2011-2019 Ford Explorer - Build Guide

Bolt patterns, fitment, what looks good, what to watch out for. The complete guide for the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer.

Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 (5x4.5")

Stock Offset: +44

Stock Tire: 245/60R18 or 255/55R20

Most Popular Build: Mild lift + 31s

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Free personalized fitment consultation. Our team will match wheels, tires, and suspension to your exact build goals.

Text our fitment team or call (956) 307-1421

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The Honest Take

KNOWN FOR:

Unibody Explorer based on Taurus platform. Sport trim with 3.5L EcoBoost was the precursor to current ST. Police Interceptor Utility variant common.

Strengths

  • Strong used market
  • Sport trim with EcoBoost is quick
  • Police Interceptor option for special builds
  • Cheap parts
  • 5x4.5" pattern wide aftermarket

Watch Out For

  • Unibody limits modifications
  • Transmission issues on some
  • Power steering rack failures
  • Aging electronics
  • Not body-on-frame - not a real off-road truck

Build Categories

Pick the direction you want to take this truck. Each section has wheel styles, colors, and specs that work for that build.

Daily+

Better than stock, daily-able, OEM+ aesthetic

For owners who want their truck to look noticeably upgraded without sacrificing ride quality, gas mileage, or daily usability. Stock-height suspension with cleaner aftermarket wheels and slightly more aggressive tires. The most common build in Texas because most owners drive their truck every day.

  • Wheel sizing: 18-20" diameter, +18 to +44 offset
  • Tire pairing: 33" effective (e.g. 285/65R18 or 285/55R20)
  • Suspension: Stock height OR mild leveling spacer

Wheel styles that work

Clean 5 to 7-spoke designs that mimic OEM aesthetic but with sharper edges and modern finishes. Avoid super-aggressive concave or beadlock-style wheels - they look out of place on a stock-height truck.

Color recommendations by truck color

  • Black truck: Bronze, machined, black, or red accent wheels
  • White truck: Anything works - gloss black, gunmetal, bronze, machined, chrome
  • Red truck: Black, grey, or machined finishes
  • Grey or Silver truck: Anything - most flexible truck color for wheel pairing
  • Blue truck: Machined, black, or grey - neutral wheels let the blue stand out

Lifted

Off-road presence, daily-able, no beadlocks

The most common "built" truck you see at Texas truck meets. 2" to 6" of lift with bigger wheels and tires. Looks aggressive, handles light off-road, still works as a daily driver. This is the build that started Texas truck culture.

  • Wheel sizing: 20x10 or 20x12, -12 to -25 offset
  • Tire pairing: 33x12.50 or 35x12.50 A/T or M/T
  • Suspension: Leveling kit (basic) or 4-6" lift kit (serious presence)

Wheel styles that work

Aggressive concave or mesh designs that fill the larger wheel wells visually. Stay away from skinny spoke designs - they look weak on a lifted truck.

Color recommendations by truck color

  • Black truck: Bronze, machined, black, or red accent wheels
  • White truck: Anything works - gloss black, gunmetal, bronze, machined, chrome
  • Red truck: Black, grey, or machined finishes
  • Grey or Silver truck: Anything - most flexible truck color for wheel pairing
  • Blue truck: Machined, black, or grey - neutral wheels let the blue stand out

Upgrade Warnings

Common upgrades that affect other parts. Plan for these before you spend.

If you upgrade: Transmission with mods

Risk: 6F50/6F55 transmissions are the weak link.

What to do: Rebuild before tunes. Or build transmission for performance.

If you upgrade: PowerSteering rack failure

Risk: Common at 100K+ miles.

What to do: Inspect at purchase. Replacement ~$1,500 installed.

If you upgrade: Big lift attempts

Risk: Unibody Explorers don't take serious lifts.

What to do: Stay at 2" max for cosmetic lift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tire sizes?

Stock 18-20". 31-32s with 1-2" lift.

Bolt pattern?

5x114.3 (5x4.5") - same as Mustang.

Sport vs regular?

Sport has 3.5L EcoBoost (365hp). Regular has 3.5L NA V6 (290hp).

Worth modifying?

For mild appearance mods, yes. For serious off-road, look at Bronco or F-150 instead.

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