Backspacing

…post, "Jeep Wrangler Wheels and Tires", we discussed using 17x9" aftermarket wheels with -12mm offset, which is about 4.5" backspacing on a Jeep Wrangler. That sizing, for many people, is the magic combination to fit 33" or 35" tires on the Jeep JK. I was in that same…

…some sportier looking wheels! A perfect fit would be the new KMC XD Series XD300 Pulley in 17x8 with a zero millimeter offset and 4.5 inches of backspacing. As you can see, these wheels fit the stock tires perfectly and push them out to the edge of the fenders where they belong, rather than being…

…told your Honda needs a high offset wheel or that your new Jeep wheels must have the right backspacing? Many drivers are familiar with rim diameter, bolt pattern and centerbore, but not offset and backspacing. Offset is the distance between the mounting pad and rim's midpoint. The diagram to the…

…in diagram below). If the wheels you're looking at have the same width and a higher backspacing measurement than you currently own, the wheel will sit further back in the wheelwell. If the width is the same and the backspacing is lower than your current wheels, the wheel will stick out further.

…I put on 8" wide wheels with 4.5" backspacing. I also ended up installing a 2" spring spacer lift and upgrading to a 33x12.5R15 size tire (same BFGoodrich model) mounted on 15x9" wheels with, yet again, a 4.5" backspacing. Both set-ups worked out great for me both on-road…

…lap times. Choosing the right wheel for the vehicle is paramount. There are several pieces to the puzzle, such as bolt pattern, offset and backspacing. Luckily, we've done all the math for you. Prior to recommending a wheel for your vehicle on our website, we bring an example of that vehicle…

…vehicle and wheel size combinations to confirm which ones work correctly. Our extensive database allows our sales staff to offer you the perfect fit for your vehicle. *Backspacing, similar to offset, is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the inside lip of the wheel (measured in inches).

…distance from the mounting plate of the wheel to the center of the wheel barrel. The higher the backspace, the further back into the fender well it will sit. To help you understand offset and backspacing, take a look at the diagram below: Centerbore: Centerbore is the machined opening on the back of…

…geometry of where they put the bend. It seems to give a bit more room for big tires with slightly higher offset wheels. Generally, 4.5" backspacing is an easy number to clear big tires on the JK, but mine are 4.75" which give very little clearance to the upper control arms. However, these…

…and fitments that are generally more aggressive than stock fitments. The Jeep JK (2007-2016) fitments are 17x8.5 with a 0mm offset (4.8" backspacing), which is mild enough to fit on a stock Jeep with the stock 255/75R17 tires, yet can still handle the 35x12.50R17 on a Jeep like mine with a…