Wheel offset and backspacing EXPLAINED

[BigDaddy13440]

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/wheels/129_0602_wheel_backspacing_etiquette/index.html


Basically, a 16x8 wheel ideally has zero offset, or the center line of the wheel is exactly at 4" backspacing. If a wheel has a positive offset of 25mm (equates to 1"), then the backspacing is 4" plus 1", or 5".
If the same wheel is listed with a negative offset of 6mm (equivalent to 1/4"), then the backspacing is 4" minus the 1/4", or 3 3/4".

If you're using a larger width wheel, the same applies.
Using a 20x10 wheel, the center line is 5" (or 5" backspacing). A (+25mm) offset gives you a backspacing of 6", while a (-6mm) offset gives you a backspacing of 4 3/4".

Positive offset tucks the wheel into the fenderwell more, while a lesser (or negative) offset pushes the wheel out, increasing your track width.

Look at it this way: a 16x8 wheel with no offset has a 4" backspacing, with +25mm it has 5" backspacing. Comparatively, a 16x10 wheel with no offset has 5" backspacing, same as the 16x8, but the track width would be 4" wider (2" wider per each wheel).

 

[raptorforme93]

That all makes sense now! My only question is, if the wheel has a positive offset, does that push the wheel out further away from the body or tuck it in under the wheel well??

 

[EastTXYukon]

Positive offset will tuck the wheel into the wheel well more, just like more backspacing will do the same

The smaller the number, the more the wheel will stick out from the fender. A negative offset number will do the same.

 

[tybardy]

this thread should be stickied.... also, the article should be copied into our forum (with proper citation of course!) just a thought... good info man, thanks for the share.

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

this thread should be stickied.... also, the article should be copied into our forum (with proper citation of course!) just a thought... good info man, thanks for the share.

x2

 

[Hokiegrad09]

Does anybody know the stock offset for and 05 LT with 17 inch wheels?