I nearly bought the wrong wheels for my buddy’s rig last year. He’s got a ’18 F-150, and I was looking at some sweet aftermarket rims for his birthday. Found a killer deal online, and then I noticed it – the bolt pattern. It got me thinking, are 2019 Expeditions and 2018 F 150 have same bolt patterns? It’s the kind of detail that can save you a ton of headaches and money if you get it right the first time.
It’s easy to assume that vehicles from the same manufacturer, especially trucks and their SUV siblings, would share common parts. But the truth, as anyone who’s tinkered with cars for a while knows, is that it’s often not that simple. Bolt patterns, offset, center bore – these aren’t interchangeable just because they look alike.
So, if you’re in the market for new wheels or some other bolt-on upgrade, paying attention to this stuff is a must. Let’s cut through the noise and get to what actually matters.
The Nitty-Gritty: Bolt Pattern Basics
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. When we talk about bolt patterns, we’re basically describing how the lug nuts are arranged on your wheel hub. It’s a two-part number: the first number is the count of bolts, and the second is the diameter of the circle they form in millimeters. For example, a 6×135 bolt pattern means there are six bolts arranged in a circle with a 135mm diameter.
Ford trucks and SUVs from this era, particularly the F-150 and Expedition, are notorious for using a specific bolt pattern that’s not as common as, say, the 5×114.3 or 5×120 you find on a lot of cars. This is where the confusion often creeps in. The 2018 Ford F-150, across most of its trims and configurations, typically uses a 6×135 bolt pattern. This has been pretty standard for the F-150 for quite a few years leading up to and including 2018.
Now, the 2019 Ford Expedition? It also commonly sports a 6×135 bolt pattern. This is where you get that immediate ‘yes, they’re the same!’ feeling. But hold your horses, because it’s not just the bolt pattern that guarantees compatibility. There are other dimensions that matter, and getting them wrong can lead to wheels that either won’t fit at all or, worse, will fit but cause serious problems down the line. Think about trying to cram a square peg into a round hole – sometimes it’ll go in with a bit of persuasion, but it’s not going to be stable or safe.
So, the short answer to are 2019 Expeditions and 2018 F 150 have same bolt patterns is yes, generally. They both use the 6×135 pattern. This is a massive piece of information if you’re looking to swap wheels between these two vehicles or buy aftermarket wheels that will fit both. However, we can’t stop here. There’s more to consider than just the bolt circle. I learned this the hard way trying to fit some aftermarket wheels on a friend’s older Ranger; they looked right, but the offset was way off, and they rubbed like crazy against the suspension components. Cost me a fortune in return shipping.
Beyond the Bolts: Offset, Center Bore, and Backspacing
As I just hinted at, the bolt pattern is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ve got to consider the other important dimensions. The first one that often trips people up is the wheel offset. Offset refers to the distance from the mounting surface of the wheel (where it bolts to the hub) to the centerline of the wheel. It can be positive, negative, or zero. A positive offset pushes the wheel further inward towards the suspension, while a negative offset pushes it outward. Getting the offset wrong means your wheels might rub against your fenders, suspension components, or brake calipers. It can also mess with your steering geometry and tire wear.
Then there’s the center bore. This is the hole in the middle of your wheel that sits around the vehicle’s hub. If the center bore of the wheel is smaller than the hub diameter, it simply won’t fit. If it’s larger, the wheel can theoretically fit, but it relies solely on the lug nuts to keep it centered. (See Also: Are All Honda Atv Bolt Patterns The Same )
This is a no-go zone. The lug nuts are designed to seat the wheel properly against the hub, not to bear the entire load and keep the wheel perfectly centered.
A properly sized center bore makes sure the wheel is centered on the hub for optimal balance and reduced vibration. Ford vehicles typically have a specific center bore size, and while aftermarket wheels might have a larger universal center bore, they often come with hub-centric rings to make sure a perfect fit.
Backspacing is another term you’ll hear thrown around, and it’s closely related to offset. It’s the measurement from the back of the wheel mounting surface to the outer lip of the wheel. This dictates how much clearance you have inside the wheel well. Again, incorrect backspacing can lead to rubbing issues, especially when you’re running larger tires or suspension modifications.
For the 2018 F-150 and 2019 Expedition, both sharing the 6×135 bolt pattern, you’ll typically find that they also share similar offset and center bore specifications, especially within stock configurations. However, if you’re looking at aftermarket wheels, even those designed for your specific vehicle model and year, you absolutely must check the detailed specifications for offset and center bore. Don’t just trust that because the bolt pattern matches, you’re good to go. I’ve seen wheels that looked identical in pictures but had different offsets, and boy, did that cause headaches when trying to mount them.
Common Wheel Swap Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake number one, as we’ve hammered home, is assuming bolt pattern is the only thing that matters. It’s like buying a shirt based only on the color – you’re missing a whole lot of important fit information. People buy wheels online, see ‘fits 2018 F-150’, and click ‘buy’ without verifying the offset or center bore. Then they’re stuck with wheels that don’t fit, or worse, fit poorly and create safety hazards.
Another common blunder is not considering the tire size. Even if the wheels fit perfectly, if you slap on tires that are too large in diameter or width, they’re going to rub. This is especially true if you’re lifting your truck or SUV, or if you’re going for an aggressive stance. Always factor in the tire size you plan to run and check for clearance issues. I once tried to fit 33-inch tires on a stock suspension with wheels that had a slightly aggressive offset. Clearance was non-existent. I ended up having to trim plastic in the fender wells, which looked terrible, and eventually had to sell the tires.
Then there’s the quality of the aftermarket wheel itself. Not all wheels are created equal. Cheaper wheels might look great on paper, but they can be made from lower-quality materials, leading to premature wear, bending, or cracking. When you’re talking about something as important as your wheels, investing in reputable brands is usually a good idea. I’ve heard horror stories about cheap alloy wheels cracking under stress, especially for heavy-duty applications like towing or off-roading. Ford’s own wheels, or those from well-established aftermarket manufacturers, are generally a safer bet.
To avoid these pitfalls, do your homework. Always verify the bolt pattern, offset, and center bore. Consult owner forums for your specific vehicle model and year – people often share their experiences with aftermarket wheels and tire sizes. If you’re unsure, talk to a reputable wheel and tire shop. They have the expertise and the databases to tell you exactly what will fit and what won’t. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic. It’s better to ask and look a little green than to buy the wrong parts and waste money and time. (See Also: Are Ak Bolts Interchangeable )
Expert Insights and Manufacturer Specs
When you’re trying to figure out compatibility between different vehicles, especially when it comes to important components like wheels, looking at the manufacturer’s specifications is your best bet. For the 2018 Ford F-150 and the 2019 Ford Expedition, Ford themselves confirm the common bolt pattern. According to various automotive databases and Ford’s own technical documentation for these model years, the standard bolt pattern for both the F-150 and the Expedition is 6x135mm. This is a pretty solid confirmation that the bolt pattern itself is indeed the same.
However, it’s important to note that manufacturers can sometimes offer variations or different wheel options within a model lineup, especially for higher trim levels or specific performance packages. For instance, while the vast majority of F-150s and Expeditions from these years will share the 6×135 pattern, it’s always prudent to double-check the specific vehicle in question. If you’re buying used parts or looking at a vehicle without its original wheels, it’s a good idea to physically count the lugs and measure the bolt circle diameter if you have any doubt, or verify the VIN against parts catalogs.
The center bore diameter is also a key spec. For the 2018 F-150 and 2019 Expedition, the typical hub bore diameter is 87.1mm. This means wheels designed for these vehicles should ideally have a center bore of 87.1mm or be designed to accept hub-centric rings that will bring the bore size down to 87.1mm. If an aftermarket wheel has a larger center bore and no provision for hub-centric rings, it’s generally not recommended for safety reasons. The load should be carried by the hub, not just the lug nuts.
The offset can vary more significantly, even within stock wheels. For example, stock wheels on a 2018 F-150 might have an offset in the range of +35mm to +44mm, depending on the wheel size and trim. Similarly, the 2019 Expedition might have offsets in a similar range, perhaps leaning more towards positive offsets to accommodate its wider stance. It’s these subtle differences in offset and the specific wheel design that can prevent direct swaps even when the bolt pattern and center bore match. Always cross-reference the exact wheel specifications if you’re trying to put a set of wheels from one vehicle onto another.
Can You Swap Wheels? A Practical Look
So, can you actually swap wheels between a 2018 F-150 and a 2019 Expedition? Yes, with the caveat that you’re looking at wheels designed for the 6×135 bolt pattern and appropriate offset/center bore. If you’re buying aftermarket wheels that are advertised to fit both, chances are they’ve accounted for these dimensions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for when considering a swap:
- Bolt Pattern: Both the 2018 F-150 and 2019 Expedition typically use 6x135mm. This is the most basic requirement.
- Center Bore: Both vehicles usually have a hub bore of 87.1mm. Make sure the wheels match or can be made to match with hub-centric rings.
- Offset: This is where things can get tricky. While both might use 6×135, stock offsets can differ slightly, and aftermarket wheels will have their own offsets. For example, a wheel with a +40mm offset on an F-150 might sit slightly differently than on an Expedition. You need to check the specific offset for the wheels you’re considering.
- Wheel Diameter and Width: Make sure the overall diameter and width of the wheel, and the tire you intend to mount on it, will clear the fenders, suspension, and brakes.
I once helped a friend put some aftermarket 20-inch wheels from his ’17 F-150 onto his ’19 Expedition. They had the same bolt pattern and seemed to have similar offsets. They bolted right on, and he was thrilled. However, when he turned the steering wheel full lock, the tires rubbed slightly against the control arms. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, and he lived with it, but it was a good reminder that even with the same bolt pattern, minor variations can cause issues. He ended up getting hub-centric rings and slightly smaller tires to correct it. It cost him a bit more than he anticipated.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for direct bolt-on compatibility for wheels, your best bet is to buy wheels specifically advertised for either a 2018 F-150 or a 2019 Expedition, as aftermarket manufacturers design them to fit both, given they share the same core dimensions. If you’re scavenging wheels from one to the other, measure everything twice, and be prepared for potential minor modifications or the need for hub-centric rings. (See Also: Are All Bolt Patterns The Same )
| Vehicle Year/Model | Bolt Pattern | Hub Bore (mm) | Typical Offset (mm) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ford F-150 | 6×135 | 87.1 | +35 to +44 | Generally compatible with 2019 Expedition wheels. |
| 2019 Ford Expedition | 6×135 | 87.1 | +35 to +50 (can vary more) | Generally compatible with 2018 F-150 wheels. |
| Aftermarket Wheels (Advertised for both) | 6×135 | 87.1 (or adaptable) | Varies significantly | Likely compatible, but ALWAYS double-check offset and hub bore specifics. |
The table above highlights the key similarities. The bolt pattern and hub bore are almost always identical for these two vehicles. The offset is the main variable that aftermarket companies and individuals need to be mindful of. For many stock-to-stock swaps, it’s often fine, but for aggressive setups or when mixing brands, it requires more scrutiny. I’d say for the vast majority of cases, if you’re buying wheels intended for either vehicle, you’re in the clear on the bolt pattern front.
People Also Ask
Do Ford Expeditions and F-150s Share Bolt Patterns?
Yes, typically the 2018 Ford F-150 and the 2019 Ford Expedition share the same bolt pattern, which is 6x135mm. This is a common point of compatibility between these two Ford vehicles from similar model years.
What Is the Bolt Pattern for a 2018 Ford F-150?
The 2018 Ford F-150 commonly uses a 6x135mm bolt pattern. This pattern has been standard on many F-150 models for several years leading up to and including 2018.
What Is the Bolt Pattern for a 2019 Ford Expedition?
The 2019 Ford Expedition also typically features a 6x135mm bolt pattern, making it compatible in terms of bolt circle with the 2018 F-150.
Are All Ford Expedition Wheels Interchangeable?
Not all Ford Expedition wheels are interchangeable across all model years or with other Ford vehicles without verification. While many Expeditions from similar generations share the 6×135 bolt pattern, factors like offset, center bore, and brake caliper clearance can vary and prevent direct swaps.
Can I Put F-150 Wheels on an Expedition?
You can often put F-150 wheels on an Expedition, or vice versa, provided they are from compatible model years and share the same 6×135 bolt pattern. However, you must also confirm that the wheel’s offset, center bore, and overall dimensions will clear suspension components and brakes.
Conclusion
So, to circle back to the main question: are 2019 Expeditions and 2018 F 150 have same bolt patterns? The short, and most frequent, answer is yes. Both vehicles are equipped with the 6x135mm bolt pattern. This is great news if you’re looking to swap wheels or buy aftermarket wheels that will fit both your truck and your SUV.
But remember, as I’ve stressed, bolt pattern is just the first hurdle. The offset, center bore, and overall wheel dimensions are just as vital. Don’t get caught out by assuming a match on one spec means a perfect fit. I’ve seen too many people learn that lesson the hard way, with wheels that rub or don’t sit right.
Before you buy anything or attempt a swap, always double-check the full specifications. Consult reliable automotive resources, forums, or even a trusted wheel shop. Getting this right the first time saves you time, money, and the headache of dealing with returns or unforeseen fitment issues. It’s all about being thorough.
