wheel spacers and 2012 16inch explorer rims

[Craig Martin 2]

I'm thinking of getting a set of 2012 explorer steel rims with snow tires. If my research is correct the 2012 rims will have a 44mm offset. I'm not sure of the hub size though and I think I'm going to need spacers.....am I correct so far? I'm going to look at them on monday evening. the price is right $300 so even if the rims dont fit correctly I'll still take them and mount the snows on my stockers for this winter then get the proper rim next winter.

 

[Igor Smetaniuk]

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Specifications

Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 ? Center Bore: 70.5 ? Hardware:1/2 Lug ? Offset: 12-35mm



2012 Ford Explorer Base Specifications

Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 ? Center Bore: 63.4 ? Hardware:1/2 Lug ? Offset: 34-45mm



Those rims will not fit as you can see that the center bore differs in both years above. The offsets vary with wheels depending on which ones you have on your truck now.



My 2001 wheels had a 12mm offset and when I purchased some aftermarket rims having a +40mm offset, I needed to have custom hub-centric/wheel centric adapters made 1.25" thick and to accomodate both center bore differences.



The other problem you'll face is the steel wheel rims will not have cut-outs (pockets) on the backside to accomdate the studs which will protrude from the adapters. After-market wheels usually have these. If the tires are a good fit for your current OEM rims then it makes sense to just change them over and throw the steel rims away.

 

[Yardsale]

If the tires are good enough, it may be worth it to get them and find OEM steel rims (if that's what you want). I believe they came in only 15" diameter (other diameter OEM rims were aluminum). You may find used aftermarket rims in any diameter inexpensively.



Check on the age of the tires. They may have good tread, but if they have been exposed to sunlight for a few years, they may begin to show age wear (cracking) soon.

 

[Craig Martin 2]

So it turns out the tires are too small. I don't want to go smaller then 245 70 r16. The tires he had for sale were 235's. oh well back to the drawing boards.

 

[user 66791]

UH yeah. Personally, 16" would look redonk-culous on the Trac...IMHO. I like my 20" 265's. They look perfect and are wider than stock.