2016 Ford Explorer Wheel Fitment Guide
Known OEM Fitment For 2016 Ford Explorer
The following specifications are the known fitment data provided for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Equipment can vary by trim, package, market, and replacement-wheel configuration. Confirm the original equipment specification on the vehicle before ordering wheels or tires.
| Specification |
Known value |
| Bolt pattern |
5x114.3 |
| Center bore |
63.4 mm |
| Thread size |
M14 x 1.5 |
| Rim diameter |
18 inches |
| Rim width |
8.0 inches |
| Wheel offset |
ET44, or 44 mm |
| Backspacing |
5.73 inches |
| Tire section width |
255 mm |
| Tire aspect ratio |
50 percent |
| Tire rim diameter field |
20 inches |
There is a diameter inconsistency in the supplied data: the rim diameter is listed as 18 inches, while the tire rim diameter field is listed as 20 inches. Do not assume that either entry represents every 2016 Ford Explorer trim or that they form one confirmed wheel and tire package. Check the driver-door tire label, the current tire sidewall, the wheel markings, the Ford owner's information, and a Ford dealer or parts source before purchase.
The bolt pattern, center bore, thread size, offset, and backspacing must all be checked. A wheel with the correct bolt pattern can still be unsafe if the center bore, offset, brake clearance, load rating, or lug-seat design is incorrect.
How To Use The Wheel Interchange Calculator
Use the calculator to compare a donor wheel and tire combination with the setup installed on your 2016 Ford Explorer. Enter the donor vehicle or donor wheel details under Wheels from, then enter the Explorer information under Installed on.
- Start with the known bolt pattern, center bore, wheel width, wheel diameter, and offset.
- Enter the donor tire section width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter exactly as printed on the tire sidewall.
- Use Custom wheel size when the proposed wheel is not represented by a listed vehicle. Enter its rim diameter, width, and offset.
- Use Custom tire size to compare section width and aspect ratio changes.
- Review the calculator's diameter, width, and clearance comparison rather than relying only on a matching bolt pattern.
- When changing rim diameter, check the updated tire diameter shown by the calculator. A larger wheel diameter normally requires a lower-profile tire to keep overall diameter near the original setup.
The calculator is a comparison tool, not a substitute for a physical test fit or OEM confirmation. It cannot verify every brake-caliper, suspension, fender, tire-load, speedometer, or wheel-fastener issue.
Fitment Checklist Before You Buy
- Confirm the Explorer's exact trim and factory tire size using the driver-door label and owner's information.
- Match the 5x114.3 bolt pattern and confirm that the wheel has five mounting holes.
- Check that the center bore is compatible with the vehicle's 63.4 mm hub. A smaller bore will not fit over the hub. A larger bore may require correctly sized hub-centric rings where appropriate.
- Confirm the wheel offset and width in the calculator, then check inner suspension clearance and outer fender clearance in person.
- Verify brake-caliper clearance with the actual wheel design. Diameter alone does not guarantee brake clearance.
- Confirm the wheel's load rating is suitable for the vehicle and intended use.
- Check that the proposed tire load index and speed rating meet or exceed the vehicle manufacturer's requirements.
- Verify the lug nut thread is M14 x 1.5 and confirm the required lug-seat shape and nut style from the wheel manufacturer. The seat type is not provided here, so do not assume it.
- Check TPMS sensor compatibility, valve-stem requirements, and whether the sensors need relearning after installation.
- Inspect used wheels for cracks, bends, excessive corrosion, repaired areas, and damaged mounting surfaces.
Plus Sizing And Common Upgrades
Plus sizing usually combines a larger wheel diameter with a shorter tire sidewall while attempting to keep overall tire diameter close to the original specification. This can change steering response, ride comfort, noise, wheel damage risk, tire cost, and available clearance.
The supplied data includes both an 18-inch rim entry and a 20-inch tire rim-diameter entry. Because those values conflict, use the on-page calculator with the size printed on the tire and the dimensions stamped on the wheel. Do not select a 20-inch upgrade solely because the 20-inch field appears in the data.
When comparing an upgrade, check section width, overall diameter, wheel offset, backspacing, load capacity, and clearance together. A wider tire or a lower offset can move the tire closer to the strut, suspension parts, or fender. A higher offset can reduce inner clearance. Confirm the result with a physical test fit and full-lock steering check.
Installation Tips
- Install wheels on clean, dry hub and wheel mounting surfaces. Remove rust and debris without altering the mounting face.
- Hand-start every lug nut to prevent cross-threading. Do not use an impact tool to start fasteners.
- Tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross sequence, then use the vehicle or wheel manufacturer's specified torque. The correct torque value is not provided here, so obtain it from an OEM source or the wheel manufacturer.
- After installation, check for contact between the wheel, tire, brake parts, strut, suspension, and fender at normal ride height and through steering lock.
- Inflate tires to the pressure shown on the vehicle's tire-information label unless a qualified tire professional confirms another safe setting.
- Check tire and wheel balance, inspect for air leaks, and confirm that TPMS warnings are cleared according to the vehicle procedure.
- Recheck lug torque after the first short drive and again according to the wheel manufacturer's instructions.
Tools And Helpful Supplies
Useful equipment includes a properly sized socket, breaker bar, torque wrench, jack and approved jack stands, wheel chocks, a tire-pressure gauge, and a tread or clearance measuring tool. Use only lifting points and support methods specified for the vehicle.
Use protective gloves and eye protection when cleaning hubs or inspecting used wheels. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
FAQs
What is the bolt pattern for the 2016 Ford Explorer?
The supplied OEM fitment is 5x114.3. Confirm the vehicle and wheel specifications before ordering.
What is the center bore?
The supplied center bore is 63.4 mm. A wheel bore smaller than the hub will not fit. A larger bore may need an appropriate hub-centric solution, subject to wheel and installer requirements.
What lug thread size is listed?
The supplied thread size is M14 x 1.5. The correct lug-seat shape and nut style are not provided, so confirm them with the wheel manufacturer or an OEM parts source.
Can I use any 5x114.3 wheel?
No. Bolt pattern alone is not enough. You must also check center bore, diameter, width, offset, backspacing, brake clearance, load rating, lug-seat design, and tire compatibility.
Is the correct wheel diameter 18 or 20 inches?
The supplied data lists an 18-inch rim diameter and a 20-inch tire rim-diameter field. Because these entries conflict, verify the actual trim-specific package using the door label, tire sidewall, wheel markings, OEM documentation, and the calculator.
How can I compare a different wheel and tire setup?
Enter the donor information under Wheels from and the Explorer information under Installed on. For an unlisted combination, use the custom wheel and custom tire fields, then review diameter and clearance changes.
Will the calculator guarantee that a wheel fits?
No. It provides dimensional comparisons. A physical inspection or test fit is still needed for brake, suspension, fender, hub, fastener, and tire clearance.
Do I need to replace or program the TPMS sensors?
That depends on the replacement wheels, sensor type, and vehicle procedure. Confirm sensor compatibility before installation and follow the Ford or sensor manufacturer's relearn instructions.
