Wheel Offsets

4X4 · 01-08-2008, 06:55 PM

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 · 10-08-2008, 02:47 AM

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 · 08-01-2009, 06:43 PM

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

Croozer · 21-03-2009, 12:22 PM

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 · 21-03-2009, 08:17 PM

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

1firefighter63 · 18-05-2009, 02:51 PM

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 · 27-05-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Croozer

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.

jackhammer · 27-05-2009, 09:16 PM

37mm billet wheel spacers done the trick for me, vary happy with'em and it throws heaps more mud too!

Pure Yobbo · 27-05-2009, 09:32 PM

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 · 05-06-2009, 08:00 PM

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.