I currently have a 2000 Ford Expedition XLT (A4wd, 5.4L) with 285/75 LT's on the stock 16x7" rims (currently no rubbing). The is no lift/leveling.

I'm looking to keep the tires (as they are very new) and change to either a 16x8" or 16x10" rim. I do not want to lift/level or trim the valence.

Both of these sizes (in the particular make/model wheel(s) I'm looking at) have backspacing of 4.25" inches.

Will either of these sizes fit? Which would look better? Right now, the tires look too wide for the 7" wide wheels. Would 285's look too stretched on 10" wide? I also want the wheels/tires to be more flush (more pushed out) with the body, rather than looked sucked in like they currently do.

Finally, what finish is best? Polished, machined/clearcoated, or diamond cut (all aluminum wheels - no paint or chrome). The New England winters are terrible with the salt/sand. I want to know which is the most durable and will have lasting looks and the easiest maintenance. Thanks in advance!

 

16x10's will look better but you will have to trim the valance slightly. If you take your time it won't be noticable.

 

Man I debated on 16x8's or 10's for a while and went with the 10's and love them

 

Thanks for the responses. You both have nice trucks!

If someone could show me a close up of the trimmed valence it would be helpful.

If I could just remove the lower part of the valence (the thin part that bolts to the upper/main valence) I'd rather go that route than have to actually cut parts.

Also, is 4.25 backspacing ideal? Too much, too little? I want to avoid rubbing and modifications. Thanks again.

 

4.5 inches of bs is ideal but 4.25 will work. Here's a link to my gallary at FTW that contains some closeups of the minor trimmings. It's not a big deal. If you do it right no one will notice.
http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.c...ry.asp?id=1692

 

Anyone know the backspacing or offset on the oem 16x7 alloy wheels? They are silver-painted/machined and clearcoated. The design is a double 5 spoke pattern. They are found on 99-02 Expeditions, I believe.

 

THey are 16x7 inches with 4.5 inches of backspacing. THe OEM 17x7.5's also have 4.5 inches of backspacing.