or exceeds the F-150’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
- Lug nuts and seating: Match the lug nut type and seat (e.g., conical/ball seat) to the wheel and axle hardware; improper seating can damage studs or cause wheel failure.
When in doubt, consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual, a Ford dealer, or a reputable wheel shop to confirm exact wonky details for your specific truck.
Common wheel sizes you’ll encounter across generations
Wheel sizes vary by year, trim, and market, but you’ll typically see a progression from smaller factory wheels on older base models to larger aftermarket sizes on newer or higher-trim trucks.
- Older or base models (1990s–early 2000s): commonly around 15x6 to 16x7 inches, still using the 5x135 bolt pattern and about an 87.1 mm center bore.
- Mid-generation models (2004–2014): often 16x7 to 18x9 inches, maintaining 5x135 and 87.1 mm bore, with more aftermarket options in the 18–20 inch range.
- Recent generations (2015–present): widely seen in 17x8.5 to 20x9 inches as OEM and aftermarket choices, with 22-inch wheels available in some trims or as aftermarket upgrades; bolt pattern remains 5x135 and center bore around 87.1 mm.
Exact fitment still depends on the specific year, trim, and any factory or dealer-installed packages. Always verify with a fitment guide or professional when replacing wheels.
Practical steps to verify fitment for your truck
Use these steps to ensure a chosen rim will fit your particular F-150 without surprises on the road.
- Check your VIN or owner’s manual for the exact wheel specs (bolt pattern, center bore, offset, and recommended wheel sizes for your trim).
- Measure the factory offset and backspacing, then compare to the new wheel’s offset; a mismatch can affect alignment, rubbing, and suspension wear.
- Test-fit or consult a professional before installation, especially if you’re changing wheel width or diameter by more than one step (e.g., from 18" to 20").
- Consider hub-centric rings if the new wheel’s center bore is larger than the hub bore to reduce runout and vibration.
- Ensure the new wheels’ load rating matches or exceeds the GVWR, and verify the tire size won’t exceed brake clearance or fender clearance at full lock or during suspension travel.
With careful checks, you can select rims that fit safely and enhance the appearance and performance of your F-150.
Summary
Choosing rims for a Ford F-150 comes down to matching bolt pattern, center bore, offset, and clearance for your specific year and trim. The vast majority of F-150s use a 5x135 mm bolt pattern with an 87.1 mm center bore, and wheel sizes typically range from 15 inches to 22 inches depending on generation and trim. Always verify exact specs for your vehicle and consult a wheel specialist or dealer if you’re unsure, to ensure longevity, safety, and proper fitment.
