Wheel Offsets

4X4

Moderator
Most people who have a four-wheel drive own two sets of tyres, and the advantages of this have been discussed in an earlier article. If you are in a position to purchase a second set of rims, I suggest you buy steel rims. Not because they are cheaper, but because they are stronger (for serious 4WDriving). Yes, steel rims can bend, but if you are unfortunate enough to damage one, you can usually make a bush repair to get you home. Alloy rims can crack or shatter, leaving you with no alternative other than your spare. Keep your alloy rims for the road.

When fitting aftermarket rims to your four-wheel drive, careful consideration must be given to the wheel offset. Offset is the measurement in millimetres from the centre line of the wheel to the wheel mounting face. If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the vehicle, the handling may be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. If the offset were to stay the same, while you added width, the additional width would be split evenly between the inside and outside. For most vehicles, this will not work, as fouling of brake callipers or steering components will occur. If possible, use the original steel rims that came with your vehicle.

Wheel offset can be one of three types.
Zero Offset

The hub-mounting surface is even with the centreline of the wheel.

Positive

The hub mounting surface is toward the outside of the wheels centreline. Most original rims these days run a positive offset. This in effect, tucks the wheel inside the guards. Although illegal, some people fit spacers between the wheel and hub to change to a negative offset.

Negative

The hub mounting surface is toward the inside of the wheels centreline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically of a negative offset. Most aftermarket rims run a negative offset. Manufacturers do this to achieve a universal product where one size fits all, because negative offset will not foul on steering or brake callipers. The problem with negative offset is that it increases the load put on wheel bearings. Fitting aggressive tyres and lifting wheels (which is unavoidable while 4WDriving), compounds the problem. Negative offset can also move the tyre outside of the vehicles guard, necessitating an added cost for the fitment of wheel arch flairs. There is one advantage of having tyres outside the guards, if you are close to a rut or rock, the tyres can actually hold the vehicle off the rut or rock and prevent panel damage.
 

grit

Member
Often its essential when going to larger rubber to increase the negative offset to keep the tyre from rubbing the inner guard, upper spring mount or leaf pack. The only way to do this with any degree of safety is to change the rims. Lift will not solve this problem as the wheel will still reach at least as far as before, just less often.
 

Snow

New Member
Here a couple of diagrams that helps describe negative/zero/positive offset for those who are visual learners.;)
 

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Croozer

5th Annual Victorian Gathering member
I have to get some new steel rims for the TI Patrol. The question is what is the diferance between the cruiser ofsets and patrol. The rims I have been quoted are a major diferance in price. Patrol offset are around $120 and the standard are around $70. Why the price diferance as they look exactly the same? Sounds like a silly question I know but I was quoted the the prices from the same place.
 

samba

New Member
wheel tracking

Hi ... im in the process of buying a set of 33,x12.5x8 rims and tyres .... i have read on other forums that the rear wheels on a gu cab chassis tracks 100 mm different to the front wheels ... will these wheels fit straight on or will i have to buy nissan offset rims ... any advice would be helpful ... cheers
 

BILLBY

New Member
your own offset?

i have a leaf over 60 during articulation the tires rub on the inner surface of the guard ,i have negative offset rims .question is can order more depth an extra 20 mm will give me more flex less rub cheers
 

Grey Ghost

5th Annual Victorian Gathering member
I have to get some new steel rims for the TI Patrol. The question is what is the diferance between the cruiser ofsets and patrol. The rims I have been quoted are a major diferance in price. Patrol offset are around $120 and the standard are around $70. Why the price diferance as they look exactly the same? Sounds like a silly question I know but I was quoted the the prices from the same place.

Bruce, talk to Tyre World(?) Canterbury Rd Kilsyth, just picked up a set of white sunraysias, (Cruiser offset: -13mm) for $50 each. 15 x 7 inch.
Turns out that on the 05 Triton can't put std 10mm offset 15 inch rims on that the owners manual states coz the front brake calipers interfere with the wheels.
 
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Pure Yobbo

Moderator
Easy way to describe.

Crusier wheels won't rub as bad on the inside of the rear guards when you are flexed up. Down point you need to cut more out of your front Mud flaps to let them turn.

What size feet are you planning on running.
 

shanus05

New Member
rim problem

grey ghosst, i think im in the same boat as your response to the triton. i have a 1990 maverick. ive just bought some tyres which came off a 96 model hilux. i was under the impression that these rims would fit as they are meant to be, to my understanding the same offset. the rears fit fine, the front rims seem to rest/rub on the brake calliper. do you know any way to fix this apart from getting new rims?? thanks.
 

Grey Ghost

5th Annual Victorian Gathering member
grey ghosst, i think im in the same boat as your response to the triton. i have a 1990 maverick. ive just bought some tyres which came off a 96 model hilux. i was under the impression that these rims would fit as they are meant to be, to my understanding the same offset. the rears fit fine, the front rims seem to rest/rub on the brake calliper. do you know any way to fix this apart from getting new rims?? thanks.

Could get some spacers to bring the wheels out wider BUT A) its illegal and puts extra stresses on the driveline and B) with the wheels spaced out further you will find they are more likely to hit the mudguards etc when turned or the vehicle is flexing, so you're likely to damage something. My thought would be to (unfortunately) sell those rims, or try for a refund , and get a set suited to the Mav.
Brian.
 

Chops_78

New Member
Hey i am looking at putting 285/75/16 tyres on my GU wagon and gonna run a 2nd set of rims what rims should i look at getting??? as in offset etc??
 

grit

Member
It's very difficult for a novice to determine the correct wheels required to suit a particular vehicle when they attempt to use 'offset' as the critical parameter. The specification is always dependant on wheel width which more often than not causes more confusion for those not proficient with wheel specifications. I recommend using "backspace" as the critical specification when attempting to find the ideal wheel for your particular needs. Firstly know the backspace of the stock wheel for your model and with the stock wheel on the vehicle measure any critical clearances essential for full articulation and at full lock in both directions. backspace is constant regardless of wheel width, so you should be looking at clearance to inner guard (or control arms, etc.). The other parameter is what width will allow the vehicle to articulate fully without hitting flares, guards or mudflaps, etc.

I'm happy to provide a graphic comparisons to show the effect of changing to wider wheels based on backspace alone or width at a specific offset.
When using offset alone, most end up with a wheel that will not perform as intended and in many cases live with this compromise as the cost of that mistake inhibits further correction.
 
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boogie74

New Member
I'm hoping to get some new rims for my 74 series cruiser when I get the cash together.
I'm looking at 16x8 sunnies with - 34 offset. What are other cruiser drivers running?
 

matscruiser

New Member
i have a leaf over 60 during articulation the tires rub on the inner surface of the guard ,i have negative offset rims .question is can order more depth an extra 20 mm will give me more flex less rub cheers
i need a set of of sunraysia rims with an offset so mt 33x12.5x15 wont rub on the rear in side gard
 

zzzaggg

New Member
does any one know if you can fit 32" by 11.5" or 12.5" tyres on a 2002 xtracab hilux 2.7ltr ifs with 2" suspension lift? could you use off sets to compensate for any tyre scrubbing inside wheelarch? thinking of fitting Maxxis Big Horn 762 s to my ute not sure how they will fit and tyre companys are not keen on letting you try before buy (fitting only)
 

zzzaggg

New Member
does any one know if you can fit 32" by 11.5" or 12.5" tyres on a 2002 xtracab hilux 2.7ltr ifs with 2" suspension lift? could you use off sets to compensate for any tyre scrubbing inside wheelarch? thinking of fitting Maxxis Big Horn 762 s to my ute not sure how they will fit and tyre companys are not keen on letting you try before buy (fitting only)
 

cowboydave

New Member
Wow I am so out of my depth here, I was thinking of getting a second set of rims for off road with some cooper tyres but now I am lost and very confused. I have read this article and still cannot get my head around it. ( not very mechnical ) If any one has any thoughts or advise to share with me please do so I have a 2007 SWB NS Pajero bog stock.
 

TONKATROLL84

New Member
i just put on a set of sunny's and 35's on my gu and only had to cut a tiny bit of the front flare out on the inside and u cant even notice it and theres no scrubing now, oh but i also have a 2 inch lift suspension
 
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