2017 Ford Explorer Wheel Fitment and Interchange Guide
Use this guide to review the supplied OEM wheel and tire data for the 2017 Ford Explorer, compare donor wheels, and check custom sizes before purchase. Wheel fitment can vary by trim, brake package, tire package, and market, so confirm the vehicle identification label, owner documentation, and OEM wheel information before ordering.
Known OEM Fitment For 2017 Ford Explorer
The following specifications are the known values provided for this 2017 Ford Explorer. They may represent only part of the available factory fitment information.
| Specification |
Known value |
Why it matters |
| Bolt pattern |
5x114.3 |
The wheel must have five lug holes on a 114.3 mm pitch circle diameter. |
| Center bore |
63.4 mm |
A wheel with a larger center bore may require correctly sized hub-centric rings. A smaller bore will not fit over the hub. |
| Thread size |
M14 x 1.5 |
Use lug nuts with the correct thread, seat type, and wheel application. |
| Rim diameter |
18 inches |
Verify that the wheel clears the brake assembly and matches the intended tire. |
| Rim width |
8.0 inches |
Wheel width must be suitable for the selected tire size. |
| Wheel offset |
ET44 |
Offset affects inner clearance, outer position, steering geometry, and suspension clearance. |
| Backspacing |
5.73 inches |
Compare backspacing with the donor wheel and check actual clearance on the vehicle. |
| Tire section width |
255 mm |
This is the nominal tire width, not the measured width of every tire model. |
| Tire aspect ratio |
50% |
The sidewall height is approximately 50 percent of the nominal section width. |
| Tire rim diameter |
20 inches |
This supplied value does not match the supplied 18-inch rim diameter. Confirm the correct factory wheel and tire package before using it as a replacement specification. |
The provided rim diameter and tire rim diameter are inconsistent: an 18-inch wheel uses a tire ending in R18, while a tire ending in R20 requires a 20-inch wheel. Do not mount a tire on a wheel with a different rim diameter. Check the tire sidewall, door-jamb label, VIN-based OEM information, and the vehicle's original wheel before relying on either value.
How To Use The Wheel Interchange Calculator
The wheel interchange calculator compares “Wheels from (donor vehicle)” with “Installed on (your vehicle).” Use it as a screening tool, not as a substitute for physical clearance checks or OEM confirmation.
- Select the donor vehicle and enter or confirm the donor wheel diameter, width, and offset.
- Set the installed vehicle to the 2017 Ford Explorer and verify the known bolt pattern, center bore, and other displayed specifications.
- Compare the donor wheel with the Explorer's current wheel for inner clearance, outer position, and overall size.
- Use “Custom wheel size” to test a specific rim diameter, width, and offset when the donor vehicle is not an exact match.
- Use “Custom tire size” to enter the section width and aspect ratio you are considering.
- When you change rim diameter, review the updated tire diameter in the comparison. A wheel diameter change requires a tire with the same new rim diameter.
- Confirm that the final result also satisfies brake clearance, hub fit, lug-seat requirements, load rating, speed rating, and local legal requirements.
The calculator can identify major dimensional differences, but it cannot guarantee clearance for every wheel design. Spoke shape, barrel profile, brake components, suspension condition, and tire brand can change the result.
Fitment Checklist Before You Buy
- Confirm the 5x114.3 bolt pattern and verify that the wheel has five correctly positioned lug holes.
- Check the wheel center bore against the 63.4 mm vehicle hub. Do not force a wheel with a smaller bore onto the hub.
- Confirm the wheel offset and width. A wheel that is too far inward may contact the strut, brake, or suspension, while one that is too far outward may contact the fender.
- Verify brake clearance with a template, test fit, or the wheel manufacturer's application data.
- Match the lug nut thread size, M14 x 1.5, and confirm the lug-seat shape and required seating depth.
- Check the wheel's load rating against the vehicle requirement. The provided data does not include a load rating.
- Confirm the tire's rim diameter. Resolve the supplied 18-inch wheel and 20-inch tire discrepancy before ordering.
- Compare the replacement tire's load index and speed rating with the vehicle's required values.
- Check tire-to-strut, tire-to-control-arm, tire-to-inner-fender, and tire-to-fender clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel.
- After installation, verify tire pressure using the vehicle manufacturer's cold-pressure recommendation, not the maximum pressure molded into the tire.
Plus Sizing And Common Upgrades
Plus sizing changes wheel diameter while maintaining a similar overall tire diameter by reducing sidewall height. The goal is to preserve speedometer behavior, gearing, and clearance as closely as possible, but the result depends on the exact tire dimensions and wheel specifications.
For this vehicle, the supplied data includes an 18-inch rim diameter and a separate 20-inch tire rim diameter. Because those values do not describe one complete wheel-and-tire assembly, use the calculator to compare a confirmed original package with the proposed package. Do not assume that a 20-inch setup is an approved upgrade solely because a 20-inch tire value appears in a data source.
A wider tire can improve dry-road contact but may increase road noise, weight, steering effort, hydroplaning sensitivity, and clearance risk. A shorter sidewall can sharpen steering response but may reduce ride comfort and increase the chance of wheel or tire damage from potholes. Any custom setup should retain adequate load capacity and should be checked for clearance after installation.
Installation Tips
- Inspect the hub, wheel mounting face, studs, and lug nuts. Remove rust, dirt, and debris from the mating surfaces without damaging them.
- Install wheels only on clean, dry mounting surfaces. Do not use lubricant on the wheel-to-hub mounting face unless the vehicle or wheel manufacturer specifically requires it.
- Start every lug nut by hand to avoid cross-threading. Never use an impact tool to force a misaligned lug nut.
- Snug the lug nuts in a star or crisscross sequence, then lower the vehicle until the tire is just touching the ground.
- Apply the vehicle manufacturer's specified lug torque with a calibrated torque wrench. The required torque is not provided here, so confirm it in the owner's manual or factory service information.
- Set cold tire pressure to the door-jamb or owner's manual specification.
- Check that the wheel rotates freely and that no component contacts the wheel or tire.
- After a short drive, recheck for abnormal noise, vibration, rubbing, or loose hardware. Recheck lug torque according to the wheel or vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
- Have the wheels balanced and obtain an alignment if the steering wheel is off-center, the vehicle pulls, or tire wear is uneven.
Tools And Helpful Supplies
Useful equipment includes a properly sized socket, breaker bar, calibrated torque wrench, jack and jack stands rated for the vehicle, wheel chocks, and a reliable tire pressure gauge. A torque wrench helps verify final lug torque, while a digital tire pressure gauge can help confirm cold pressure.
Use jack stands on a solid, level surface and follow the lifting points in the owner's manual. Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack. A hub measurement tool, wheel-fitment template, or professional test fit may be needed when center bore or brake clearance is uncertain.
FAQs
What is the bolt pattern for the 2017 Ford Explorer in this guide?
The supplied bolt pattern is 5x114.3. The replacement wheel must match both the five-lug count and the 114.3 mm pitch circle diameter.
What is the center bore?
The supplied center bore is 63.4 mm. A wheel with a larger bore may need properly sized hub-centric rings, while a wheel with a smaller bore will not fit over the hub.
What lug thread size is listed?
The supplied thread size is M14 x 1.5. Thread size alone is not enough to select lug nuts. Confirm the correct seat style and application for the wheel.
Can I use the supplied 20-inch tire specification on an 18-inch wheel?
No. A tire marked for a 20-inch rim cannot be mounted on an 18-inch rim. The supplied 18-inch rim diameter and 20-inch tire rim diameter conflict, so verify the actual vehicle package and tire sidewall before buying.
Does matching the bolt pattern guarantee that a wheel will fit?
No. The wheel must also clear the brakes and suspension, have a suitable center bore, use compatible lug hardware, and provide acceptable width, offset, backspacing, load rating, and tire clearance.
How can I compare a donor wheel with my Explorer?
Enter the donor vehicle under “Wheels from (donor vehicle)” and the 2017 Ford Explorer under “Installed on (your vehicle).” Compare diameter, width, offset, center fit, and clearance. Use the custom wheel and tire fields for a specific setup, then verify the result against the vehicle and wheel manufacturer.
Is the listed ET44 offset interchangeable with every wheel?
No. ET44 is the supplied reference offset for the listed setup. A different offset changes the wheel's position relative to the hub, suspension, and fender. Use the calculator and perform a physical clearance check before installation.
What should I do if calculator results and OEM information disagree?
Pause the purchase and confirm the vehicle trim, brake package, market, and original wheel information using the VIN, door-jamb label, owner's manual, or Ford service documentation. Treat the calculator as a comparison aid until the discrepancy is resolved.
