Forum Discussion

tylerdurdeno9's avatar
May 22, 2014

1990 Dodge Xplorer Bolt Pattern/Rim Question

Hey guys, whats going on? I have been looking into getting a small lift on the van and adding some larger wheels with more aggressive tires on my xplorer. I have been doing some research and have found that dodge uses the same 8 lug 6.5 bolt pattern throughout the years and was just wondering if our current heavy duty 8 lug system is this very one. Also, has anyone had any experience switching out rims on our explorers. I ask because our front wheels have to have the open spacer for the bearings and cap. Thanks!

Chris
  • I have a 1997 Dodge B3500 one ton van with 8 lug wheels. I bought it from my brother's employer and it didn't have a spare so we got one from a U-pull-it junkyard. If I remember correctly it was from a late 1980's Ford F350 and it fits perfectly. I think Ford used the 8 X 6.5" bolt pattern until the late 1990's when they switched to a metric pattern. Measure your lug size (9/16" usually) and centerbore opening before shopping.
  • Hey Chris, how goes things up there? Did you get yourself stuck?

    Cant help about the rims, but you can likely get a taller wider tire to fit your current rims. Keep in mind bigger heavier tires can really take a bite out of MPG, especially around town, and if your brakes are anemic now, they will be more so when the taller tires have more leverage to work against them.

    As for the lift, up front you can use coil spring spacers 4 inch inner diameter, 6 inch outer, in the back you can use shorter leaf spring shackles, or re arc the spring pack.

    Bigger tires might still rub up front at full lock, and make parking in tight spots a bit more complicated.

    I have rear airbags which can raise my rear over 4 inches at 100 psi from the height I normally keep it at when at 15 to 25 PSI.

    Rides real rough at 100 PSi though. Turns pretty flat though.

    If getting stuck is the reason for wanting a lift and a more aggressive tire, consider just carrying recovery equipment like a come a long or a winch, and/or some sand ladders. You already have a lot of weight up top, raising the CG even more might cause driveability issues. Hate to see Zep on his side.


    Good luck up there. Dig the videos.

    travel on Brother