Double Vision

Thanks for the heads up Scott.. but I would assume the Mountaineer wheel changes was to a bigger size without any regard to wheel diameter. If you go to the chart that I linked above the important factor in all of this is the outside diameter of the tire remaining the same. The factory setup was 17" rims with a higher profile tire and the new setup is 18" rims with a lower profile tire making the diameter measurement almost identical (less than 2mm). If one wanted they could go bigger (if there was enough room) but than the tire sidewall would be almost non-existent to stay within the original diameter thus giving up ride quality to achieve it. You could go smaller such as 16" rim size and have maximum sidewall with something to get back in line with O.E. tire diameter. Whatever direction you take will be fine as long as your combination ends up back at the original tire diameter the AWD system is not effected. If you purchase an AWD SE model you get 16" wheels and an AWD SEL model comes with 17" wheels...they (the factory) make up the difference in rim size with the actual tire sizing.

These are a little 'pricey' for what they are but they are the only ones I have found that are actually made for the Ford Fusion. There are others that cost less and claim they are a universal fit (i.e. Ford Mustang, Mazda 6, Ford Fusion) but they do not fit. I know this as I have tried them already. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-FUSION...sspagenameZWDVW May be hard to see from the angle in the picture but I previously installed a stainless steel (no rust) highly polished (to a chrome-like finish than coated) upper door trim kit to go along with the door handles.

Outside tire diameter is less than 2mm difference. At 65mph with the new wheels the speedometer (if it was this technical) will show 64.7. So there is no speedo recalibration or any changes that affects transmission shift points. The 50 aspect to the 45 aspect makes up the difference in the 1" rim size change. Here is a link to one of the most informative tire sizing aids I have found... http://www.csgnetwork.com/tireinfo4calc.html

I think they came out pretty good... car has a nice stance compared to stock rims. The bolt pattern and offset is exactly the same on the Edge and Fusion. So what you see are 225/45/18 Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Ultra-performance all season radials compared to the 225/50/17 stock size.

Automotive specialties (800) 544-1700 around $175.00 Yes it's my car - My avatar is the front of the truck in the background Yes it's a DIY job- take your time read ALL instructions I believe they have 2 left in stock. It's called a '14 pc. pillar post window package'

Here is a stainless window trim kit that is polished to a high luster equalling a chrome finish...Skeptical upon ordering but once installed very satisfied with the results..

Certainly not new to the forum just new to the posting. Been lurking here (blueovalnews.com) way before this forum originated. Not into posting just for the sake of raising my post count. :blush:

Here's one that was advertised on this forum...