2013 Ford Explorer Wheel Interchange

2013 Ford Explorer Wheel Fitment Guide

This guide summarizes the known wheel and tire information supplied for the 2013 Ford Explorer. Always confirm the exact trim, package, wheel marking, and tire placard before buying parts. Factory equipment can vary, and the values below should not be treated as proof that every listed specification belongs to one original wheel and tire assembly.

Known OEM Fitment For 2013 Ford Explorer

The supplied data contains a 18-inch wheel entry and a 17-inch tire rim-diameter entry. Do not mount a tire on a wheel unless the tire's rim diameter matches the wheel diameter exactly. Check the tire sidewall, door-jamb placard, owner's manual, and the original wheel markings before ordering.

How To Use The Wheel Interchange Calculator

Use the on-page calculator to compare Wheels from (donor vehicle) with Installed on (your vehicle). Enter the donor wheel and tire information as accurately as possible, then enter the 2013 Ford Explorer information in the installed-vehicle fields.

For a custom setup, select Custom wheel size and enter rim diameter, rim width, and offset. You can also enter a custom tire section width and aspect ratio. When rim diameter changes, the calculator updates the tire diameter in the comparison, helping you evaluate overall size and clearance changes.

Calculator results are a comparison aid, not a substitute for a physical test fit or OEM confirmation. The calculator cannot verify brake-caliper clearance, suspension clearance under compression, hub or lug-seat compatibility, load rating, or whether a particular tire is approved for a specific wheel.

Fitment Checklist Before You Buy

Confirm the vehicle's exact trim and original equipment package using the VIN, door-jamb label, owner's manual, and Ford parts information. Do not rely only on a seller's generic vehicle list.

• Match the 5x114.3 bolt pattern and confirm that the wheel has five correct mounting holes.
• Confirm the 63.4 mm hub relationship. Never force a wheel with a smaller center bore over the hub.
• Check wheel diameter, width, and ET offset on the wheel itself. Ask the seller for clear photos of all markings.
• Verify the lug-seat type, thread engagement, and wheel-specific lug hardware. M14 x 1.5 thread size alone does not identify the correct lug seat.
• Compare the proposed tire size with the door-jamb placard and the tire manufacturer's approved rim-width range.
• Check load index and speed rating. The replacement tire must meet or exceed the vehicle's requirements.
• Inspect inner clearance to the strut, spring, control arms, brake calipers, and other components through the full steering and suspension range.
• Check outer clearance at the fender and liner, including during steering lock, suspension compression, and vehicle loading.
• Confirm that the tire does not contact the wheel well or suspension after installation and before normal driving.

Plus Sizing And Common Upgrades

Plus sizing usually means increasing wheel diameter while reducing tire sidewall height to maintain a similar overall tire diameter. The goal is to preserve speedometer behavior and clearance while changing appearance or handling response, but the result must be calculated and physically checked.

Do not assume that a 17-inch tire size can be transferred to an 18-inch wheel, or that a wider wheel and tire will clear simply because the bolt pattern matches. Use the calculator to compare overall diameter, section width, sidewall changes, and wheel-position changes. Then confirm the result against OEM tire data and the tire manufacturer's specifications.

Changing offset can move the wheel inward toward suspension components or outward toward the fender. Changing width affects both inner and outer clearance. Avoid selecting a wheel based on diameter alone, and do not use spacers or adapters unless their design, load rating, hub fit, fastener engagement, and legal suitability have been professionally verified.

Installation Tips

Before installation, clean the hub face and wheel mounting surface. Remove rust, paint buildup, and debris that could prevent the wheel from seating flat. Do not apply grease between the wheel and hub unless the vehicle or component manufacturer specifically permits it.

Install the wheel by hand, start each fastener by hand, and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Use the vehicle manufacturer's specified torque procedure with a calibrated torque wrench. The exact torque value is not provided here, so confirm it in the owner's manual, service information, or an authorized Ford source.

After tightening, rotate the wheel by hand and inspect for contact. Lower the vehicle, recheck torque using the correct procedure, and recheck the fasteners after the manufacturer's recommended initial driving interval. Stop driving if there is vibration, rubbing, steering pull, unusual noise, or any sign that a wheel is not seated correctly.

Tools And Helpful Supplies

A torque wrench, appropriate socket, jack and properly rated jack stands, wheel chocks, a tire-pressure gauge, and a hub and wheel cleaning brush are useful for a careful installation. Use jack stands on a solid, level surface and follow the lifting points in the owner's manual. A torque wrench is available through Amazon search results.

A tread-depth gauge and a straightedge or wheel-measuring tool can help document tire condition and wheel dimensions. If hub-centric rings are needed for a larger center bore, select rings based on measured hub and wheel-bore dimensions rather than a generic vehicle description. A wheel and tire pressure gauge can also be found through Amazon search results.

FAQs

What is the known bolt pattern for the 2013 Ford Explorer?

The supplied fitment information lists a 5x114.3 bolt pattern. Confirm the wheel's mounting pattern before purchase because a similar-looking pattern is not interchangeable.

What center bore is listed for this vehicle?

The supplied center bore is 63.4 mm. A wheel with a smaller center bore will not fit over the hub. A larger bore may need properly sized hub-centric rings, but ring dimensions should be measured and verified.

Can I use the listed 245/65R17 tire on an 18-inch wheel?

No. A tire marked R17 is designed for a 17-inch rim and must not be mounted on an 18-inch wheel. The supplied data includes both an 18-inch rim entry and an R17 tire entry, so confirm the correct configuration from the vehicle placard, tire sidewall, and original wheel markings.

What wheel offset is listed?

The known offset is ET44. Offset should be compared with wheel width and checked for inner and outer clearance. Matching the bolt pattern alone does not guarantee that ET44 or any other offset will clear the vehicle.

Is the listed backspacing confirmed?

The supplied backspacing is 5.73 inches, but backspacing must be checked against the actual wheel width and offset. Measure the wheel or confirm the manufacturer's technical drawing before using this value for a close-clearance installation.

Can the calculator confirm that a wheel will fit?

The calculator can compare donor and installed wheel dimensions, including custom rim diameter, width, offset, tire section width, and aspect ratio. It cannot confirm brake clearance, suspension movement, lug-seat compatibility, tire load rating, or physical rubbing, so a final inspection and test fit are still required.

What thread size is listed for the wheel fasteners?

The supplied thread size is M14 x 1.5. Verify the lug nut seat style and required fastener engagement for the actual wheel. Thread size by itself does not prove that a lug nut is suitable.

Where should I confirm the final tire size and torque specifications?

Use the driver's door-jamb tire and loading label, owner's manual, Ford service information, and the tire manufacturer's specifications. These sources should take priority over an unverified online listing or a general compatibility claim.