Ford Expedition 33 Inch Tires vs 35 – Pictures, Lift and Wheel Specs
If you’ve seen Ford Expedition 33 inch tires than you definitely know how good do they look in comparison with narrow factory wheels. They not only provide a better grip on unpaved roads but also improve the driving comfort on concrete roads and make the vehicle more stable.
So if you really want to outfit your Expedition with 33” or 35 inch wheels, we want to assure you that this change will not be as complicated as you may think. Read on to find our more about the lift kits for each Expedition generation!
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List of factory tire sizes of Ford Expedition and their equivalent in inches
Below is the list of Ford Expedition factory equipped wheel sizes and their equivalents in common off-road tire sizes. The information is based on OEM fitment lists and size converter.
| Generation | Years of Production | Factory Tire Size Metric | Factory Tire Size Equivalent in Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st gen UN93 | 1996-2002 | 275/65R17 | 31" |
| 2nd gen U222 | 2003-2006 | 265/70R17 | 32" |
| 3rd gen U324 | 2007-2017 | 265/70R17 | 32" |
| 4th gen U553 | 2018-2019 | 275/65R18 | 32" |
As you see the factory tires are just a little smaller, so fitting 33s and 35s would only require a 2-3″ lift.
Common 33 inch and 35 inch tires for Ford Expedition
- 33 x 11.5 x R20
- 33 x 12.5 x R17/R18/R20
- 35 x 11.5 R17/R18/R20
- 35 x 12.5 R17/R18/R20
Common 33 inch size metric equivalents
- 17 inch rim – 265/75R17, 275/75R17, 285/70R17
- 18 inch rim – 265/70R18, 275/70R18, 285/65R18 295/65R18
Common 34 inch size metric equivalents
- 17 inch rim 315/70R17
Common 35 inch size metric equivalents
- 18 inch rim – 315/70R18, 325/65R18
How To Fit Big Tires On Ford Expedition
Fitting a Ford Expedition with big wheels is just a question of time for many fans of the outdoor activities, off-roading and those who often drive on country roads. The majority of modern pickups and SUV are able to accommodate 33 inch tires without serious modifications. 35 inch tires will require a little more lift and trimming to properly clear on your truck. A simple set of spacers of about 1-4″ thick will provide a proper amount of clearance to fit larger tires on your truck.
Needless to say that aside of the obvious benefits in the off-road capabilities you’re also improving the visual appeal of your truck. Taller and wider stance along with beefy tires create an image of a tough truck, ready to handle any challenge you can throw at it.
Lift Kits Recommended For Ford Expedition With 33″, 34″ or 35″ Tires
The driving characteristics of a Ford Expedition on 33 inch tires will not be changed dramatically so you will still be able to maintain normal ride quality. A slight drop in the gas mileage may be noticed and it should not exceed 1-2MPG. The suspension geometry will remain the same unless you decide to go with extremely low offset, which will widen the track a lot.
1st Gen Expedition (1997-2002)
- Supreme Suspensions – Full Lift Kit for 1997-2002 Ford Expedition – 1″ to 3″ Front Steel Torsion Keys + 2″ Rear Billet Spacers + Torsion Bar Unloading Tool 4WD 4×4 PRO
*Available tire sizes: 33″, 35″ (Depending on the rim and tire width and offset configuration may require trimming)
2nd & 3rd Gen Expedition (2003 – 2017)
- ReadyLift 69-2070 3″Front and 2″ Rear Lift Kit – Good for Ford Expedition/Navigator 2003-2017
*Will Not work with factory air suspension. Available tire sizes: 33″, 35″ (Depending on the rim and tire width and offset configuration may require trimming or interfere with electronic drop side steps)
or
- Supreme Suspensions – Full Lift Kit 2.5″ Front Lift Billet Aluminum Strut Spacers + 2.5″ Rear Lift – Good for 2003 – 2017 Ford Expedition (2WD 4WD).
*Will NOT work on Platinum trim, models equipped with CCD independent or Auto-Ride / Air-Bag Suspension.
4th Gen Expedition (2018 & UP)
For the best off-road experience on newer Ford Expedition models, look no further than the ICON Vehicle Dynamics V.S. Series 2.5” remote reservoir coilover shocks w/ CDCV. Upgrade your 2014-Up Ford Expedition with these shocks for improved performance and style on any terrain. Get the sport-tuned feel you love with maximum adjustability and adjust ride height anywhere between .75-2.25” so you can use larger, more aggressive wheel and tire combinations and improve riding durability wherever you go.
- Icon Vehicle Dynamics Front Coilover Kit (2.5″ lift) – 14-Up Expedition 4WD
- Icon Vehicle Dynamics Rear CDCV Coilover Kit (2.5″ lift) – 14-Up Expedition 4WD
- Icon Vehicle Dynamics Tubular UCA Dj Kit – 14-Up Expedition 4WD
* Recommended Aftermarket Tires: 33″ x 11.50″ (Larger Tires May Fit but Fender Trimming and Modifications will be Required)
Disclaimer
*Since the suspension modifications and the installation of the oversized tires require advanced measurements and depend on many parameters, such as the vehicle sub-model, trim level, state of the suspension components, aftermarket upgrades, etc., we highly recommend to confirm fitment parameters for your particular vehicle with the sales representative of your lift and tire supplier before making a purchase. The recommendations in this article are presented for general informational purposes only, so we are not responsible for any problems with the wheel and tire fitment or any other damage that may occur to your vehicle.
