EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OFFSET AND BACKSPACING

It's essential to get precise measurements when searching for new wheels and tires to ensure a proper fit and avoid damage. Understanding offset and backspacing is crucial as they impact your ride's stance differently.

Measure the distance between a wheel’s mounting surface and the centerline with offset, while backspacing measures the distance between the mounting surface and the innermost lip. Both are essential for determining wheel compatibility and avoiding installation issues with aftermarket wheels.

Wheel Offset

In order to properly understand wheel offset, you first need to know the basic parts of a wheel assembly. A wheel’s offset describes its position so that it can freely rotate and not rub against the fender or brakes. Millimeters are the standard unit of measurement for offset, and it can be either negative, zero, of positive. A negative offset refers to a mounting surface that is situated closer to the back of the wheel. It gives vehicles that deep-dish look; so, -44 is deeper than -18. A zero, or neutral, offset means that the wheel face is right in the center of the rim. A positive offset describes a mounting surface that extends past the centerline closer to the face of the wheel. The higher the number, the less lip there is and the more forward the wheel face will be. For example, a +25mm offset means that the face of the wheel leans more toward the outside of the vehicle than a +1mm offset.

Wheel Backspacing

To get your backspacing numbers, measure from the wheel’s mounting plate to its inner lip. If you are looking to buy aftermarket wheels but are leaving your suspension the same, aim to keep the measurement as close to the stock backspacing as you can. If you are lowered or plan to install a lowering kit with the new wheels, make sure to check with the product manufacturer to get the correct backspacing requirements since it will likely differ from the factory measurement. With that said, backspacing is usually a positive number, but it can be negative. The amount of backspacing can really alter wheel positioning, so it’s important to keep that in mind when shopping for wheels. The correct backspacing will allow for enough room for the brakes, suspension, and steering systems to operate seamlessly without interference from the wheel. And, clearly, a positive number means more backspace (wheel protrudes further into the wheel well), while a negative number reduces backspacing (wheel protrudes less into the wheel well). Offset and backspacing can really make or break the look of your truck. They also have a bigger role than that as they allow the suspension system and tires to work together. Higher backspacing can cause clearance issues and the rubbing of control arms and such. Lower backspacing means decreased wheel travel, a larger turning radius, and possible fender rubbing or bumper trimming.