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2021-2005 Ford Ranger
6x5.5 (6x139.7mm) Bolt Pattern with 12x1.5 lug nuts.1/2-inch (12mm)Moving wheels 1/2-inch outwards eliminates rubbing and clearance issues when installing aftermarket wheels. |
1.25-inch (30mm)A super-effective accessory to increase stability and give a noticeably aggressive stance. |
1.5-inch (40mm)By pushing out the wheels further out from the hub with 1.5-inch wheel spacers you gain in handling characteristics and get a catchy look. |
2-inch (50mm)Allow for significantly wider tires to improve road grip and traction when off-roading. |
2.5-inch (63mm) |
3-inch (75mm) |
1999-2004 Ford Ranger
5x4.5 (5x114.3mm) Bolt Pattern with 12х1.75 lug nuts.1.5-inch (40mm)By pushing out the wheels further out from the hub with 1.5-inch wheel spacers you gain in handling characteristics and get a catchy look. |
2-inch (50mm)Allow for significantly wider tires to improve road grip and traction when off-roading. |
The Ranger may not be the biggest pickup in Ford’s lineup, but it’s definitely the mightiest, especially in Raptor guise, where its off-road abilities are second to none. However, the Raptor is expensive for most people and enthusiasts, limiting them to the little bit less impressive off-road performance of the stock Ford Ranger.
You shouldn’t worry much though. There are advanced aftermarket suspension components for the Ranger already available that can help with off-road performance greatly. And if that’s expensive for you, then a simple combination of bigger wheels, off-road tires and wheel spacers might do the job and satisfy your burning terrain-driving needs.
Why do I need wheel spacers with the new wheels on my Ford Ranger?
Glad you asked. Most of the aftermarket rims have a different design compared to the factory ones. This may change the geometry, or in other words, the wheels may be slightly inwards. And even if they’re with the exact same proportions as the factory rims, installing wider tires on them requires wheel spacers so they don’t touch the wheel well.
Most people choose wheel spacers only for their appearance though. Installing these inexpensive products can give your Ranger wider stance and make it look much meaner. Almost like the Raptor. Because mean is the new beautiful. Combines with bigger wheels and wider tires and your Ranger will be quite the looker.
There are other aspects to consider as well.
The wheel spacers will not only give you a better appearance but in most cases, they will improve the handling of your Ranger and contribute to more uniform tire loading. If you want to install bigger brakes, wheel spacers can help you by increasing the area inside the wheel.
That said, there are several things to look out for – wheel spacers mess with your suspension geometry, which in turn means more tire wear, more steering effort, and less stability under braking. The changes will be only slight though, the same as the improvements made on the handling and grip.
Ranger Bolt Pattern |
PCD 6×139.7 |
Stock wheel offset |
-10 to 18 mm
|
Center bore (hub bore) |
93.1
|
Thread size |
M12 x 1.75
|
Stock Rim Sizes Range |
15×6.0 – 22×9.5
|
Custom rim sizes range |
15×8.0 – 20×9.0
|
Tire sizes |
225/70 R15 – 285/55 R18 |
Are there different types of wheel spacers?
There are two different types of wheel spacers – non hub centric and hub centric. We would opt for the former type though because they fit the wheel entirely. Hubcentric wheel spacers will carry the weight of the vehicle by themselves, while non hub centric wheel spacers let the bolts carry the weight.
While we are with the bolts, always use longer bolts when installing wheel spacers. How much longer? Just add the thickness of the spacer to the length of your factory bolts and you’ll have the length of the aftermarket ones. If your vehicle is equipped with lug nuts, put washers on each stud (start with a smaller number) so that the wheel doesn’t touch the brake calipers.
How much offset will I get after I install wheel spacers?
It all depends on your needs and desires – you can go as wide as you like. However, we strongly advise against very big wheel spacers, as they can put too much strain on the suspension components of the Ranger. If you offset your wheels too much, you may need a leveling kit to cancel things out and reduce the wear on the suspension.
How to install wheel spacers on the Ford Ranger?
Most of the owners of vehicles like the Ford Ranger make modifications of their vehicle in a professional garage, but installing a wheel spacer is an easy process and can be done by yourself. That said, you’ll still need a garage, jacks, and jack stands to keep the Ranger safely in the air.
- Jack up the Ford Ranger
- Remove the wheels by unscrewing the lug nuts and remove the retaining clips if present
- Install the wheel spacers
- If the studs are too long, grind them and remove about ¼” of their length. Use older lug nuts for guidance and then for cleaning the threads
- Use a brake cleaner on the studs
- Install the nuts provided with the wheel spacers. If the studs are still protruding, they may need more cutting
- Put the wheel back on and secure it in place. Always use a torque wrench (100 ft. lbs.)
Appearance: Sticking the Ford Ranger wheels out to increase the stance and more thrilling appearance.
Clearance: Tons of aftermarket Ford Ranger wheels are missing plenty of room to comply with big brake kits.
Correction: The offset of the Ford Ranger wheel build may be too high, resulting in the wheels positioned too far inward. This might provoke the tire to scratch the inside Ford Ranger wheel well, or other parts. Wheel spacers change the offset problem.
Handling: by arranging your Ford Ranger wheels further away from each other, this common fitting can improve the Ford Ranger car with more lateral stamina and controlled cornering.
