Introduction
Many Ford Ranger enthusiasts have successfully swapped wheels from various Ford Mustang models onto their 1983–2011 Rangers. Mustang wheels offer a stylish upgrade and can improve performance when properly fitted. This guide covers Mustang wheel sizes, offsets, backspacing, and fitment tips to help you safely and effectively upgrade your Ranger’s wheels. Contributor experiences and photos are included to give real-world examples for each setup.
Things to Consider Before Swapping Mustang Wheels
- Verify the bolt pattern and center bore match your Ranger (most Mustangs are 5×4.5 bolt, 70.3mm center bore).
- Measure backspacing and offset to avoid rubbing on suspension components or fenders.
- Check brake caliper and steering clearance.
- Use spacers or longer studs if needed, especially on front wheels.
- Retorque lug nuts after the first 25 miles of driving.
Quick Reference: Mustang Wheel Fitment on Ford Ranger
| Mustang Wheel | Size | Ranger Fit Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-1995 Mustang GT | 17×8 | 1989-1992 | Center caps fit; minor spacers recommended for clearance |
| 1995 Mustang | 16″ | 1993-1995 | Spacers may be needed for steering clearance |
| Late 1990s Mustang GT | 17″ | 1989-1997 | Hub modification sometimes needed; dust caps may interfere |
| 1995 Mustang Cobra | 16×8 | 1995 | Front spacers recommended; check center cap clearance |
| 2000+ Mustang V6 | 16″ | 1993-2011 | Fits most models with no modification; check specific rim style |
| 2004-2005 Mustang 40th Anniversary V6 | 16″ | 1993-2011 | Fit without modification; center caps may need spacers |
| 2006-2009 Mustang GT | 17×8 | 1994-2007 | Minor spacers recommended; no interference observed |
| 2007 Mustang GT | 17″ | 2005-2007 | Front/rear spacers recommended; aligned with factory specs |
1994/1995 Ford Mustang 17×8 Wheels
1994/1995 Mustang 17×8 Wheels On 2004 B2300 (15×6 stock) (Contributed by crazypj)
I just fitted 94/95 Mustang 17×8 wheels to my 2004 B2300 (15×6 stock). It’s almost a direct swap but could be easier/safer with longer studs and 1/4″ spacers on the front. I had to tweak the metal brake line on the passenger side and do some bending to the bottom flange of the lower suspension arm.
(2004 Mazda B2300 With 1994/1995 Ford Mustang 17×8 Wheels)
1994-1995 Mustang GT Wheels
Contributed by Ric: The split 3-spoke 17-inch GT wheels from a 1994/95 Mustang GT fit and you can use the center caps as well. They fit much better on a 1989-1992 Ranger. They are too inboard on a 2003 Ranger for my liking, but they work without rubbing. They fit better on the 2007 than the 2003.
(1991 2WD Ranger with 1994/1995 Mustang GT Rims)
(2003 2WD Ranger with 1994/1995 Mustang GT Rims)
1995 Ford Mustang 16-Inch Wheel
From 19Walt93: 1995 Ford Mustang 16’s on my 1993 Ford Ranger work with 235/65 tires. Steering rubs on lower shock bolts, so I added stops. Spacers would make it easier.
(1993 Ford Ranger with 1995 Ford Mustang 16-Inch Wheels)
From ILLEGALCONCEPTS: Mid-1990s twin 5-spoke Mustang rims need about 1″ spacers for front center caps. On 1993+ Rangers, fender clearance is usually fine.
Late 1990s Mustang GT 17-Inch Wheels
These 17″ split 5-spoke GT wheels require spacers and dust cap removal. Hub mods may be needed for center cap fitment.
1995 Mustang Cobra 16×8 Wheels
Contributed by veefer800canuk: 235/60-16 front and 255/55-16 rear tires on 16×8 Cobra wheels. Front spacers and ET-style lug nuts helped fitment. Center bore matches Ranger (70.3mm).
2000+ Mustang V6 16-Inch Wheels
Contributed by ILLEGALCONCEPTS: 16″ 5-spoke rims from 2000+ V6 Mustangs fit most Rangers with no modification. Other Mustang styles may require grinding the hub or spacers.
2004-2005 Mustang 40th Anniversary V6 Wheels
16″ chrome wheels fit without modification, but front center caps may require spacers.
2006-2009 Mustang GT 17×8 Wheels
17×8 wheels with stock 235/55R17 tires. Minor 1.5″ spacers front/rear. No interference on a 1994 Ranger 2WD.
2007 Mustang GT 17-Inch Wheels
Contributed by Mark Chambers: 2007 GT wheels on a 2005 Ranger STX 3.0 with minor front/rear spacers. Camber adjusted to -1.3 degrees. Daily driver setup with no rubbing, even with a full bed.
Need More Help
Check out our Ford Ranger Wheel & Tire Forum for more discussions.
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1983-2011 Ford Ranger Wheel Fitment Guide
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station (TRS), one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and overlanding routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures. TRS has been heavily referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information.