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What year did Ford change from 8x6.5 to 8x170?

Ford, one of the leading automotive manufacturers, made a significant change to the bolt pattern used on its vehicles over the years. The bolt pattern, which refers to the arrangement and spacing of the lug nuts on a vehicle's wheels, is an important factor in wheel compatibility and installation. In the case of Ford, the company transitioned from an 8x6.5 bolt pattern to an 8x170 bolt pattern, but the exact year this change occurred is not widely documented.


Understanding Bolt Patterns


Bolt patterns are typically expressed as a number followed by the bolt circle diameter in inches. For example, an 8x6.5 bolt pattern means the wheel has 8 lug nuts arranged in a circle with a diameter of 6.5 inches. The 8x170 bolt pattern, on the other hand, has 8 lug nuts arranged in a circle with a diameter of 170 millimeters (approximately 6.69 inches).


Bolt patterns are an important consideration when replacing wheels or tires on a vehicle, as the new components must match the existing bolt pattern to ensure a secure and safe installation.


Ford's Transition from 8x6.5 to 8x170


Based on the available information, Ford began transitioning from the 8x6.5 bolt pattern to the 8x170 bolt pattern sometime in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The exact year of this change is not clearly documented, but it is believed to have occurred around the 1999 or 2000 model year.


The 8x170 bolt pattern was introduced by Ford to accommodate larger and heavier components, such as those found in their full-size trucks and SUVs. The increased bolt circle diameter provided a more stable and secure wheel attachment, which was necessary for the growing size and weight of these vehicles.


Implications for Wheel and Tire Compatibility


The transition from 8x6.5 to 8x170 bolt patterns had significant implications for wheel and tire compatibility. Owners of older Ford vehicles with the 8x6.5 bolt pattern may have difficulty finding replacement wheels that fit their vehicles, as the 8x170 pattern became the standard for many of Ford's newer models.


It is important for Ford owners to be aware of the bolt pattern used on their specific vehicle, as this information is crucial when purchasing new wheels or tires. Attempting to install wheels with an incompatible bolt pattern can be dangerous and may result in wheel separation, which can lead to a loss of vehicle control and potentially serious accidents.

Will 8x170 fit 8x6.5 adapters?


1 aka 8x6. 5 (Hub) to 8x170 (Wheel). Adapters Will Only Work With 8x170 Single Wheel, Not Dually Wheels. This adapter set includes open end lug nuts to secure the adapters onto your factory hubs.



What years did Ford use the 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)



What year did Ford have 8x6 5?


Bolt Pattern Chart

TRUCKYEARBOLT CIRCLE
Ford 1-Ton Pickup Dual Wheel (F-350)79-978X6.5
Ford 1-Ton Pickup Dual Wheel (F-350)98-028X170mm
Ford 1-Ton Pickup Dual Wheel (F-350)03-048X170mm
Ford 1-Ton Pickup Dual Wheel (F-350)05-Current8X200mm



What year did Ford switch from 8x6 5 to 8x170?


1999
Ford , GM, dodge all had 8x6. 5 bolt pattern from pre 1980 all the way until 1999 and that's when ford changed to 8x170.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.