What stud pattern fits Ford?
Common lug patterns used by Ford
Ford's lineup spans passenger cars to heavy‑duty trucks, so lug patterns vary by era and market. Here are the patterns you are most likely to encounter:
- 5x114.3 mm (5 on 4.5 inches): common on many Ford cars and crossovers (e.g., Focus, Fusion, Escape, Mondeo variants; Mustang in many generations).
- 6x135 mm (6 on 5.315 inches): found on older F-Series trucks and some SUVs; used in several model years.
- 6x139.7 mm (6 on 5.5 inches): a pattern used by some Ford SUVs and trucks in certain generations.
- 8x170 mm (8 on 6.69 inches): used on Ford Super Duty pickups (F-250/F-350 and similar heavy‑duty variants).
- 4x108 mm (4 on 4.25 inches): encountered on certain European Ford models (export variants).
Note that the exact pattern can vary even within a single model across different markets and years, so always verify for your specific vehicle.
How to determine your specific lug pattern
The steps below help you confirm your vehicle’s lug pattern with minimal guesswork, ensuring you choose wheels that fit safely.
- Check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s door jamb placard (often near the driver’s door) for wheel specifications that include the bolt pattern.
- Count the number of lug nuts (or studs) on the wheel hub to determine how many lugs your vehicle uses.
- Measure the bolt circle diameter (BCD): the distance between the centers of two opposite lug holes. Do this across the hub using a caliper or a ruler; the standard method is to measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the lug hole directly opposite.
- For accuracy, measure the distance across the hub bore (center bore) and check that the wheel can fit over the hub without spacers; a hub-centric wheel requires a center bore that matches or exceeds the vehicle’s hub bore.
- Use a lug-pattern gauge or consult a trusted parts retailer or Ford dealership with your VIN to confirm the exact pattern for your specific year/model.
- When in doubt about cross-compatibility, consult a professional to avoid risk of improper fitment or safety issues.
By following these steps, you can determine the exact lug pattern for your Ford vehicle and avoid incorrect wheel purchases.
Tips for compatibility and safety
Fitment goes beyond bolt pattern. Correct hub size, offset, and center bore are also crucial for safe, stable wheel installation. If you’re mixing wheels from different models or regions, you may need adapters or specialized rims; these should be used only after consulting a professional and ensuring load ratings, brake clearance, and ABS compatibility are respected.
Cross-compatibility and adapters
Some wheels with a matching lug pattern can be fitted on Ford vehicles via adapters, spacers, or lug conversion kits. These modifications can affect braking clearance, wheel alignment, and warranty coverage. Always verify with the wheel manufacturer and your vehicle's dealer before proceeding.
Summary
Ford does not rely on a single stud pattern. The most common for mass-market passenger cars is 5x114.3 mm, while trucks and some SUVs use 6-lug patterns (6x135 mm or 6x139.7 mm) and heavy-duty models use 8x170 mm. European models may use 4x108 mm. Always confirm the exact bolt pattern for your specific year, model, and market by checking the owner's manual, VIN, or dealer resources. When in doubt, seek professional guidance to ensure safety and proper fitment.
