F150 Lug Pattern : If you’re planning to rotate the tires on your Ford F-150 or purchase custom wheels that require tire assembly afterward, it’s essential to understand the truck’s bolt pattern. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring compatibility between your wheels and the vehicle.
The Ford F-150 has evolved through 14 generations, leading to significant variations in the bolt patterns used across different model years. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific F-150 lug pattern before making any decisions about wheel upgrades or tire changes.
F150 Lug Pattern : Wheel Bolt Pattern Overview
Starting in 2004, all Ford F-150 models adopted a 6×135 mm or 6×5.31” bolt pattern. This means that there are six lug nuts, evenly spaced around an imaginary circle with a diameter of 135 mm. Ford made a major shift from the previous 5-lug configuration to 6-lugs at this time, which has remained consistent in newer models.
However, earlier generations had different bolt patterns, so it’s essential to understand which pattern applies to your specific model year.
Ford F150 Lug Pattern Over the Years
1980 – 1996
F150 Lug Pattern : The 1980 model year brought significant changes to the F-150, including a new body and chassis design. During this era, the standard bolt pattern was 5×5.50″ (or 5×139.7 mm). This means that models from 1980 to 1986 featured 5 lug holes arranged in a circle with a 5.5-inch diameter.
Despite changes in design, the same 5×5.50” bolt pattern continued through the 1987–1991 models. In addition to aesthetic improvements like revised headlights and fenders, the bolt pattern remained unchanged through the 1992–1996 F-150 trucks.
1997 – 2003
In 1997, Ford introduced a new bolt pattern as part of a major redesign of the F-150. These models retained a 5-lug configuration, but the bolt circle shrank to 5.31 inches (135 mm).
2004 – Present
In 2004, Ford once again changed the lug pattern, switching to a 6-lug configuration. All F-150 trucks from 2004 onwards feature 6 lugs with a 135 mm bolt circle. This bolt pattern has been consistent in all models from this period, making it easier to find compatible wheels for these trucks.
Between 2015 and 2020, the Ford F-150 saw great success, becoming one of the best-selling trucks with millions of units sold. Despite technological upgrades under the hood, the 6×135 mm bolt pattern remained unchanged during these years.
Key Wheel Specifications for Different Generations
F150 Lug Pattern : Each F-150 generation brought its own unique wheel specifications. It’s important to understand these differences to avoid mismatching wheels and tires.
Ford F-150 (1980 – 1996):
- Center bore diameter: 87.1 mm
- Thread size: 1/2″ – 20 UNF
- Wheel fasteners: Lug nuts
- Wheel torque: 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs)
- Tire sizes: 215/75SR15
- Rim sizes: 6Jx15 ET0
Ford F-150 (1997 – 2004):
- Center bore diameter: 87.1 mm
- Thread size: M12 x 1.75
- Wheel torque: 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs)
- Tire & rim size options:
- 4.2 V6, 4.6 V8, or 5.4 V8 (235 hp): 235/70R16, 255/70R16, LT245/75R16 on 7Jx16 ET14 rims
- 5.4 V8 (260 hp): 275/45R20 on 9Jx20 ET unknown
Ford F-150 (2004 – 2008):
- Center bore diameter: 87.1 mm
- Thread size: M14 x 1.5
- Wheel torque: 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs)
- Tire & rim size options:
- 4.2 V6, 4.6 V8: 235/75R17, 235/70R17, 255/65R17, or 255/70R17 on 7.5Jx17 ET44 rims
- 5.4 V8: 265/60R18, 275/65R18 on 7.5Jx18 ET44 rims
Ford F-150 (2009 – 2014):
- Center bore diameter: 87.1 mm
- Thread size: M14 x 1.5
- Wheel torque: 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs)
- Tire & rim size options:
- 3.5 V6, 3.7 V6, 5.0 V8: 255/70R17 on 7.5Jx17 ET44 rims
- 6.2 V8: LT315/70R17 on 8.5Jx17 ET34 rims
Ford F-150 (2015 – 2020):
- Center bore diameter: 87.1 mm
- Thread size: M14 x 1.5
- Wheel torque: 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs)
- Tire & rim size options:
- 2.7 GTDi V6, 3.5 Ti V6, 5.0 Ti V8: 245/70R17, 265/70R17 on 7.5Jx17 ET44 rims
- 3.5 GTDi V6 (450 hp): LT315/70R17 on 8.5Jx17 ET34 rims
Vehicles that Use the 6×135 Bolt Pattern
In addition to the Ford F-150, the 6×135 bolt pattern is also used by several other vehicles, including the Lincoln Mark LT, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition.
Conclusion – F150 Lug Pattern
F150 Lug Pattern : Whether you’re rotating your tires or considering custom wheels for your F-150, understanding the lug pattern is crucial. Knowing the correct F-150 lug pattern ensures that you select the right wheels and avoid potential issues with installation. This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview, allowing you to confidently manage your wheel and tire needs.
