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2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Wheels & Rims: Bolt Pattern, Offset & Sizes
Fitting Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance wheels? This page gives the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance bolt pattern (5x114.3), centre bore, factory rim size and the offset range for aftermarket and forged Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance rims: the same spec sheet ANKUSI uses when machining forged wheels for this car.
Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance (2017): 5x114.3 bolt pattern, 63.4mm center bore. Factory wheels: 20x8.5J F/R. Reference fitment ranges.
Bolt Pattern5x114.3
Wheel Bolt/Nut1/2\"x20 Nut
Center Bore63.4mm
Wheel Load Rating900–1250 kg/wheel (SUV segment reference)
Year2017
CategorySUV
✓ Data check: the bolt pattern and center bore on this page match an independent fitment reference. Last reviewed September 18, 2026. How we verify
Wheel Size & Offset at a Glance
| Configuration | Wheel Size & Offset |
|---|---|
| Factory (OE) | 20x8.5J F/R |
| Flush Fitment | 21x9.5J at ET35 offset |
| Maximum Aggressive | 22x10.0J at ET30 offset |
Forged Wheel Designs for the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance
Every design below is forged to order, so it can be machined to the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance's 5x114.3 bolt pattern and 63.4 mm center bore, with the width and offset calculated for your setup.
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How to Read Wheel Offset & Measurements
Use these two references before ordering: the left diagram shows where each spec (PCD, center bore, offset, width and diameter) is measured on the wheel; the right diagram shows how positive, zero and negative offset shift the wheel face relative to the hub centerline.
ANKUSI Engineering Expert Advice
SUVs carry more curb weight higher off the ground, so wheel strength and rotational mass both matter more than on a comparable sedan — a heavier wheel amplifies body roll and slows steering response exactly where the platform is already working hardest. Forging keeps the wheel light without giving up the load rating the factory suspension geometry was tuned around.
The Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance runs a 5x114.3 bolt pattern, 63.4mm center bore, and a 20x8.5J, front and rear, wheel from the factory. Our Flush Fitment reference is 21x9.5J ET35, which tucks the tire under the fender lip on a stock-height Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance. Our Maximum Aggressive reference is 22x10.0J ET30 — beyond that offset, expect rubbing against the inner fender liner under compression without further trimming.
Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance OE Wheel Specs
The 2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance (SUV) uses a 5x114.3 bolt pattern with a 63.4mm center bore. Factory wheels are 20x8.5J F/R.
Why the factory spec works for most owners:
- Preserves the factory-tuned ride and steering feel
- A mainstream size for this segment, keeping tire choice wide and prices reasonable
- Leaves full clearance for the stock brakes and suspension hardware
- Keeps handling predictable and consistent in everyday conditions
ANKUSI builds these wheels — we are the forging factory, not a reseller. For the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance (2017) we drill the 5x114.3 pattern and cut the centre bore to 63.4mm on our own CNC line, so the wheel hub-centres on the car with no spacer rings, in whatever diameter, width and offset you specify.
Converting these ET figures to backspacing? Use the wheel offset and backspacing calculator.
The figures on this page are part of our open wheel fitment dataset — 10,093 vehicles, free to download, CC BY 4.0.
Offset & Backspacing Reference
Backspacing is calculated as wheel width (in) ÷ 2 + offset (mm) ÷ 25.4 + 0.5 (flange allowance):
- OE: 20x8.5J ET45 → ~6.52″ backspacing
- Flush: 21x9.5J ET35 → ~6.63″ backspacing
- Max: 22x10.0J ET30 → ~6.68″ backspacing
Want to check a different width or offset before you order? Use our Offset & Backspacing Calculator to solve the numbers yourself, or looking for your exact Ford spec, or want a wheel built to a custom offset for your Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance? Contact ANKUSI with your bolt pattern and offset target and we will confirm the correct forged wheel spec for your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bolt pattern (PCD) does the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance use?
The 2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance uses a 5x114.3 bolt pattern.
How many lug bolts does the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance use?
The Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance uses a 5-lug bolt pattern (5x114.3), so you need a 5-lug forged wheel to bolt straight on.
What is the center bore size on the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance?
The Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance's center bore is 63.4mm. If an aftermarket wheel has a larger center bore than this, hub-centric rings are recommended so the wheel centers on the hub itself rather than relying on the lug bolts alone.
What size are the factory (stock) wheels on the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance?
Factory wheels on the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance are 20x8.5J F/R.
What is the biggest wheel size I can fit on my Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance without rubbing?
The most aggressive fitment we recommend without fender work is 22x10.0J at ET30 offset. Going beyond this typically causes rubbing under compression unless you roll the fenders or add camber correction.
What does a flush wheel fitment look like on the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance?
For a flush look with minimal to no rubbing, we recommend 21x9.5J at ET35 offset as a starting point on a stock or mildly lowered Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance.
Do I need wheel spacers for my Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance?
No. ANKUSI forges each wheel to your exact target offset, including the flush or max specs above, so you get the correct fitment without stacking spacers. Spacers are typically only used to push out an existing OE-offset wheel without replacing it, which isn't necessary when you're ordering a custom-offset forged wheel.
How do I calculate wheel backspacing for my Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance?
Backspacing (in inches) = wheel width (in) ÷ 2 + offset (mm) ÷ 25.4 + 0.5 (flange allowance). For example, the flush spec above works out to roughly 6.63" of backspacing.
What's the difference between wheel offset and backspacing?
Offset is the distance in millimeters from the wheel's true centerline to its mounting face (positive offset pulls the wheel in, negative pushes it out). Backspacing is the distance in inches from the mounting face to the back edge of the wheel barrel. They describe the same fitment from two different reference points, which is why ANKUSI lists both above — some shops and tuning guides quote offset, others quote backspacing.
Can I run staggered wheels (different sizes front and rear) on my Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance?
The Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance runs the same wheel size front and rear from the factory, so staggered fitment is not required. ANKUSI can still forge a staggered set (wider rear) on request if you want a more aggressive stance.
Wheel Installation Reference: Torque, Thread & TPMS
Thread & Fastener: M12x1.5, conical-seat lug nut.
Factory Torque Spec: 136 Nm (100 ft-lb). Covers most Ford passenger cars and crossovers (Fusion, Focus, Escape and similar) on M12x1.5 studs.
TPMS: TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) has been federally mandated on all new light vehicles sold in the US since the 2008 model year. If your wheels use OE-style sensors, have them transferred or cloned to the new wheels at installation.
Tire Pressure: Always set tire pressure to the value on your vehicle's tire placard (driver's doorjamb or glovebox), not the max PSI printed on the tire sidewall — this is trim- and tire-size-specific and stays the same reference point when you switch to a different wheel and tire combination.
Reference data compiled from published OEM service specifications and cross-checked against independent repair sources; always confirm against your owner's manual or door-jamb placard before installation.