So, I was wondering...

I just got an 04 Fx4 Off Road (Ill have pics of it up tomorrow) and I was planning on swaping my tires from my 02 onto this one. But the problem is the wheels on the 04 are 16" while the wheels on the 02 are 15".

So I was going to swap over both the wheels and tires, but my dad says that I cant. According to him the 16" were put on the Fx4 to keep the truck balanced...is that true?? Will 15" wheels throw off the balance of the fx4 or cause any kinda safety issues? I just want to make sure so I dont have to go get new tires...since I dont really have any money now.

 

The later model trucks DO have bigger brakes. The larger wheels may have been used to clear them.

I don't wish to contradict your father, but I'm not sure balance is the issue. If the wheels fit without rubbing anything in the suspension or brakes, then they are fine to be used. The bolt pattern is still 5 on 4.5.

 

Remember the similar Level IIs come factoy equipped with 31s on 15" rims. IMO, the most important things are: will the swap cause significant speedometer error and are the replacement tires of equal or higher load rating.

 

hmm...well I was gonna swap them out tomorrow, so trial and error I guess is in order...thanx :D

 

WHAT THE POOP WHEN DID YOU BUY THIS CAR!!!! I DONT SEE ONE ON THE GARAGE!!!! AAHHHHHHH !!!

O YEA, IS IT A LVL 2?

 

HOLY CRAP BAILEY?!?!?! Why did you buy a new truck?

 

Can I have your 3.0 badge?

 

Bailey felt intimidated by her brother....

She bought an 04 FX4, it kicks...lol

 

its going to be very scary having bailey pull me out when i get stuck

 

ill be there to pull her out when she gets stuck from trying to pull you out

8)

 

lol, good stuff...

 

I seem to remember a discussion on ORR about how the newer trucks had bigger brakes and therefore wouldn't take many 15" rims. I read somewhere that the LII rims are different for some reason and they'd fit over the newer, larger brakes. You might want to surf over there and try a search.

However I really think it's a they fit-or they don't kind of situation. If they physically fit over the breaks, I'd say you've got 0 problems. Balance isn't really an issue. Obviously if the OD of the wheel/tire combo is different, then it will directly effect your gearing and speedo, but other than that you should be good to go..

 

GMC/Chevrolet trucks have this problem due to caliper/brake size.

If you attempt to put on the different wheels, make sure you carefully check clearances with the steering wheel turned all the way to each side. I don't know if the caliper or brake line positions have changed, and the different size wheel may affect this.

 

My aftermarket 15's fit fine over my front brakes. I'm sure they will fit over yours too.

 

The only issue is yours had the 15's on there stock. Like said above i say try it and see.

Ive also read this somewhere over on trs or something like this all 4x4 rims will fit on a 2wd ranger but not all 2wd rims will fit on a 4x4 ranger

 

I know. But in 03 was when Ford went with bigger brakes in the front. The 15 just clear the calipers.