2013 Ford F150 Lug Pattern – Essential Specs For Wheel Fitment
The 2013 Ford F-150 utilizes a 6x135mm bolt pattern with a 14×2.0 thread pitch and a center bore of 87.1mm. Knowing these exact measurements is critical for choosing compatible aftermarket wheels and ensuring your truck remains safe on the road or the trail.
Whether you are upgrading to aggressive off-road rims or simply replacing a damaged factory wheel, getting the bolt pattern right is the first step. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by technical specifications, but understanding your truck’s hub assembly does not have to be complicated. We have all been there—staring at a catalog of beautiful wheels, wondering if they will actually bolt up to our rigs without a headache.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 2013 ford f150 lug pattern. We will cover the specific dimensions, the tools you need for a successful swap, and the safety steps that prevent your wheels from wobbling or shearing off. By the end of this article, you will have the confidence to select and install wheels like a seasoned mechanic.
We are going to dive deep into the technical side, but we will keep the language practical and focused on the results you want. From torque sequences to center bore clearances, we have your back. Let’s get your F-150 sitting right and ready for whatever the road throws your way.
Understanding the 2013 ford f150 lug pattern and Why It Matters
The 2013 ford f150 lug pattern is officially designated as 6x135mm. In plain English, this means your wheel has six lug holes arranged in a circle with a diameter of 135 millimeters. Ford moved to this specific 6-lug configuration back in 2004, departing from the older 5-lug patterns found on earlier generations.
Why does this specific measurement matter so much? If you try to force a wheel with a 6×139.7mm pattern (common on many Chevrolets and Toyotas) onto your Ford, it simply will not fit. Even if you manage to start a few threads, the mismatch will cause extreme vibration and likely lead to a catastrophic failure of the wheel studs while driving.
When you are shopping for new shoes for your F-150, you must ensure the wheels are drilled specifically for this 135mm spacing. Using adapters is an option for some, but for a heavy-duty work truck or an off-road beast, a direct-fit wheel is always the safest and most reliable choice for long-term durability.
Breaking Down the Metric Measurements
While many truck parts are still discussed in inches, lug patterns are almost universally metric. The “6” tells you the count, and the “135” is the distance across the circle. Converting this to inches gives you roughly 5.31 inches, but you should always shop using the metric 135mm figure to avoid confusion with retailers.
The 2013 model year sits right in the middle of the twelfth generation of the F-Series. This means parts availability is high, but you must stay vigilant about these specs. Many owners mistakenly look at older F-150 wheels, thinking they are universal, only to find the bolt count or spacing is completely different.
Critical Wheel Specs Beyond the Bolt Pattern
While the 2013 ford f150 lug pattern is the most famous spec, it is not the only one that determines fitment. You also need to consider the thread pitch of your lug nuts. For a 2013 F-150, the thread pitch is 14×2.0, which refers to a 14mm diameter stud with a 2.0mm distance between each thread.
The center bore is another vital measurement, which for your truck is 87.1mm. This is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that fits over the hub. Ford uses a hub-centric design, meaning the hub carries the weight of the truck, while the lug nuts simply hold the wheel against the hub face.
The Importance of Hub-Centric Wheels
If you buy aftermarket wheels with a center bore larger than 87.1mm, they are considered “lug-centric.” This means the lugs are doing all the work of centering the wheel and supporting the vehicle’s weight. To fix this, you should use hub-centric rings to fill the gap and ensure a vibration-free ride.
Ignoring the center bore can lead to “wheel hop” or a steering wheel that shakes at highway speeds. Always check the wheel’s internal diameter before purchasing. A perfect fit at the hub is just as important as the lug pattern itself for maintaining factory-level ride quality and safety.
Thread Pitch and Lug Nut Selection
Never reuse old lug nuts if they show signs of galling or rounded edges. Since the 2013 F-150 uses a 14×2.0 pitch, ensure your new lug nuts match this exactly. Also, pay attention to the seat type—most factory Ford wheels use a “large acorn” or conical seat, while some aftermarket wheels require a “tuner style” slim nut.
How to Measure Your Lug Pattern Like an Expert
If you find a set of mystery wheels on a marketplace and want to verify they match the 2013 ford f150 lug pattern, you can measure them yourself. For a 6-lug wheel, the process is straightforward. You measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the hole directly across from it.
Use a high-quality tape measure or a digital caliper for the best results. Since the measurement is 135mm, you are looking for exactly 13.5 centimeters. If the measurement is closer to 140mm, those wheels likely belonged to a Chevy or GMC and will not work on your Ford hub.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
- Lay the wheel flat on a soft surface to avoid scratching the finish.
- Locate two lug holes that are directly opposite each other.
- Place your measuring tool at the dead center of the first hole.
- Extend the tool to the dead center of the opposite hole.
- Read the measurement in millimeters to confirm it hits the 135mm mark.
If the wheels are still mounted on a truck, you can perform the same measurement across the studs. Just be sure to measure from the outside edge of one stud to the inside edge of the opposite stud. This technique accounts for the width of the studs and gives you a more accurate center-to-center reading.
Common Pitfalls: Offset, Backspacing, and Clearance
Even if the 2013 ford f150 lug pattern matches perfectly, a wheel can still fail to fit if the offset is wrong. Offset refers to how far the mounting surface is from the centerline of the wheel. A positive offset tucks the wheels inward, while a negative offset pushes them out for a wider stance.
For the 2013 F-150, the factory offset is typically around +44mm. If you switch to a wheel with a 0mm or negative offset, your tires will stick out further. While this looks aggressive and is popular for off-road setups, it can cause the tires to rub against the wheel wells or the upper control arms during sharp turns.
Understanding Backspacing
Backspacing is a similar measurement but is taken from the back edge of the wheel to the mounting surface. Most stock F-150 wheels have about 6 inches of backspacing. If you are planning to install a leveling kit or a lift, you may need wheels with less backspacing to clear larger suspension components.
Before pulling the trigger on new rims, check forum threads or manufacturer fitment guides specifically for the 2013 model year. A wheel that fits a 2023 F-150 might have the same bolt pattern but a different offset that interferes with your 2013’s brake calipers or suspension geometry.
Tools and Supplies for a Professional Wheel Swap
Doing your own wheel maintenance is rewarding, but you need the right gear. To work on your F-150 safely, you should have a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench capable of reaching at least 150 lb-ft. This is not a task for a small 3/8-inch wrench or a cheap “clicker” that hasn’t been calibrated in years.
You will also need a 21mm deep-well socket. Many F-150 lug nuts feature a thin chrome “swollen” cap that can be easily damaged. Using a non-marring socket with a plastic sleeve will protect your wheels from scratches and keep your lug nuts looking new for years to come.
The Essential Tool List
- Floor Jack: Rated for at least 3 tons to handle the F-150’s weight.
- Jack Stands: Never work on a truck supported only by a hydraulic jack.
- Torque Wrench: Essential for hitting the 150 lb-ft specification.
- Breaker Bar: To loosen stubborn, over-tightened lugs without damaging your torque wrench.
- Wire Brush: To clean corrosion off the hub surface before mounting the new wheel.
I always recommend keeping a small tube of anti-seize in your toolbox. While you should never put anti-seize on the lug nut threads (as it alters torque readings), a tiny dab on the center hub bore can prevent the wheel from “welding” itself to the truck due to road salt and moisture.
Safe Installation: The Star Pattern and Torque Specs
Installing wheels involves more than just zipping the nuts on with an impact wrench. To ensure the wheel sits flush against the brake rotor, you must tighten the nuts in a star pattern. This distributes the pressure evenly across the 2013 ford f150 lug pattern and prevents the rotor from warping.
Start by hand-threading all six lug nuts to avoid cross-threading. Once they are snug, use your torque wrench to tighten them to 150 lb-ft in a crisscross sequence. Imagine you are drawing a six-pointed star; move from one nut to the one nearly opposite it until all six are secured.
The “Re-Torque” Rule
This is the step most DIYers skip, but it is the most important for safety. After driving about 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels, you must re-check the torque. Metal expands and contracts with heat, and the wheel can “settle” against the hub, potentially loosening the nuts slightly.
Set your torque wrench back to 150 lb-ft and give each nut a click. If any of them move significantly, it is a sign that the surfaces weren’t perfectly clean or the wheel hadn’t seated fully. Taking five minutes to do this can prevent a wheel from backing off while you are cruising at 70 mph.
Troubleshooting Common Wheel Issues
If you experience a vibration after installing wheels that match the 2013 ford f150 lug pattern, don’t panic. The most common culprit is improper balancing. Take the wheels to a shop that uses a “road force balancer,” which simulates the weight of the truck on the tire to find hidden heavy spots.
Another issue is debris trapped between the wheel and the hub. Even a small flake of rust can prevent the wheel from sitting perfectly flat. If the vibration persists, pull the wheel off and use a wire brush or a die grinder with a surface prep pad to clean the mounting face until it is shiny and smooth.
Dealing with “Swollen” Lug Nuts
Ford trucks from this era are notorious for lug nuts that “swell.” This happens when moisture gets between the steel nut and the decorative chrome cap, causing the metal to expand. If your 21mm socket no longer fits, do not hammer it on. Instead, purchase a set of solid one-piece steel lug nuts to replace the factory two-piece design.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2013 ford f150 lug pattern
Can I use wheels from a 2013 Ford Expedition on my F-150?
Yes, the 2013 Ford Expedition shares the same 6x135mm bolt pattern and center bore as the F-150. As long as the tire size and offset are appropriate for your truck’s suspension, Expedition wheels are a direct swap. This is a great way to find “factory-plus” style upgrades at a local salvage yard.
Will a 6×135 wheel fit on a 6×139.7 hub?
No. While they both have six lugs, the 4.7mm difference in the diameter of the bolt circle is massive in the world of machining. Attempting to bolt these on will bend your studs and could lead to the wheel detaching from the vehicle while in motion. Never compromise on the bolt pattern.
What is the factory torque spec for a 2013 F-150?
The official factory specification is 150 lb-ft (204 Nm). This is significantly higher than many passenger cars, which often hover around 80-100 lb-ft. Because the F-150 is designed for towing and hauling, the higher clamping force is necessary to keep the wheels secure under heavy loads.
Do I need hub-centric rings for aftermarket wheels?
If the aftermarket wheels have a center bore larger than 87.1mm, then yes, you should use hub-centric rings. These rings ensure the wheel is perfectly centered on the hub, which prevents vibrations and reduces the shear stress on your lug studs. They are an inexpensive way to ensure a professional-quality installation.
Final Thoughts on Your F-150 Wheel Project
Upgrading your truck’s wheels is one of the most impactful changes you can make, both for aesthetics and performance. By sticking to the correct 2013 ford f150 lug pattern and paying attention to details like torque and center bore, you ensure your truck remains a reliable tool for work or play.
Remember that safety is the ultimate priority. Always use jack stands, always use a calibrated torque wrench, and never skip the 50-mile re-torque. If you ever feel unsure about a fitment issue, consult with a local tire professional or a trusted mechanic who understands the nuances of the Ford chassis.
Now that you have the specs and the know-how, it is time to get out there and transform your ride. Whether you are hitting the trails or just heading to the job site, do it with the confidence that your wheels are bolted on right. Stay safe, stay focused, and enjoy the drive!
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