Alcoa and Fordfactory alloy wheel primer

[killacks]

I’ve got a few wheel questions as they relate to my 2009 E150. I’ve seen lots of CL and EBay listings that have me a bit confused.

My understanding is that THE Ford Alcoa wheels are the style with seven circles around the center. And that these wheels are 16 x 8. I believe they came in 8x165 bolt pattern for the vans and 8x170 for the trucks. Also there are dually fitments.

Another factory alloy wheel style has five ovalized triangle-shaped holes around the center. Are these also Alcoas?

Did either of these wheels come in a 17” diameter?

Is it kosher to run adaptors to fit 8x170s on the vans? Are there other fit/clearance issues aside from bolt pattern? The truck wheels are fairly prevalent, it seems.

Anything else to be aware of when searching for these on the used market?

Thanks

[martinli]

As far as I know the Ford Alcoa wheels have 8 circles around the center.
At least the 8 lug ones.

And they are 16x7 the same size as the steel wheels with a bold pattern of 8x6.5".

[Mikerson]

Originally Posted by killacks

Is it kosher to run adaptors to fit 8x170s on the vans? Are there other fit/clearance issues aside from bolt pattern?

The more knowledgeable folks around here recommend steel adapters if you are going that route. Like the ones here: https://www.wheeladapter.com/product...-wheel-adapter

It’s said that the aluminum ones don’t hold up. My neighbor has Al adapters in his flatbed trailer and one failed last year.

You will need to trim the wheel studs 1/2” too.

[BrianW]

Yes, the Ford Alcoa wheels are silver with the round holes, and were used up to around 2007 or thereabouts. Ford also offered them on pickups (not sure which years), and wheels from “old body style” (OBS) Ford trucks from 92-96 have the same bolt pattern as all the Ford vans and can be used.

The slotted or “mag” type started to get used after that (I want to say 2008). That’s what would have come with your 2009, for example. I added a set to my 1998 SMB and they are nice wheels (photo below). Visually I think I like the older Alcoa style a bit more, but that’s just personal preference. There was some discussion on another thread a while back about whether the mag style were made by Alcoa, and the consensus was “probably not.” Search a bit and you’ll likely find several threads on this, also relating to what wheels will clear the larger brakes that were added to the Econoline starting with the 2008 model year (spoiler: some aftermarket wheels will not fit).

[carringb]

The 5-oval alloy was made by Accuride. These are also good wheels.

[Bellpilot]

I have a set of 4 Alcoa Wheels with the round holes 16x8 off a 2001 E350. They are taking up room in the barn so if anyone wants them for free (free is a pretty good price). Located in Bend, Or., will not ship but willing to load them up when you’re passing through! Send me a PM if interested.

[killacks]

Thanks for the clarification everyone!

Screaming deal on those wheels, Bellpilot! Just a bit out of my range currently. Hope somebody can take advantage.

[martinli]

Could someone clarify whether the Alcoa wheels used by Ford are 16x8 or 16x7.
I thought they are 16x7 the same size as the steel wheels.

[carringb]

Yes. It's 16"x7", 25mm offset, rated at 3045 pounds (the late model Accuride version)

[martinli]

@carringb thanks for that clarification. Figures are very welcome!