I have seen a few posts for this topic but I still have a few questions if anyone has a minute. I have a 2000 Lightning that I bought at the beginning of the summer, since this will be my first winter in it I am a little worried. I have herd that the bolt pattern for the Lightning is the same as an expedition so I was thinking of trying to find some plain jane 16” steel expedition rims and then buy some cheap winter tires to match.

-Will any year expedition rim fit?

-Is there anyplace I can some used expedition rims for cheap?

-Would it be ok to just put this winter setup on the back and leave the front alone?

-If I do find 16” expedition rims what tire size would I need to keep the stock radius? What width is recommended for this application? I know thinner is better when it comes to snow driving.

-How does a set up like this perform when driving in the winter without snow?


I have a good amount of experience driving 2wd trucks in the snow but have never driven one with as wide a tire like the ones on my L.


Thanks,

Pete

 

4 jack stands is what my truck uses in the winter

 

F1's have always worked for me... good enough to put on my parents Mustang GT for winter driving as well.

 

Really??!? Damn I wonder if I should leave them on? It sure would save some $...




Scott

 

I discovered this past winter in New Jersey that the F1's are absolutely useless in any snow or ice. I ordered Enkei 18in rims and Nitto Terra Grappler tires in 285/60-18 from Discount Tire online. They are taller than stock but the truck will run like a 4 wheel driver. I had to go with 18 in because of larger rotors up front but you might be able to go with a 16in. I will put them on at Thanksgiving and switch back to street tires in March after the snows.

 

I drove around Michigan, and Ohio with my stock wheels/tires all year without issue... not even with weight in the back. I didn't really feel like buying new tires wheels, so I just toughed it out. You just have to know how to drive in the snow, and remember to always stay out of the throttle. It may take you longer to get there, but you'll make it on F1's. It helps if they have about 1/2 tread or so.... I tried that last year, and handling improved a bit.
Spend your tire/wheel money on mods!

 

got the rims off ebay for 200 and went to belletire and got 4 blizak's (spelling) 255 70 16's, for about 65 a piece, these are pretty close to the stock size and dont have to change the speedo setting, as for the year expy any late modle will work ,mine were said to be a 98. i haven't had to put any weight in the back for the past two years, actually with these tires the L handles the white stuff better than my 4.6 STX did, and with dry pavement the turns are slower due to the increased side wall and traction is moderate but its liveable.....





jim

 

Do a SEARCH under 'winter' using my screen name and you'll find lots of threads on this subject.


BTW - my original Winter Dualers are toast after 4 seasons. Anyone know of anything better before I order another set?

 

not the blizaks, i have had for two seasons and looking for a new set, but im not light in the throttle..

 

Thanks for the responses, all good information.

I was looking on Ebay and found several sets of expedition/f-150 rim and tire sets for sale. Since they were listed as expedition/f-150 I have no idea what they are really for. Does anyone know what the bolt pattern specs are for a 2000 Lightning so that I can use that as a guide and not just trust that they are for an expedition?

Thanks,

Pete

 

I just bought my winter rims not too long ago. They are the ones that came on the 2000 Hyundai Elantra I bought with them.

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE BABY!!!

I get like almost 3 times the gas mileage, plus I don't get salt, sand, or that new chemical ***** they're using now, on my truck.

Hey, it cost alittle more, but it will last me a while.

Later,

Andrew

 

I tried the snow with mixed results. I bought a work beater and solved alot of problems. 94 Mercury Tracer Wagon

 

So what rim size/model/years are compatable without speedo issues or pattern/clearance issues assuming stock brakes?

 

Can anyone recommend a rim tire combo from an existing ford truck that will fit on my truck? Will a standard 16” 1997+ rim match our bolt pattern? I’m finding all kinds of rim/tire combos on Ebay but I don’t know if they will fit?

Will these work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2433386753

Thanks,

Pete

 

Will these fit? They are super cheap!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2434111554