2018 Ford Explorer Wheel Fitment Guide
Use this page to review the supplied wheel and tire fitment information for a 2018 Ford Explorer and compare alternate wheel or tire dimensions with the on-page calculator. Fitment can vary by trim, package, brake configuration, and replacement wheel design, so confirm the vehicle-specific specifications before ordering.
Known OEM Fitment For 2018 Ford Explorer
The following values are the known reference specifications provided for this 2018 Ford Explorer. They may not represent every trim or factory wheel option.
| Specification |
Known value |
| Bolt pattern |
5x114.3 |
| Center bore |
63.4 mm |
| Thread size |
M14 x 1.5 |
| Rim diameter |
20 inches |
| Rim width |
9.0 inches |
| Wheel offset |
ET40 |
| Backspacing |
6.07 inches |
| Tire size reference |
255/50R20 |
| Tire section width |
255 mm |
| Tire aspect ratio |
50% |
| Tire rim diameter |
20 inches |
Before buying, compare these values with the wheel markings, the vehicle information label, the owner's manual, and Ford parts information for your VIN and trim. Do not assume that every 2018 Ford Explorer uses the same wheel size.
How To Use The Wheel Interchange Calculator
The calculator lets you compare wheels from a donor vehicle with wheels installed on your 2018 Ford Explorer. It is a comparison tool, not a substitute for confirming brake, suspension, tire, and load-rating clearance.
- Enter or select the donor vehicle and its wheel information in the “Wheels from” area.
- Enter the 2018 Ford Explorer as the vehicle in the “Installed on” area.
- Review the differences in rim diameter, rim width, offset, tire section width, and tire sidewall dimensions.
- Use “Custom wheel size” to test a specific rim diameter, width, and offset when the exact aftermarket wheel is not listed.
- Use “Custom tire size” to compare a different section width or aspect ratio.
- Recheck the comparison after changing rim diameter. The calculator updates tire diameter as the rim diameter changes, which can affect overall height and speedometer-related comparisons.
A calculator result does not confirm physical clearance. Confirm the wheel's center bore, bolt-seat style, brake clearance, tire load rating, and safe clearance through the complete suspension and steering range.
Fitment Checklist Before You Buy
- Confirm the bolt pattern is 5x114.3 and that the wheel has the correct number of mounting holes.
- Confirm the wheel center bore is 63.4 mm or larger when hub-centric rings are appropriate. A smaller bore will not fit over the hub.
- Confirm the wheel uses the correct M14 x 1.5 wheel fasteners and matching seat design. Thread size alone does not confirm lug-nut compatibility.
- Compare diameter, width, offset, and backspacing with the known reference values.
- Check inner-barrel and spoke clearance around the brake caliper, suspension, and steering components.
- Verify the tire load index and speed rating meet or exceed the vehicle and tire placard requirements.
- Check that the tire does not contact the fender, liner, strut, control arm, or other parts at full steering lock and through suspension travel.
- Confirm that the replacement tire's overall diameter is suitable for the vehicle's drivetrain, electronic systems, and speedometer calibration.
- Confirm TPMS sensor compatibility and whether the sensors require relearning after installation.
- Inspect every wheel for cracks, bends, corrosion, repaired damage, and missing manufacturer markings before installation.
Plus Sizing And Common Upgrades
Plus sizing changes the wheel diameter while using a lower-profile tire to keep the overall tire diameter reasonably close to the original. The goal is to preserve useful clearance and limit changes to speedometer behavior, gearing, ride height, and electronic-system calculations.
The known reference here is a 20-inch wheel with a 255/50R20 tire. If you test another diameter or width, use the calculator to compare the resulting tire diameter, sidewall height, section width, and wheel position. Do not select a tire solely because its nominal diameter appears similar.
A wider wheel or a lower offset can move the tire outward and may increase the risk of fender contact. A higher offset can move the wheel inward and may reduce clearance to suspension or brake components. Actual clearance also depends on spoke shape, tire brand, tread design, and production variation.
Any change should retain the required load capacity and maintain adequate clearance at full lock, full compression, and full rebound. When the vehicle is used for towing, heavy loads, or severe weather, prioritize the vehicle manufacturer's load and tire recommendations over appearance upgrades.
Installation Tips
- Inspect the hub face and wheel mounting surface. Remove rust, dirt, and debris without damaging the surfaces.
- Test-fit one front and one rear wheel before mounting all four. Check caliper, strut, suspension, and fender clearance.
- Use only wheel fasteners with the correct thread, seat, diameter, and engagement for the replacement wheels.
- Start fasteners by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten in a star or crisscross pattern.
- Use the Ford-specified torque value for the vehicle and wheel-fastener combination. Do not substitute a generic torque value.
- After installation, rotate each wheel by hand and check for interference. Lower the vehicle and verify clearance with the steering at both full-lock positions.
- Set tire pressure using the vehicle placard or the approved tire specification, not the maximum pressure molded on the tire sidewall.
- Reset or relearn the TPMS system as required.
- Recheck wheel-fastener torque after the manufacturer's recommended break-in distance and after any wheel removal.
Tools And Helpful Supplies
Use quality tools and follow the instructions supplied with the vehicle, wheels, tires, and fasteners.
- Automotive digital torque wrench for controlled wheel-fastener tightening.
- Automotive wheel chocks for securing the vehicle during lifting and installation.
- Jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight and a suitable floor jack.
- Wire brush or approved hub-cleaning tool for removing rust and debris from mounting surfaces.
- Tape measure or caliper for checking wheel and hub dimensions, used carefully and only as a confirmation aid.
- Torque documentation from Ford or the wheel manufacturer.
FAQs
What is the known bolt pattern for the 2018 Ford Explorer?
The supplied reference specification is 5x114.3. Confirm the pattern for the exact vehicle and replacement wheel before purchase.
What is the known center bore?
The supplied center bore is 63.4 mm. A replacement wheel with a smaller center bore will not fit over the vehicle hub. A larger bore may require correctly sized hub-centric rings when appropriate.
What wheel and tire size is listed as the reference?
The supplied reference is a 20-inch diameter, 9.0-inch-wide wheel with ET40 offset and a 255/50R20 tire. This information may be partial and may vary by trim or factory package.
Can I install any wheel with a 5x114.3 bolt pattern?
No. Bolt pattern is only one part of fitment. You must also confirm center bore, offset, backspacing, brake clearance, wheel-fastener seat and thread compatibility, load rating, and tire clearance.
What does changing wheel offset do?
Offset changes how far the wheel sits inward or outward relative to the hub. A lower offset generally moves the wheel outward, while a higher offset generally moves it inward. The actual result depends on wheel width and spoke design, so verify clearance with the calculator and a physical test fit.
Will the calculator confirm that a donor wheel fits?
The calculator compares dimensions and shows how custom wheel and tire sizes differ. It cannot confirm brake clearance, fastener-seat compatibility, load capacity, TPMS operation, or interference under all driving conditions.
How do I confirm the correct specifications for my Explorer?
Check the vehicle information label, owner's manual, original wheel markings, Ford parts information, and VIN-specific dealer or manufacturer documentation. Compare those sources with the calculator before ordering.
Do I need to recheck the wheels after installation?
Yes. Verify tire pressure, inspect for clearance, confirm TPMS operation, and recheck wheel-fastener torque according to the vehicle or wheel manufacturer's instructions after installation and after the recommended initial driving distance.
