What factors/details will I need to know to make sure a set of wheels will fit my 2003 4x4 XLT F150?
(Besides the 5 bolts & bolt circle/pattern)
1) Do 4x4 rims differ from NON-4x4 rims?
If so, can you explain?
I wouldn't buy anything drastically different in rim size.
Maybe just 16" steel wheels for the winter set of tires.
2) What other details should I look out for?

I would be buying used (craigslist maybe).
3) Is there any way to check a wheel for 'true' when I go to inspect a set of wheels?
Simply roll it and see how true it rolls?
4) Is there a way to determine if wheels have been damaged in the past and repaired?
5) Is there anything to look for to spot a possible 'cover up' from previous damage?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

Well, for starters you will need to make sure you get a wheel with a 5x135mm bolt pattern. This bolt pattern will fit all 97-03 F-150's (4x4 or 4x2). The only exclusion that I am aware of is the 7700 package which came with 6 or 7 lugs I believe. Another key is to make sure you get a 16" wheel or above. I'm pretty sure if you go any less you will have rubbing issues on the brake calipers.

Other then that, it's pretty much up to you on what style wheel you want, offset, back spacing, etc. I assume since you have a 4x4 that you will want a wheel that is suitable for off roading and requires little to no maintenance. Good luck in you searching, I'm sure others will chime in with some recommendations.

 

I put a set of expy wheels on my '99 XL. They were cheap and w/ a little paint on them, I think they look pretty good. I don't think there is any difference in the factory wheels for 2 or 4 wheel drive.

 

i have a set of stock 16" wheels from my 1998 for sale if thats the kind of thing you are looking for.

 

Ilike the rims there, what year they come off and are they 17"? For some reason, they look aftermarket or from some trim package for expy's.

 

I'm not sure what year expy these wheels are from ... they're the type that's on about 80% of the expys I see. I painted the edges of the openings to give them a little different look (I didn't want them to look like they came straight of an expy). The photo below shows me in the process of masking prior to painting.


I don't have a lot of money to spend on my truck (I live in cali, where all our money goes to housing!), but I wanted something to replace the stock steel wheels which I really don't like the look of.

BTW, they're 16", and thanks for the compliment!

 

Seeing that pic, I know now which it came from. I'll say 97-98 expy's. Around here, 17" is pretty much all I'll find. By painting them like you did makes the rim look fantastic, good job.