73-79 Ford Truck Wheels & Tires

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Factory Wheel Size, Lug Pattern & Fitment for 1973–79 Ford F-Series Trucks

Whether you’re restoring a classic hauler or building a lifted weekend warrior, understanding the factory wheel and tire specs on your 1973–79 Ford F-Series truck is key. This generation marked the sixth iteration of the F-Series, known for its squared-off styling, stronger frames, and more drivetrain options—including the continued absence of the F-150 until midway through the run.

Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of factory wheel sizes, bolt patterns, and the recommended fitment specs to help you build it right.

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Factory Wheel Sizes by Model

F-100 (Half-Ton)

• Wheel Size: 15" diameter, 5.5"–6" wide

• Tire Size (Stock): F78-15 or 235/75R15 radial (later years)

• Bolt Pattern: 5x5.5" (5 lugs on a 5.5" circle)

• Center Bore: Approx. 4.25"

• Hub Type: Lug-centric

Ford kept the same 5x5.5" bolt pattern through this generation on half-ton models. These trucks often used narrower steel wheels from the factory, paired with bias-ply or early radial tires.

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F-150 (1975–79)

• Wheel Size: 15x6 or 15x7

• Tire Size (Stock): H78-15 or 235/75R15 radial

• Bolt Pattern: 5x5.5"

• Offset: Neutral to slightly negative (0 to -6mm range)

The F-150 debuted in 1975 as a heavier-duty alternative to the F-100, retaining the same bolt pattern but with heavier axle components and higher GVWR. This was Ford’s solution to stricter federal emissions rules without jumping up to a ¾-ton.

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F-250 (Three-Quarter Ton)

• Wheel Size: 16" x 6.5"

• Tire Size (Stock): 7.50-16 bias-ply or 235/85R16 radial

• Bolt Pattern (2WD & 4WD): 8x6.5" (8 lugs on a 6.5" circle)

• Center Bore: Approx. 4.78"

F-250s kept the 8-lug setup across all drivetrain options, offering more strength for towing and heavy payloads. Some had optional wider wheels or split rims.

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F-350 (One-Ton)

• Wheel Size: 16"–16.5" diameter, including dual rear wheels

• Tire Size (Stock): 7.50-16 or 8.75-16.5

• Bolt Pattern: 8x6.5"

• Dually Fitment: Custom offset and spacing, still 8-lug

As Ford’s top-tier workhorse, the F-350s often had dually options with unique wheel offsets, but still used the standard 8x6.5" bolt pattern.

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Lug Pattern Overview (1973–79 Ford Trucks)

Model	Lug Pattern	Lug Count	Bolt Circle	Wheel Size
F-100	5x5.5"	5	5.5 inches	15x5.5 to 15x6
F-150	5x5.5"	5	5.5 inches	15x6 to 15x7
F-250 (2WD)	8x6.5"	8	6.5 inches	16x6.5
F-250 (4WD)	8x6.5"	8	6.5 inches	16x6.5
F-350	8x6.5"	8	6.5 inches	16–16.5 (varied)

Note: This 8x6.5" bolt pattern was used across F-250 and F-350 trucks through the 1997 model year (up to when the Super Duty line launched), giving you a wider range of aftermarket or donor wheels to choose from.

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Recommended Backspacing and Offset

F-100 & F-150 (2WD - Half Ton)

• Stock Backspacing: ~3.75"–4"

• Recommended (Aftermarket): 3.5"–4.25"

• Offset Range: 0 to -12mm

• Aftermarket Fitment: 15x7 or 15x8 wheels with 3.5"–4" backspacing

Note: These trucks benefit from mild negative offset when running wider tires. Avoid too much positive offset as it may contact frame or steering components.

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F-250 & F-350 (2WD or 4WD - 3/4 and 1-Ton)

• Stock Backspacing: 4"–4.5"

• Recommended Backspacing (Aftermarket):

  • F-250 2WD: 4"–4.5"

  • F-250/F-350 4WD (Dana 44/60): 3.5"–4.25"

• Offset Range: -6mm to -12mm

• Aftermarket Fitment: 16x7 or 16x8 wheels with 4"–4.25" backspacing

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Additional Fitment Notes

• Disc Brakes: All models from this era came with front disc brakes starting in 1973 (F-100/F-150), so always verify caliper clearance when choosing backspacing.

• Lifted Trucks: If your truck runs a lift (2–6"), a lower offset (like -12mm) helps clear wider tires and provides a more aggressive stance.

• Tire Width: Tires over 12.5" wide usually need 3.5" backspacing or less to clear steering linkages, radius arms, or leaf springs.

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Backspacing vs Offset Quick Reference

Wheel Width	Backspacing	Approx. Offset
15x7	3.75"	~0mm
15x8	3.5"	~-19mm
16x8	4"	~-12mm
16x10	4.5"	~-25mm

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Final Fitment Thoughts

For the best combination of clearance, stance, and safety, stick with 3.75"–4.25" backspacing and 0 to -12mm offset, especially if you're running stock suspension or mild lifts. If you've swapped in new axles, disc brakes, or wider tires, measure twice before ordering wheels to avoid rubbing, fitment issues, or wasted cash.

Whether you're chasing the vintage factory look or fitting modern alloys for off-road abuse, knowing your 1973–79 F-Series wheel specs will keep your project rolling right. Always pair bolt pattern with proper backspacing—and if you’re not sure, a test fit goes a long way.

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