Ford F150 Bolt Pattern - The Key to Wheel Compatibility

The Ford F-150 stands as an iconic American pickup truck with a rich history of evolution in design and capabilities. Its reliability and versatility have made it a consistent best-seller in the United States, offering diverse engine options, trims, and customization possibilities. Like any vehicle, it faces common issues such as PCM failure, but nothing overly concerning. For those venturing into Ford F-150 customization, ignoring the lug pattern during upgrades or wheel replacements can lead to problems like reduced fuel efficiency, ill-fitting hubs, and even collisions. We’ve compiled vital information about the Ford F150 bolt pattern to avoid such pitfalls – read on!

Ford F-150 Wheel Bolt Pattern

Since 2004, Ford F150s have transitioned to a 6×135 mm or 6×5.31″ bolt configuration, featuring six evenly spaced lug nuts within a 135 mm diameter circle. This significant change by Ford increased the number of lug nuts from five to six.

1980 – 1996

In 1980, the F-150 series saw substantial transformations. The fresh iteration introduced a revamped body and chassis, a departure from the original 1964 models.

During this era, the standard Ford F150 bolt pattern measured 5×5.50″ (or 5×139.7 mm). Consequently, Ford F-150 trucks from 1980 to 1986 sported 5 lug holes, forming an imaginary circle with a 5.5-inch diameter.

Advancements in aesthetics and functionality were paramount in the subsequent generation. The new models showcased hydraulic motor mounts, a completely redesigned hub, and electronic ABS. Remarkably, the lug pattern for 1987-1991 Ford F-150 trucks remained at 5×5.50″.

The 9th generation models introduced numerous enhancements to their accessories. Notably, Ford overhauled the headlights and fenders while also incorporating a sophisticated grille design in the 1992-1996 Ford F-150 trucks.

1997 – 2003

Since 1997, Ford significantly changed the bolt pattern of the F-150 models during a strategic redesign. In this phase, the vehicles retained five-wheel lugs, but the size of the circular pattern was reduced to 5.31 inches or 135 mm.

2004 – Now

Interestingly, the automaker implemented a fresh design shift after a brief seven-year period. From 2004, F-150 trucks sported precisely 6 bolts per wheel, each boasting a 135mm diameter.

Surprisingly, the engine bay remains largely unaltered up to the present day. Between 2015 and 2020, this vehicle series garnered fervent consumer approval, solidifying its position as a top-selling truck within the lineup and achieving record-breaking annual sales figures, with millions of units sold. This tremendous success prompted the introduction of the F-150 Lightning, the first all-truck workhorse from the Blue Oval.

Here are the complete specifications of the Ford F150 bolt pattern:

1. Ford F150 VIII (from 1987 to 1991):

1a. 1987 to 1999:

Lug configuration: 5 x 139.7 (mm); 5 x 5.5 (inches)
Power: 147 PS/ 108 KW/ 145 HP
Powerplants: Petrol, I6, 4.9 L
Hub bore/Center hole bore: 87.1 mm
Thread: 1/2″ – 20 UNF
Rim width: 6”, 7”
Rim diameter: 15 inches
Tightening Torque Specs: 135 Nm
Wheel Offset Range: -2 – 2; 8 – 12

1b. 1990 and 1991:

Lug configuration: 5 x 139.7 (mm); 5 x 5.5 (inches)
Power: 128 PS/ 94 KW/ 126 HP
Powerplants: Petrol, I6, 3.8 L
Hub bore/Center bore diameter: 87.1 mm
Thread: 1/2″ – 20 UNF
Rim width: 6”, 7”
Rim diameter: 15 inches
Tightening Torques: 135 Nm
Offset Range: -2 – 2; 8 – 12

2. Ford F150 IX (from 1992 to 1996):

Lug circle design: 5 x 139.7 (mm); 5 x 5.5 (inches)
Power: 147 PS/ 108 KW/ 145 HP
Powerplants: Petrol, I6, 4.9 L
Hub bore/Center bore hub: 87.1 mm
Thread: 1/2″ – 20 UNF
Rim width: 6”, 7”
Rim diameter: 15 inches
Tightening Torques: 135 Nm
Offset Range: -2 – 2; 8 – 12

3. Ford F150 X (from 1997 to 2003):

3a. 1997 to 1999

Bolt configuration: 5 x 135 (mm); 5 x 5.31 (inches)
Power: 208 PS/ 153 KW/ 205 HP
Powerplants: Petrol, V6 mill
Hub bore/Center bore: 87.1 mm
Thread: 1.75 x M12
Rim width: 7”, 7.5” (for all years); 7” (for 1999)
Rim diameter: 16”, 17”
Tightening Torques: 204 Nm
Offset Range: 12 – 16
Trim Levels: XLT, XL, Standard

3b. 2000 to 2003

Lug pattern: 5 x 135 (mm); 5 x 5.31 (inches)
Powerplants: Petrol, V6 mill
Hub bore/Center bore: 87.1 mm
Thread: 2.0 x M14
Rim width: 7 inches
Rim diameter: 16 inches
Tightening Torques: 204 Nm
Offset Range: 12 – 16
Power:
- 208 PS/ 153 KW/ 205 HP (for 2000)
- 205 PS/ 150.6 kW/ 202 HP (for 2001 to 2003)

4. Ford F150 XI (from 2004 to 2008):

Lug pattern: 6 x 135 (mm); 6 x 5.31 (inches)
Power: 205 PS/ 150.6 KW/ 202c HP
Powerplants: Petrol, V6, HD V8 mill
Hub bore/Center bore: 87.1 mm
Thread: 2.0 x M14
Rim width: 7.5”, 8.5”, 9”
Rim diameter: 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”
Tightening Torques: 204 Nm
Offset Range: 42 – 46

5. Ford F150 XII (from 2009 to 2014):

Bolt configuration: 6 x 135 (mm); 6 x 5.31 (inches)
Powerplants: Petrol, V6 mill
Hub bore/Center bore: 87.1 mm
Thread: 2.0 x M14
Rim width: 7.5”, 8.5”, 9”
Rim diameter: 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”
Tightening Torques: 204 Nm
Offset Range: 42 – 46
Power:
- 205 PS/ 150.6 KW/ 202c HP (for 2009 & 2010)
- 370 PS/ 272.2 kW/ 365 HP (for 2011 to 2014)

6. Ford F150 XIII (from 2015 to 2017):

Bolt pattern: 6 x 135 (mm); 6 x 5.31 (inches)
Power: 329 PS/ 242 KW/ 325 HP
Powerplants: Petrol, V6, 2.7 L
Hub bore/Center bore: 87.1 mm
Thread: 1.5 x M14
Rim width: 7.5”, 8.5″
Rim diameter: 17”, 18”, 20”, 21”
Tightening Torques: 204 Nm
Offset Range: 42 – 46

7. Ford F150 XIII Refresh (from 2018 to 2020):

Bolt pattern: 6 x 135 (mm); 6 x 5.31 (inches)
Power: 329 PS/ 242 KW/ 325 HP
Powerplants: Petrol, V6, 2.7 L, HD V8 mill
Hub bore/Center bore: 87.1 mm
Thread: 1.5 x M14
Tightening Torques: 204 Nm
Offset Range: 42 – 46
Trim Level: Lariat, XLT, XL
Rim width: 7.5”, 8.5″, 9”
Rim diameter:
- 17”, 18”, 20”, 21” (for 2018 & 2019)
- 17”, 18”, 20”, 22” (for 2020)

8. Ford F150 XIV (from 2021 to Present):

Normal lug design: 6 x 135 (mm); 6 x 5.31 (inches)
Power: 329 PS/ 242 KW/ 325 HP
Powerplant: Petrol, V6, 2.7 L, HD V8 mill
Hub bore/Center bore: 87.1 mm
Thread size: 1.5 x M14
Rim diameter: 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”
Rim width: 7.5”, 8.5″, 9”
Tightening Torques: 204 Nm
Offset Range: 42 – 46
Trim Level: Lariat, XLT, XL

Ford F150 Bolt Pattern FAQs

Why Did the Ford F150 Shift to 6-Lug Wheels?

Transitioning from a 5-lug to a 6-lug wheel pattern aims to enhance the vehicle’s robustness, general performance, and, notably, its capacity to carry heavier loads. This switch to a 6-lug configuration enables the F150 to handle increased weight with greater effectiveness, primarily due to the utilization of sturdier and larger bearings.

Are There Ford F-150 Models Equipped with 7-Lug Wheels?

Absolutely not. As mentioned earlier, the factory standards for the Ford F150 have remained as 6-lug and 5-lug configurations since 1987. However, numerous aftermarket wheel vendors have introduced 7-lug pattern wheels and adapters tailored for the Ford F150. You can readily locate these products on prominent automotive marketplaces.

How do you determine the bolt pattern of a Ford F-150?

Start by counting the wheel hub’s bolt holes to determine the bolt arrangement. In the case of Ford F-150 models, there should be either 5 or 6-wheel lugs/bolts per wheel.
Next, measure the diameter of the bolt pattern. Insert an “x” between the lug number (5/6) and the diameter to represent the vehicle’s lug hole pattern.
Here are some guidelines for F-150 bolt pattern diameters:
– For 6-lug (even number) patterns: Identify two bolt holes on opposite sides and measure the distance between their centers.
– For 5-lug (odd number) patterns: Select one bolt hole (bolt 1) and another directly across from it (bolt 2). Measure the distance from the center of bolt 1 to the outermost edge of bolt 2.

Which Vehicles Are Compatible with 5×139.7 Wheels?

In addition to the classic Ford F-150, models like the Kia Sorento, Toyota Blizzard, Suzuki Jimny Sierra, Mitsubishi Jeep, and Mazda Proceed Levante also utilize 5×139.7 wheels.

Is It Possible to Use a Ford Bolt Pattern on a Chevy?

It’s a possibility. You can swap their wheels if Chevy shares the same bolt pattern as Ford. For instance, the 2001 Chevy Tracker features 5×5.5″ bolts, the same as older Ford models.

Which vehicles Adopt the 6×135 Bolt Pattern?

Several trucks and SUVs manufactured by Ford, such as the F-150, Lincoln Mark LT, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition, utilize the 6×135 bolt pattern.

Final Words

There you have it: our complete Ford F150 bolt pattern guide. Lastly, please remember when conducting an F-150 tire rotation or changing a wheel, always refer to your owner’s manual for torque specifications. Proper torque is essential to prevent lug nut loosening due to driving vibrations. Additionally, re-torque the lugs 50-100 miles after fitting new wheels.