2018 Ford F-150 Bolt Pattern: Specs for Wheels & Tires
Are you wondering what the bolt pattern is for your 2018 Ford F-150? The answer is 6x135mm/ 6×5.3—.
Knowing the correct bolt pattern is crucial when shopping for new wheels or tires for your truck. Mismatched lug patterns can lead to fitment and safety issues. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about bolt patterns, specifically for the 2018 F-150.
We’ll cover:
- What bolt pattern means and why it matters
- 2018 F-150 bolt pattern specs
- Finding compatible wheels and tires
- Proper lug torque for install
- Bolt patterns for other Ford trucks
So whether you need new wheels and tires or just want to learn more about your truck’s specifications, read on!
Table of Contents
What is Bolt Pattern?
The bolt pattern, also called lug pattern or wheel bolt pattern, refers to the diameter of the circle formed by the centers of the lug nut holes on a wheel. It consists of two measurements:
- Bolt circle diameter – The diameter of the circle made up by the center of the wheel’s lug nut holes. Measured in millimeters (mm).
- Number of lug nuts – The number of lug nut holes around the wheel.
For example, a 6×135 bolt pattern has 6 lug nuts in a 135mm bolt circle diameter.
The bolt pattern allows wheels to be matched specifically to certain vehicle makes and models. Getting the correct bolt pattern ensures proper fitment, safety, and optimal wheel performance.
On the 2018 Ford F-150, there are 6 lug nuts in the bolt pattern. Other key measurements include:
- 1/2″ stud diameter
- 5.3″ lug circle diameter
- +44mm offset
These specifications are important for finding wheels that match up exactly with your truck’s hubs.
Why Bolt Pattern Matters?
The bolt pattern affects several aspects of your wheels and tires:
Wheel Fitment
The most obvious reason bolt pattern matters is ensuring your new wheels properly fit your F-150.
Getting the wrong bolt pattern means the lug nut holes won’t line up with the wheel studs on your hubs. The wheels simply won’t mount correctly.
Paying attention to bolt pattern during shopping avoids such fitment issues. You want wheels made specifically for the 6x135mm bolt pattern on your 2018 Ford F-150.
Wheel Options
Bolt pattern also impacts the wheel sizes and styles available to you.
Most manufacturers design wheels based on common bolt patterns. A 6×135 pattern opens up a wide range of aftermarket wheel options. But more obscure patterns can limit selections.
Likewise, opting to change your truck’s OEM pattern (not recommended) would alter the wheel choices compatible with your F-150.
Safety
One of the biggest reasons bolt pattern matters is safety.
Wheels with incorrect fitment can loosen over time, putting you at risk. Lug nuts may not secure properly on mismatched patterns, or can damage threads in the stud holes.
It’s also unsafe to simply adapt wheels with different bolt patterns to your hubs using conversion adapters. This doesn’t guarantee a secure, hub-centric fit.
Sticking with wheels designed for your 2018 Ford F-150’s 6x135mm pattern is crucial for safe handling, smooth ride quality, and preventing accidents.
Proper Torque
Bolt pattern also impacts proper lug nut torque when installing new wheels.
Torque specs vary based on the type of wheels, materials, lug size, and of course bolt pattern. Exceeding torque limits can damage components like lug studs. Too little torque leads to unsafe loose wheels.
So the specific 6x135mm pattern of your F-150 helps determine optimal lug nut tightness. Always torque wheels to the vehicle maker’s specs using a torque wrench.
2018 Ford F-150 Bolt Pattern Specs
Now that you know why matching bolt patterns is important, let’s look at the specifics for the 2018 F-150:
- Bolt Circle Diameter: 6x135mm
- Lug Pattern: 6×135
- Number of Lug Nuts: 6
- Lug Nut Thread Size: 14 mm x 1.50 thread size, 3/4″ hex.
- Wheel Stud Size:M14-1.50
- Wheel Offset: +44mm
- Lug Circle Diameter: 5.3 inches
These measurements comprise the bolt pattern or lug pattern for a stock 2018 Ford F-150.
Some key notes:
- The 6x135mm bolt circle diameter is sometimes called the pitch circle diameter (PCD).
- Offset is the distance from the wheel’s hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel.
- Thread size refers to the lug nuts.
This 6×135 pattern is common for many Ford trucks. But always verify your individual F-150’s specs before shopping for wheels and tires.
Now let’s look at applying this pattern when selecting new wheels or tires.
Finding Compatible Wheels and Tires
Once you know your truck’s OEM bolt pattern, you can shop for compatible aftermarket wheels confidently.
The 2018 Ford F-150 uses a 6×135 bolt pattern. Look for this measurement when searching wheel specs to ensure fitment.
Here are some tips for finding wheels and tires based on your F-150’s lug pattern:
- Search filters like “6×135 wheels” or “6 lug 135mm wheels”
- Verify specs before purchase – don’t just rely on “2018 F-150 fitment” claims
- Get wheels with the same M14-1.50 lug size
- Match the 5.3″ lug circle diameter
- Consider wheel width – too narrow or wide can affect handling
- Choose wheels with proper offset – stock is +44mm
- Calculate new tire outer diameter to avoid rubbing
- Use a bolt pattern calculator if needed
Taking the extra time to match your bolt pattern exactly prevents headaches at install. It also gives you wider wheel selection for your 2018 F-150.
Properly Installing New Wheels
Once you’ve purchased new wheels with the proper 2018 Ford F-150 bolt pattern, it’s time for install.
Follow these tips to safely swap wheels using correct lug torque:
Gather Needed Tools
Have on hand:
- Torque wrench – crucial for precise lug nut tightness
- Socket set – for removing lug nuts
- Impact wrench (optional) – speeds up install
- Hub-centric rings – aid proper wheel centering
Don’t rely only on hand tools or a basic socket set. Invest in a torque wrench for precise lug torque.
Clean Mounting Surfaces
Remove all dirt, debris, oil, and lubricants from:
- Wheel’s hub bore
- Hub/rotor face
- Lug nuts and studs
Contamination on these surfaces can prevent proper seating and tightening.
Tighten Lug Nuts in Pattern
Tighten lug nuts incrementally in a star, criss-cross, or circular pattern. This evenly seats the wheel.
Go in 2-3 steps, such as:
- Hand tighten
- Tighten to 50% torque spec
- Tighten to full torque spec
Torque Lug Nuts to Spec
Use your torque wrench to final tighten lug nuts to the automaker’s specs.
Ford’s recommended torque is:
- Aluminum wheels: The Ford Fusion sedan models produce between 85 and 100 pound-feet of torque, depending on the specific engine and trim level.The popular Ford F-150 pickup truck lineup generates 100 foot-pounds of torque across all generational models, from the first generation up through the latest models.The high-performance Ford F-150 Tremor, introduced for the 2022 model year, produces even greater torque – 250 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.
- Steel wheels: The Ford owner’s manual recommends applying 150 foot-pounds of torque to lug nuts on most models, including the F-150 pickup, Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle, and Transit 150 van when installed on steel wheels. Specifically for the F-250 pickup with 8 lugs per wheel, Ford specifies 150 foot-pounds of torque. While earlier manuals such as the 2016 version recommended slightly less at 148 foot-pounds for lug nuts on steel wheels, 150 foot-pounds is the current specification. Some outside recommendations suggest a lug nut torque specification of 85-100 foot-pounds for the Ford Fusion sedan wheels. Using less torque may allow the lug nuts to last longer, though using a thread-locking product can help prevent them from loosening at the higher 150 foot-pound level.
Exceeding torque limits risks stretching or breaking wheel studs. Too little torque leads to dangerous wheel movement.
FAQ – Ford F-150 Bolt Patterns
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ford F-150 bolt patterns:
What If I Want to Change Bolt Patterns?
It’s generally not recommended to change your Ford F-150’s stock bolt pattern. This requires replacing wheel hubs and lug studs.
Adapters allow switching between some patterns but don’t center the wheel perfectly. Stick with wheels made for your 6x135mm bolt pattern for optimal safety and fit.
Can I Install Wheels for Other Vehicles?
You should not install wheels designed for other vehicles, even if they have the same 6 lug layout.
Differences in exact bolt circle diameters and other measurements lead to improper fitment. Mismatched wheels can be dangerous.
Always match wheels to your individual 2018 Ford F-150’s 135mm pattern.
How Do I Measure Bolt Pattern?
If needed, you can measure bolt pattern by:
- Counting the number of lug holes
- Measuring the diameter between opposing bolt holes
- Multiplying by 25.4 to convert inches to mm
This will give the general measurement (e.g. 6×135). But when possible, look up factory specs for your exact truck.
Bolt Patterns for Other Ford Trucks
While we’ve focused on the 2018 model, here are the bolt patterns for other Ford F-150 years and Ford truck models:
- 2004 Ford F-150 – 6x135mm
- 2020 Ford F-150 – 6x135mm
- Ford Ranger – 5x114mm, 5×4.5″
- Ford Expedition – 6x135mm, 8x165mm, 8×6.5″
- Ford Explorer – 5x108mm, 5x114mm
- Ford Edge – 5x108mm, 5×4.5″
As you can see, many newer Ford trucks share the common 6x135mm or 6×5.5 inch bolt pattern. But always confirm your exact specifications before buying wheels and tires.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for new tires or aftermarket wheels, paying attention to bolt pattern is crucial for proper fitment.
Now you know the 2018 Ford F-150 uses a 6x135mm bolt pattern. This means shopping for wheels with:
- 6 lug holes
- 6x135mm bolt circle diameter
- Precise center bore for F-150 hubs
- Proper wheel offset
Sticking to wheels matched to your exact lug pattern avoids safety issues and damaged components. And taking the time to properly install wheels with torque specs prevents loose lug nuts down the road.
With this bolt pattern knowledge for your 2018 F-150, you can upgrade your tires and wheels with confidence. Your truck will get improved performance and style while preserving safe handling.
