New steel wheels: 00 or -32 offset?

koning2e

koning2e

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Joined
Jan 9, 2019
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59
Location
Farnborough, United Kingdom
I am deciding on what 15x8 steel wheels to purchase to fit 33 12.5 tyres. Backspace would be 3.75. I have the choice to go with offset of 00 or -32. I can’t have the tyre thread uncovered by the flare due to UK road laws. Attached are photos of the current 33 10.5 tyres fitted on on stock alloys which I believe have an offset of +38. There is tons of space left under the flare so I think I can opt for the -32 offset wheels. Do you all agree? Or will the 00 sit more flush? The difference between -32 and +38 is 70mm. Add that to a 2 inch wider tyre and I may already me at the limit. Does my logic stack up :) ?

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For Jeep & truck wheels, it's only the backspace dimension you care about. Offset is a different measurement that isn't really useful for our needs. For 33x12.50 tires, 3.76" to 4" of backspacing works fine. 4.5" of backspacing tucks the tires in a half-inch closer but you need to make sure the axles are centered and you'd also need to place a washer or two under each of the two steering stop bolts.
 
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Jerry Bransford said:
For Jeep & truck wheels, it's only the backspace dimension you care about. Offset is a different measurement that isn't really useful for our needs. For 33x12.50 tires, 3.76" to 4" of backspacing works fine. 4.5" of backspacing tucks the tires in a half-inch closer but you need to make sure the axles are centered and you'd also need to place a washer or two under each of the two steering stop bolts.
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Hi Jerry, I have done some more research around the wheels I’m considering; the 15 X 8 wheels with ET -32 have a backspace of 3.25. Tyres still 33 x 12.50. I understand that parts will wear more quickly, but is a backspace of 3.25 just pushing it too far? I don’t want to set myself up for super poor handling or fast failing components.
 
I would not run wheels with 3.25" backspacing (-32 offset).

For 15x8" wheels with 33x12.5 tires I would choose 4.0" backspacing (-12 offset). They will tuck in tighter than wheels with 3.25" backspacing and may or may not require the use of a washer under each steering stop to prevent contact between the tires and lower control arms.

Wheels with 4.5" backspacing (0 offset) will tuck in even tighter but will most certainly need those washers. Adding one washer per side is not a big deal. If you need two per side you will most likely notice the reduction in turning radius at first but you will get used to it and subconsciously make the necessary adjustments in driving technique to compensate.
 
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