What years did Ford use the 5x135 bolt pattern?
The 5x135 bolt pattern was used by Ford mainly on its full-size vans and a related SUV line, most notably the E-Series and the Excursion, from the 1990s into the mid-2000s. In Ford’s current lineup, this pattern is no longer standard on production models.
Context: What does 5x135 mean and why Ford used it
5x135 refers to a five-lork bolt pattern with a circle diameter of 135 millimeters. This pattern was chosen for certain Ford platforms that shared chassis components between vans and large sport/utilitarian vehicles, allowing for a common wheel and hub design across multiple body styles.
Ford models and years that used 5x135
Below are the Ford models that employed the 5x135 bolt pattern and the approximate years they used it.
- Ford E-Series (Econoline/Club Wagon) vans: 1992–2014
- Ford Excursion (full-size SUV based on the E-Series chassis): 1999–2005
These were the primary, widely documented uses of the 5x135 bolt pattern in Ford’s mainstream lineup. Other Ford models did not regularly use this pattern, and Ford’s newer commercial van platforms have transitioned to different bolt patterns.
Notes for wheel shoppers and restorers
If you’re dealing with a Ford vehicle that reportedly uses 5x135, verify hub bore size and offset in addition to the bolt pattern. Aftermarket wheels or adapters can exist, but they can affect safety, clearance, warranty, and vehicle dynamics. When in doubt, consult the vehicle’s manual or a trusted wheel-and-tuspacer specialist.
Modern context: where Ford stands today
In contemporary Ford lineups, the 5x135 pattern is not standard on new production models. Ford’s current van and SUV families have transitioned to other bolt patterns (for example, newer full-size vans and commercial platforms use patterns such as 5x160 on certain configurations), so 5x135 is primarily of historical interest for restoration, maintenance, or specialized applications.
Summary
In summary, Ford’s 5x135 bolt pattern was chiefly associated with the E-Series vans from the early 1990s through 2014 and the related Excursion SUV from 1999 to 2005. Today, this pattern is rarely used on new Ford vehicles and is mainly encountered in older models or restoration projects. For anyone purchasing wheels today, it’s essential to confirm the correct bolt pattern, hub bore, and offset for the specific vehicle year and model.
