Front Wheel, Rear Wheel (not tire) Same?

[ctrcbob]

In the past, I think I remember people posting that the Front Wheels and the Rear Wheels are the same (only the tire size is different).

Well today, I was looking at the sticker on the side of the drivers door, and noticed that they have different information for them.

Front Rims: 7Z18X8.0J
Rear Rims: 3Z18X8.0J

What gives? Are they really different and if so;
What is the difference?
How can you tell which is which?

Because people buy these cars used (like me) who knows if the original front is now on the rear, when tires were purchased.

[Rider90]

The rear wheels have heavier valve stem caps.

[blackf0rk]

I'm kind of confused by your post. It seems to be you're getting "Wheels" and "tires" confused. Whatever the case is I'm confused :P

Wheels = Rims
Tires = Tires

lol

Anyways, the tires are definately different, you don't need numbers; just look at the sidewall ;) As for the wheels/rims, I'm not sure if they're different only in that they're numbered differently.

Anyone knoe the technicality of it?



---- EDIT ----

Jason got it before I did... :P

[Bluerauder]

This issue was brought up almost 2 years ago (Feb 2004) ... didn't see a resolution to it. :rolleyes:

>>>>> http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8290&highlight=door+sticker

[fast Ed]

FWIW, the Ford parts catalogue only lists one road wheel for a replacement on these cars. :)


cheers
Ed N.

[ctrcbob]

BlueRauder,

Your link still does not give an answer.

To others. I am talking about Wheels or Rims if you wish. I am NOT talking about tires.

[Bluerauder]

Your link still does not give an answer.
I know ... that's what I said !!!! :rolleyes: Just letting you know that its been asked before and still not addressed. ;)

FWIW, my sticker only shows the 18 X 8.0J designation for both FR and RR. No extra leading digits.

[Rob1559]

OH NO! I have been using different air in the fronts and backs!














I know I am a smartass.

[djv5150]

In the past, I think I remember people posting that the Front Wheels and the Rear Wheels are the same (only the tire size is different).

Well today, I was looking at the sticker on the side of the drivers door, and noticed that they have different information for them.

Front Rims: 7Z18X8.0J
Rear Rims: 3Z18X8.0J

What gives? Are they really different and if so;
What is the difference?
How can you tell which is which?

Because people buy these cars used (like me) who knows if the original front is now on the rear, when tires were purchased.



I think that the 3 and 7 are Item numbers that the factory uses to ID the wheels by size and placement after tire and rim are married.
7Z18X8.0J-3Z18X8.0J the rims are all the same.

[ctrcbob]

Thanks 5150. I know I could get a good (read: correct) answer here.

[mungce]

Thanx for the info ! Now how about that unpolished wheel the 300As come with. I have heard some have front, others have back rubber on them. Anyone know for sure ?

[RF Overlord]

I have heard some have front, others have back rubber on them.The factory supplied front-sized rubber. I suppose it's possible that a rear was inadvertently supplied, but most likely it's because the previous owner changed to having all four the same; most who did that used the rear size.

[SergntMac]

The correct term is wheel, part of which is the rim. Inner rim, and outer rim are both leading edges where the wheel forms a bead with the tire.

All Marauders have two styles of wheels. The polished four on the ground, and either a painted full size spare, or, a mini-spare, aka "donut" On the assembly line and at the parts counter, you have three part numbers to choose from, each will belong to one of these three wheels. The correct tire size for the official full size spare is 235/50-18, matching the front tire.

This was a decision made by FMC's product liability team, because there was no correct size mini-spare available. The reasoning was that if you need to put the spare on the front, you'll be safe until you change it, i.e. nothing to sue over if you later crash the car. If you need to put it on the rear, it will affect your Traction-Loc differential over long term use, but hey, that's what a warranty is for. Either way, the non-matching fuguly painted surface encourages swift repair and removal of the spare.

This was later a ditto policy when the mini-spare appeared, it matches the front tire diameter for safety reasons, and it's also fuguly enough to hasten a repair.

This information came from Jim Holubiak, the Ford dude who services my dealer. It was a question I raised with him a long time ago. He looked into this, and came back with this explanation. I've never heard anything different about it.

[tbore007]

The factory supplied front-sized rubber. I suppose it's possible that a rear was inadvertently supplied.

A have a 300A, with a 245/55 spare..

[Warpath]

The correct term is wheel, part of which is the rim. Inner rim, and outer rim are both leading edges where the wheel forms a bead with the tire....

Referring to a wheel as a rim is a pet peeve of mine. While I agree with you completely, rim is also accepted in the industry. The association that standardizes wheel and tire sizes is called the Tire and Rim Association.

http://www.us-tra.org/traHome.htm

[SergntMac]

Referring to a wheel as a rim is a pet peeve of mine. While I agree with you completely, rim is also accepted in the industry. I hear you, Joe, and I'm not flaming anyone. Some folks call an engine a motor too, it's okay with me as long as it doesn't confuse anyone.
A have a 300A, with a 245/55 spare.. Not surprised to hear this, some owners got a chrome shifter too.