2019 Ford Explorer Wheel Fitment and Interchange Guide
Known OEM Fitment For 2019 Ford Explorer
The specifications below are the known reference values provided for the 2019 Ford Explorer. Fitment can vary by trim, package, brake configuration, or wheel option, so confirm the exact specification for your vehicle with the owner’s manual, the vehicle certification label, a Ford dealer, or the original wheel markings before ordering.
| Specification |
Known value |
| Bolt pattern |
5x114.3, also written as 5x4.5 |
| Center bore |
63.4 mm |
| Thread size |
M14 x 1.5 |
| Rim diameter |
20 inches |
| Rim width |
9.0 inches |
| Wheel offset |
ET40, or 40 mm |
| Backspacing |
6.07 inches |
| Tire section width |
255 mm |
| Tire aspect ratio |
50 percent |
| Tire rim diameter |
R20 |
These values describe a 20 x 9 wheel with ET40 and a 255/50R20 tire reference. They do not by themselves confirm brake clearance, suspension clearance, load rating, or universal compatibility with every 2019 Explorer configuration.
How To Use The Wheel Interchange Calculator
Use the calculator to compare a donor vehicle wheel with the wheel and tire setup installed on your 2019 Ford Explorer. Enter the donor vehicle and its wheel and tire measurements in the “Wheels from” fields. Enter the Explorer information in the “Installed on” fields.
For a custom wheel, select or enter the custom wheel diameter, width, and offset. You can also enter the custom tire section width and aspect ratio. The calculator compares the dimensions and helps show how the proposed setup changes relative to the installed setup.
Changing the rim diameter updates the tire diameter in the comparison. Review changes in overall diameter, width, offset, and backspacing together. A calculator is a screening tool, not a substitute for a physical test fit or confirmation of brake, suspension, body, and load-rating requirements.
Before purchasing, compare the calculator result with the original wheel markings, the tire placard, the owner’s manual, and current OEM fitment information. If a required specification is not listed, treat it as unknown rather than assuming it matches another trim.
Fitment Checklist Before You Buy
Confirm that the replacement wheel uses the 5x114.3 bolt pattern and has a center bore that is compatible with the vehicle’s 63.4 mm hub. A larger center bore may require correctly sized hub-centric rings, while a smaller bore will not seat over the hub. Do not use rings to correct an incorrect bolt pattern.
Check wheel diameter, width, offset, and backspacing. Compare the proposed tire’s section width and overall diameter with the current setup. Make sure the wheel clears the brake caliper, rotor, suspension components, steering components, and inner fender through the full range of steering and suspension movement.
Verify the wheel and tire load ratings meet or exceed the requirements for the vehicle. Confirm that the tire speed rating, service description, seasonal use, and pressure requirements are appropriate. Check that the replacement wheel accepts the correct M14 x 1.5 lug hardware and that the lug-seat style matches the wheel.
Inspect used wheels for cracks, bends, corrosion around the bead seat, repaired damage, and damaged lug holes. Do not rely only on an online vehicle list, because listed compatibility may omit trim-specific brake or suspension differences.
Plus Sizing And Common Upgrades
Plus sizing changes the wheel diameter while attempting to keep the tire’s overall diameter close to the original. This can preserve speedometer behavior and help maintain suspension geometry, but it does not guarantee clearance or safe operation.
The provided reference uses a 20-inch rim with a 255/50R20 tire. The approximate calculated tire diameter is 30.04 inches, based on the supplied section width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. Actual tire dimensions vary by brand, model, approved measuring rim, and inflation pressure, so use the tire manufacturer’s published specifications for final comparison.
A wider wheel or tire can improve appearance or handling but may increase the risk of inner suspension contact, outer fender contact, tramlining, and reduced sidewall protection. A different offset changes the wheel’s position relative to the hub, suspension, and fender. Avoid selecting a size solely because it fits the bolt pattern.
Installation Tips
Test-fit one wheel on the front and rear axle before mounting all tires. With the vehicle safely supported, check the inner barrel and spokes for brake clearance. Turn the steering from lock to lock and inspect clearance. Also check clearance with the suspension loaded and unloaded when practical.
Clean the hub mounting face and the wheel mounting surface. The surfaces must sit flat with no rust scale, dirt, paint buildup, or debris between them. Install only compatible lug nuts or lug bolts with the correct seat type and thread engagement.
Install the wheels using the vehicle or wheel manufacturer’s specified torque procedure. The required torque value is not provided here, so obtain it from the owner’s manual or an OEM service source instead of guessing. Tighten in a star pattern, lower the vehicle, and recheck torque after the initial drive according to the applicable service guidance.
After installation, verify tire pressure, TPMS operation, steering feel, braking behavior, and the absence of vibration or rubbing. Stop driving if a wheel contacts a component, a tire loses pressure, or the vehicle develops abnormal handling.
Tools And Helpful Supplies
A torque wrench, suitable socket, jack and jack stands or an approved lift, a tire-pressure gauge, and a tread-depth gauge are useful for a careful installation. Use lifting points and support equipment rated for the vehicle, and never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Additional supplies may include a wire brush for cleaning the hub face, wheel chocks, a tread-depth gauge, and correctly sized hub-centric rings if they are required by the final wheel and hub combination. Hub rings must fit the actual hub and wheel bore dimensions and must not be used to compensate for an incorrect bolt pattern.
FAQs
What is the bolt pattern for the 2019 Ford Explorer?
The known reference value is 5x114.3, also expressed as 5x4.5. Confirm the exact vehicle and wheel application before ordering.
What is the center bore?
The known reference center bore is 63.4 mm. A replacement wheel with a larger bore may need correctly sized hub-centric rings. A smaller bore generally will not fit over the vehicle hub.
What lug thread size is listed?
The provided reference is M14 x 1.5. The lug-nut seat style and required torque are separate specifications and must match the wheel and OEM service information.
Is every 20-inch wheel with a 5x114.3 pattern compatible?
No. Bolt pattern is only one part of fitment. Wheel width, offset, backspacing, center bore, spoke and barrel clearance, tire size, load rating, and lug hardware must also be correct.
Can I use a different offset?
A different offset moves the wheel inward or outward and can affect clearance and handling. Use the calculator to compare the change, then physically verify brake, suspension, steering, and fender clearance before driving.
Can I install a wider tire?
A wider tire may fit, but compatibility depends on wheel width, offset, tire construction, suspension movement, and body clearance. Confirm the tire manufacturer’s approved rim-width range and inspect for rubbing at full steering lock.
How accurate is the tire diameter comparison?
The calculator uses the entered section width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. Actual measured diameter varies by tire model, inflation pressure, load, and measuring conditions. Use published manufacturer data for the final decision.
Where can I confirm specifications that are not listed?
Check the owner’s manual, tire and loading information label, original wheel markings, Ford service information, or a Ford dealer. If a value varies by trim or cannot be verified, do not assume the listed reference applies.
