When it comes to iconic full-size pickup trucks of the past few decades, the Ford F-150 is one of the first things that comes to mind.
It’s undoubtedly the most popular of the F-Series trucks from Ford, and we have dedicated this article to its bolt pattern and other accompanying specifications.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, we’ve also got another article for the bolt pattern of its bigger brother, the F-250.
Otherwise, this guide will be great for those hoping to get new wheels for their F-150 but are not entirely sure if they will fit.
What is the bolt pattern of a Ford F-150?
Ford F-150s from 2004 and 2022 all have a bolt pattern of 6×5.31 inches (6x135mm).
1997 to 2003 F-150s had a bolt pattern of 5×5.31 inches (5x135mm).
F-150 models from 1975 to 1996 had a bolt pattern of 5×5.5 inches (5×139.7mm).
All F-150 HD trim levels had a 7×5.91-inch (7x150mm) bolt pattern.
The Ford F-150 has had a total of 9 model generations since 1975, but all of its bolt patterns can be simplified into the four mentioned above.
But as we’ve said earlier, we’re not going to stop with just its bolt pattern.
When fitting new wheels on your Ford F-150, it’s also important to take into consideration the other bolt specifications and even the size of your wheels.
Thus, we have also listed all of the bolt specifications as well as the factory tire and rim sizes of each F-150 generation to the best of our knowledge.
We would like to give a disclaimer that no guarantees can be made regarding the completeness and accuracy of the details, especially for older year models.
Wheel and Bolt Specifications of the Ford F-150
The wheel and bolt specifications of the Ford F-150 will all be listed from the current generation to the first one.
For each F-150 generation’s bolt specifications, we have included its center bore diameter, type of wheel fastener, thread size, and torque tightening specification (torque spec).
As for its wheel specifications, these will be a combination of all the tire and rim sizes available from the factory.
Take note that these sizes will be paired up with the various trim levels of each generation.
As a general rule, the bolt specifications will remain the same for all trim levels within a single F-150 generation unless stated otherwise.
9th-Generation Ford F-150 (2021 to Present/2023 Model Year)
The 9th and current generation of the Ford F-150 was actually first introduced in July of 2020, but it was officially for the 2021 model year.
Thus, we have only included the trim levels of F-150 models that are strictly made for the 2021 to 2023 model years.
The bolt specifications for this generation are identical to the ones used on the earlier 8th generation, but the wheel specifications will be dependent on the specific trim level.
Center Bore Diameter: 3.42 inches (87.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (6)
Thread Size: M14x1.5
Torque Spec: 150lb-ft (204Nm)
Moving on to its wheel specifications, the 9th-generation F-150 is currently offered in six trim levels that brought about a plethora of different factory tire and rim sizes.
Both the 2.7-liter EcoBoost and 3.3Ti V6 trims were given the same wheel options, which ranged from 245 to 275-millimeter tires and 17 to 18-inch rims with either an ET34 or 44 offset.
The 3.0TD V6 and 5.0Ti V8 trims were next to be paired in terms of wheel specifications.
Their tire and rim sizes included all of the options that the 2.7L and 3.3Ti had plus an additional 275-millimeter tire that can fit bigger 20-inch rims.
Lastly, both the 3.5-liter V6 trims (EcoBoost and PowerBoost) received all of the previous trim levels’ wheel specifications and yet another 275-millimeter tire that could fit huge 22-inch rims.
8th-Generation Ford F-150 (2015 to 2020)
The 8th-generation F-150 had “pre-facelift” and “facelift” model years, so we’ve presented its wheel specifications according to such.
The pre-facelift model years ran from 2015 to 2017, while the facelift model was introduced the year after until 2020.
As previously mentioned, the bolt specifications for this generation are exactly the same as the ones used in the 9th generation.
Center Bore Diameter: 3.42 inches (87.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (6)
Thread Size: M14x1.5
Torque Spec: 150lb-ft (204Nm)
2018 to 2020 (Facelift)
Compared to the 9th generation, the 8th-generation F-150 had a lot less to offer when it came to wheel specifications, as evident in the tables below.
The 8th generation originally had only four trim levels until Ford introduced the 3.5GTDi V6 Raptor variant in 2017.
The facelift models then rolled out of the factory in 2018, replacing the pre-facelift 3.5Ti with the 3.3Ti and adding in the 3.0TD.
Among the six trim levels, only the Raptor variant of the 3.5GTDi V6 received the big 315-millimeter “all-terrain” tires.
The rest of the trim levels shared the same wheel specifications that were all significantly smaller than the ones on the Raptor, save for the rim diameter (all were 17 inches).
2015 to 2017 (Pre-Facelift)
The 8th-generation pre-facelift model didn’t have the 3.0TD V6 trim during its time, but it did have the same Raptor wheel specifications found on its facelift counterpart.
This also means that all of the tire and rim sizes used on the facelift models can also be found on the pre-facelift ones.
7th-Generation Ford F-150 (2009 to 2014)
While the 7th-generation F-150 did undergo a few minor interior and exterior updates throughout its time, these were not really enough to necessitate a “facelift” model.
But it did, in fact, go through a complete engine lineup update in 2011 when Ford wanted to focus more on fuel economy.
Thus, we have split the production years according to which models had the same engine options used in their trim levels.
Also, just to serve as a reminder, all of the HD (Heavy-Duty) models from this generation and earlier had their own separate 7×5.91-inch (7x150mm) bolt patterns.
Other than that, the rest of the HD trim’s bolt specifications will remain the same as the other trims as well.
The 7th-generation F-150’s bolt specifications were almost identical to the ones in the newer generations. The only differentiating factor was that it used an M14x2.0 thread size.
Center Bore Diameter: 3.42 inches (87.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (6) (7 for HD trims)
Thread Size: M14x2.0
Torque Spec: 150lb-ft (204Nm)
2011 to 2014 Production Years
The 7th-generation F-150 models made from 2011 to 2014 were given a completely new lineup of engines, but most of the tire and rim sizes from the earlier models were actually retained.
Compared to the earlier trim levels, the 2011 to 2014 ones had a mix of both V6 and V8 engine configurations.
During this time, the 7th-generation also featured a 315-millimeter tire available for the top-of-the-line 6.2-liter V8 option.
As seen in the table below, the LT245/75R17 tire was only made for the HD trims, while the rest of the trims received a 255/70R17 tire instead.
All of these trim levels shared the same rim size, except for the 6.2-liter V8, which had its own 8.5Jx17 ET34 rim size.
2009 to 2010 Production Years
Call it more of a “gas guzzler” if you will, but the 7th-generation F-150 model from 2009 to 2010 has really kept the good old V8 alive and kicking.
This is due to the fact that every single F-150 trim level within these production years didn’t sport anything else other than a V8 engine.
It had two different 4.6-liter variants and four 5.4-liter ones that had their own respective wheel specifications.
Once again, we can see that the HD trims were grouped together in terms of tire size, while the ones on the non-HD trims differed.
Take note that the base 4.6-liter trim also shared the same rim size as all of the HD trims.
6th-Generation Ford F-150 (2004 to 2008)
The 6th-generation F-150 produced from 2004 to 2008 had the same set of bolt specifications as the previously-discussed 7th generation.
It also had HD trims of its own, which were quite similar in terms of their engine displacements.
By 2007, Ford added a second 4.6-liter HD V8 trim that bumped the power up to 248hp from the initial 231hp that the first 4.6-liter HD V8 had.
Center Bore Diameter: 3.42 inches (87.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (6) (7 for HD trims)
Thread Size: M14x2.0
Torque Spec: 150lb-ft (204Nm)
As far as wheel specifications are concerned, the 6th-generation Ford F-150 had a good amount of factory tire sizes to choose from.
However, there were only two nearly identical rim sizes, one with a 17-inch rim diameter and another with a slightly bigger 18-inch rim diameter.
The 17-inch rims were shared among the base 4.2-liter V6, 4.6-liter V8, and all HD trims.
In contrast, only the non-HD 5.4-liter V8 trim received an 18-inch rim size that was pairable with either a 265-millimeter or 275-millimeter tire.
5th-Generation Ford F-150 (1997 to 2003)
The 5th-generation F-150 was the last F-150 to feature a bolt pattern that had 5 bolts (or lugs) before eventually switching to the 6×5.31-inch (6x135mm) ones found on later models.
This generation of the F-150 was also the first to use the M14x2.0 thread size that’s found on later generations starting in the year 2000.
But prior to that, it utilized a smaller M12x1.75 thread size which was only ever used for this specific generation.
Only the center bore diameter and torque tightening specification were identical to the ones previously discussed.
There were only three trim levels for this generation, namely the 4.2L V6, 4.6L V8, and 5.4L V8.
But throughout this generation’s production run, there was a lot of variation in terms of each of its trim level’s engine power output and wheel specifications.
To keep things simple, we have grouped together production years that had the same set of wheel specifications. Be sure to read the table carefully.
Center Bore Diameter: 3.42 inches (87.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (5)
Thread Size: M14x2.0 (2000 to 2003)
M12x1.75 (1997 to 1999)
Torque Spec: 150lb-ft (204Nm)
4th-Generation Ford F-150 (1992 to 1996)
As we go into the 4th-generation F-150 from the early to mid-90s, some of the bolt specifications that it had started differ yet again from the newer ones.
For example, the thread size uses the UNF (Unified Fine Thread) unit of measurement as opposed to the metric one (e.g. M14x2.0).
In this case, we recommend looking at a thread conversion table like the one we’ve provided below to convert any bolt’s thread size to whatever unit of measurement you’re used to.
The torque tightening specification for this generation’s bolts is also significantly lower at only 100lb-ft (135Nm).
Center Bore Diameter: 3.42 inches (87.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (5)
Thread Size: 1/2“ – 20 UNF
Torque Spec: 100lb-ft (135Nm)
Luckily, you’re not going to find it hard to remember this generation’s wheel specifications at all, as there’s only one tire and rim size used for all of its production years and trim levels.
But do take note that the original factory tires used for the 4th-generation F-150 have been designated as “Steel Radial” tires denoted by the letters “SR” in its tire code below.
All 3 trim levels, namely the 4.9, 5.0, and 5.8, use such steel radial tires paired with the same 6Jx15 rim with a zero or neutral offset.
3rd-Generation Ford F-150 (1987 to 1991)
The 3rd-generation F-150 was first introduced in 1987, and it sported the same bolt specifications used in the 4th-generation models.
It was initially released with four different trim levels that each had their own respective engine size.
But by 1990, a 3.8-liter engine trim level was added into the mix, making the total number of trims ever made for this generation five.
Center Bore Diameter: 3.42 inches (87.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (5)
Thread Size: 1/2“ – 20 UNF
Torque Spec: 100lb-ft (135Nm)
Yet again, you should have no trouble keeping this generation’s wheel specifications in mind, as it used the exact same tire and rim size that the 4th generation used for all of its trim levels.
2nd-Generation Ford F-150 (1980 to 1986)
The 2nd-generation F-150 is the first-ever F-150 model to receive the same set of bolt specifications that we’ve been listing for the past few entries.
With a truck as old as the 80s F-150, it’s quite a surprise that we can still find its factory bolt specifications to this day.
Center Bore Diameter: 3.42 inches (87.1mm)
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (5)
Thread Size: 1/2“ – 20 UNF
Torque Spec: 100lb-ft (135Nm)
But unfortunately, we cannot say the same for its wheel specifications, as there is a lack of consistent information that’s available out there regarding them.
So for this generation, we’ve only listed some possible aftermarket options that have been manufactured to replace the factory ones.
Do keep in mind that this will only serve as a rough guide and does not substitute actually consulting with an authorized mechanic.
1st-Generation Ford F-150 (1975 to 1979)
The 1st-generation Ford F-150 actually started in the middle of the 6th-generation F-series’ production run.
This is pretty much where the modern-day F-150 first started. It was introduced as a mid-range model that was in between the F-100 and F-250 during that time.
The downside to the 1st-generation F-150 is that it can be quite difficult to come up with a definitive answer regarding its bolt specifications.
After all, it is the most vintage of all the F-150 models, and sources of info about it out there are either incomplete or all over the place.
Thus, we’ve only listed the details below to the best of our knowledge. Such details only serve as a rough guide and taking your truck to an authorized mechanic is still highly recommended.
Center Bore Diameter: N/A
Wheel Fastener: Lug Nut (5)
Thread Size: 1/2″ – 20 UNF
Torque Spec: 80 to 90lb-ft (estimation only)
As with the 2nd generation’s wheel specifications, the ones we could find for the 1st generation are also aftermarket options only.
If you’re planning to run a wheel setup that has bigger dimensions than the ones listed below, then we recommend seeing an authorized mechanic to avoid running into fitment issues.
How to Tighten the Bolts on the Ford F-150
Whether you’re putting new wheels on your F-150 or just simply checking if the factory ones are nice and snug, it’s essential to know how to properly tighten its bolts (or lug nuts).
Some people may make the mistake of simply tightening them in clockwise or counterclockwise order without knowing that this can cause the first bolts they’ve tightened to come a little loose.
This is because as you tighten one bolt, the wheel’s face ever-so-slightly gets pulled in that direction.
So if you keep repeating that by tightening the bolt next to it, there would be an uneven distribution of tightening force across the wheel’s surface by the end of it.
Thus, there are specific tightening patterns that should be followed depending on the number of bolts that your F-150 has.
Looking back at its several bolt patterns over the past few decades, the F-150 was equipped with either 5, 6, or 7 bolts, so we’ve presented three different tightening patterns right here.
The star-shaped pattern on the left is the correct tightening order for F-150 models with 5-bolt wheels.
The criss-cross pattern on the right, on the other hand, demonstrates the correct tightening order for F-150 models with 6-bolt wheels.
These patterns are applicable to just about any vehicle with the same amount of bolts.
But as for the 7-bolt wheels that were used on the F-150 HD trims, they have their own tightening order thanks to their rarity.
In fact, they are so rare in the automotive world that we’ve resorted to giving you a specific guide that’s directly from Ford’s manual for the 2011 F-150.
Albeit being slightly more complicated than the other patterns, it’s an absolute necessity to follow the numbers in the correct order, nonetheless.
With the tightening orders established, we’re going to briefly talk about applying the right amount of torque when tightening the bolts.
As we’ve discussed earlier, the F-150’s torque tightening specification varies from generation to generation.
But regardless of the generation, you should only tighten them halfway while the truck is still off the ground for more safety. You can simply tighten them with your hands for this part.
Once you’ve lowered the truck back on the ground, you can then use a torque wrench to fully tighten them to the specifications we’ve mentioned above for each generation.
After that, you can go ahead and drive for about 50 miles and recheck the bolts if there are any changes in their torque specifications.
How and When to Change the Tires on the Ford F-150
Changing the tires on the F-150 is an integral part of the overall maintenance of the truck, so we’ll be discussing how long they last and when you should be changing them.
Under normal use, your F-150’s tires should last between 60,000 and 75,000 miles (97,000 to 121,000km).
But if you’ve bought your F-150 secondhand and are not sure how long the tires have been on it, then we’ve got two ways for you to check their tread life.
The left image shows the “tread wear indicator bars” that are integrated within the grooves of your tires. They’ll initially sit deep on new tires.
If your tire treads have already reached the height of these bars, then it’s time to change your tires.
The downside to this method is not all tires have these bars, so you can alternatively use the “penny trick” demonstrated in the right image.
On newer tires, Abe Lincoln’s head should be partially hidden. But if the top of his head is already exposed, then that’s also an indicator that you should be changing tires.
How and When to Rotate the Tires on the Ford F-150
Tire rotations on the F-150 will come a lot sooner than tire changes, obviously. They’ll usually be subject to your regular maintenance.
The F-150 was only released in either a rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) configuration, so it requires a unique rotation pattern for its tires to evenly wear out.
The “rearward cross” pattern demonstrated above is the most applicable tire rotation pattern for any of the two F-150 drivetrains mentioned.
The name comes from the act of crossing the two front tires towards the rear, while the rear tires are simply moved to the front while remaining on the same side.
RWD F-150 models should have their tires rotated this way every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000km).
However, the tires on the 4WD F-150 models should be rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8000km) instead due to all four wheels being subject to the engine’s power delivery.
