Wheel Offset Information

[Stumpuller6.5]

I have been looking into wheels and have to learn alot cause i dunno much of the lingo, i kinda know what i like in looks but for others that need to know the info on knowing what wheel offset, etc, means here you go.

Curious about wheels? Read on to learn more about wheel terminology.

Wheel Size
The two components of a wheel's size are the wheel diameter and the wheel width. For example, a 17 x 8 wheel would have a 17" diameter as measured across the center, and an 8" width as measured from the front rim to the rear rim.

Bolt Circle
The bolt circle of a wheel is the diameter of the imaginary circle formed by the centers of the wheel's bolt mounting holes. For example, a bolt circle of "5x4.5/120" would indicate that the wheel has a 5-lug pattern with a 4.5" or 120 mm diameter. Consult your local Tire Shop to ask about the bolt circle for your vehicle.

Offset
The offset of a wheel is the distance from the centerline of the wheel to the mounting surface where the wheel contacts the hub.

If a wheel has a zero offset, the mounting surface is inline with the centerline of the wheel.

If the offset of the wheel is positive, the mounting surface to the hub is in front of the centerline and towards the street side of the wheel. Many wheels designed for front wheel drive cars will have a positive offset.

If the wheel offset is negative, the mounting surface is behind the wheel centerline and towards the back side of the wheel. Many rear wheel drive vehicles will feature wheels with a negative offset.


now if i could only find wome wheels i like. i might be as picky as daddy.

 

[ryan_h]

Well what are you looking for? Chrome, polished, painted, white, black what size......

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

some black wheels with some chrome (ceter cap and outer ring of wheel...) 18x9, 8 lug on 6.5 (i think?) with as little offset as possible.

i have been scouring the wheels sites but nothing has really quite shone to my liking yet. still looking.

 

[ryan_h]

http://www.4wheelparts.com/WheelFin...00&dt=18.00&finish=Black&cons=0&ab=False&pg=1

 

[daddy]

Clancy, these aren't exactly what you said you were looking for colorwise but I love this wheel and it's available in an 8-lug 18x9 with a zero offset.

Ultra Wheel Grinder

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

http://www.4wheelparts.com/WheelFin...00&dt=18.00&finish=Black&cons=0&ab=False&pg=1

handy finder!

Clancy, these aren't exactly what you said you were looking for colorwise but I love this wheel and it's available in an 8-lug 18x9 with a zero offset.

Ultra Wheel Grinder

those are actually quite nice!

 

[Texas1911]

The only vehicles with negative offsets these days are trucks, and most of those are positive from the factory. The negative offset is hell on wheel bearings and is poor for aerodynamics, as well as setting up suspension geometries like scrub radius, hence the shift from the OEMs to positive offsets.

The 1980s was really the end of the negative offset wheel era.

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

I agree, i dislike how negative offsets look. i will get zero to slightly positives if i get some.

 

[Zembonez]

OEM offset on your truck is a 16x7 +25mm offset if I remember correctly. GMT800 4x4 trucks had pretty serious positive offset wheels because the 4x4 axles were wider than the 2WD versions but they used the same body.

An 18x9 with zero offset is going to stick WAY out on the front. That can cause crazy tire rub issues on those trucks. You are best going with a 7 or possibly an 8 inch wide wheel.

 

[Zembonez]

This OEM wheel looked pretty good on those trucks!