I need the board's advice. It is my understanding (per a phone call to SVT) that wheels for the '99, '00 & '01 Lightning's are all the same size (i.e., 18x9.5 with a 139mm bolt circle and 5.0 in. back spacing) BUT that the lug/stud size for the '99 is 12mm while the '00 and '01 are 14mm.

Question #1: What would I need to do to mount '01 wheels on my '99 L? I assume that the '01 bolt holes are 2mm larger than my studs. Can I just use them anyway and rely on the lugs to center the holes on the studs or is this not a good idea?

Question #2: I have the opportunity to sell my '99 wheels to a friend who owns a standard (not an L) 2000 F150. I think everything will fit but I'm not sure about his lug/stud size. Is it the same as the Lightning?

Thanks, guys!

Mike
'99 Black

 

Bolt pattern is 5 x 135mm, back spacing is 5.8". All 99-01 rims are 18 x 9.5" bolt pattern and back spacing also the same. The 99 did have 12mm studs. Not a good plan to run the wheels with the larger stud holes. The lug nuts are flat and not self centering. This could create a problem for you.

 

I hope this is not true, as Ford Dealer just put 01 rims on my 99L.

 

i dont see any problem with that i believe that the rims are centered on the hubs not the studs, atleast the back wheels are.

 

The newer wheels are NOT hub-centric. They do not use the hub for centering, they strictly rely on the studs.

 

Thanks very much for the info and advice.

In summary, we have: (1) corrected wheel stats (thanks); (2) one person whose Ford dealer installed '01 wheels on his '99 L; (3) one person who believes the '01 wheels are hub centric; and (4) one person who says they aren't.

Anyone else have any additional info or comments? What would be involved in installing 14mm studs in place of my 12mm studs?

Thanks again for your help.

Mike
'99 Black

 

Mike, you can swap the wheels with all years. The holes are the same size in all three years. The studs are different as previously stated, but the rim hole sizes are the same. All factory F-150 rims are hubcentric. Aftermarket is not. The factory rims use splined clamp washer lugs so even though the 12mm studs are way smaller than the rim holes, the rims will not move side to side. That is the importance of the lug toruqe rating. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks, Sal! You just made me feel a lot better. I will send off my money order for the '01 wheels/tires tomorrow.

By the way, I posed this question to my local SVT dealer yesterday (who is also an SVTOA chapter sponsor) but they have yet to get back to me. I'll show them these comments.

Thanks again,
Mike

 

Glad to help!!