well, its not huge but from what I've seen, if you purchase an 04 with the plan of putting wider tires on, you will be doing some work to accomplish that goal. The stock 18's and tires on the 4x4 model look as though they clear the shox's by about 1 inch. So that means that you will have little room to work unless some kit is conjured up to relocate the shox. I could be wrong, but we'll let others chime in on the idea.

 

Well, that sucks.

 

Those sunza*****es did switch from 5-bolt to 6-bolt from 2002 - 2003 on The Expedition. I'd JUST gotten my wheels, and they wouldn't for the 03. Good thing too- since I've now overcome by burning desire to have a New '03 EB Expy.... (14 more payments!!)

Anyhoo, 18" is too small. 20" is entry level for the stylin'/profilin' sect.. If there is a clearance problem, I'm sure the offset of the rim may be able to compensate & clear the shock.

I was at Discount Tire a few months ago and this gentleman brought in his new S500 to get some AMG wheels put on it. The teenie/weenie 16" that came on it, looked like there was about 1/4" space between the tire and the shock- I just KNEW the tires wouldn't fit- he was putting on some chrome 19" 5-spoke AMG's.

They bolted right on, and the tire missed the shock by what looked like the same distance in height. The width didn't make a difference either, as he went from 225/55/16's to a 245/40/19.

Hopefully Ford didn't do anything to alientate buyers; but- I'm sure if they did- the aftermarket guru's will compensate with great haste.

 

I'm not real worried about it either. They'll come up with something even if it is a problem... they always do.

 

Yeah, wheels with a lot of backspacing will get some serious meaties under there, but they'll be out the side of the truck a pretty good ways. Hello Bushwhacker fender flares!