Okay, searched around, and I still dont understand this whole wheel thing.

I'm looking to buy some new wheels for my '02 FX4 (has the 15" alcoa wheels) and the only thing I dont understand is how far the new wheels are going to stick out. What I really need is confirmation. Based on what I have calculated, the 15x10's w/ 3 5/8" backspacing will stick out 4.25" more? If thats so, then Would I be safer to run 15x8's with the same backspacing (2.25" more)? I would like to upgrade to 32" Rubbers, and can crank if needed. I'm no tire expert, and I'm in need of help.

Thanks for any input!

 

A factory Level II Alcoa wheel is 15x7 with +12mm offset and 4 1/2" backspacing.

The way I see it, the 15x10 w/ 3 5/8" BS will stick out 3 7/8" more at the outer wheel lip or 2 3/8" more at the outside of the tire tread (running the original tires).

The 15x8 w/ 3 5/8" BS will stick out 1 7/8" more at the outer wheel lip or 1 3/8" more at the outside of the tire tread (running the original tires).



If you also install wider tires, then, obviously, they will stick out more than the originals. Take the above amounts and add 1/2 of the additional width of the replacement tires over the originals.

There's more to it than how far they 'stick out', though. Remember that each front tire/wheel assembly must be free to move simultaneously through a few inches of suspension travel and the full path of the steering movement. The factory 31x10.50R15 BFG ATs on a Level II don't leave much clearance for additional rubber. Any increase in the width or diameter of the tires, or change to the backspacing, increases the likelihood that the tires will rub somewhere.

Also, keep in mind that the actual width at the tread of different types of tires from different manufacturers can vary a lot even though the nominal cross-sectional width is the exactly same. This difference can also influence whether the tires will rub.

 

Thank you for your reply!

So, what would you advise then? The 15x10, or 15x8's?

 

15x8's should cause fewer problems than the 15x10's.

 

SOunds good, thank you much!

EDIT:
Okay, wait, but it 15x10 Do-able? As far as major rubbing goes? I know the question has been asked MILLIONS of times, and I appreciate any patience I may require!

 

If you're just going up to 32s, 15x10 would be excessive. You'd have more wheel bearing wear, and be MUCH more likely to rub. In al honesty, you could probably do 32x11.5" tires on the stock 15x7" alcoas and be just fine.

 

I am with Kyle. A 15x10 is way too big for a 32x11.50 tire. The stock rims will do just fine for that size tire. But if you want aftermarket get a set of 15x8's.

 

15X8's it is then. I really do want something with some more shine to it, so that leaves me with aftermarket wheels. 15x8 W/ 32x11.5 BFG will work fine then? If it wont work (I'm assuming it will), please let me know, other wise, I'll assume it'll be OK.

Thanks for everyones help!!

 

That will be just fine.

 

There is a good possibility that you will get some minor rubbing and you may need to remove the front mud flaps. If you can live with that possibility, then that combo should be OK.

As far as the shine goes, be careful what you buy. Many aftermarket wheels are bare polished aluminum and require a lot of upkeep to keep that shine. Your Alcoas are factory coated with clear to keep the maintenance down.

 

I was looking at some 15x8 Procomp Extreme Alloys., Model 1079. I know what you mean, and I've had a difficult time figuring out what each mfg does to their wheels. What should I look for? I was also cosidering the Mickey Thompson Classic II's. I figure that their a reputable company, do they offer any form of protection? Also, just to clarify, I am going for Aluminium Alloy wheels, not them nasty steels.

--EDIT--
Also, my only other vice is that I want the Wheels/tires to stick out enough to give the truck an agressive stance. I Saw this truck, and thats exactly the look I want, which is why I choose those wheels.

 

I don't know the specifics of the finishes on the aftermarket aluminum alloy wheels but I'll bet there are some members here who can tell you which ones to stay away from. I have seen several posts in the past about the high maintenance required on some wheels. I still have the factory Alcoas on mine and don't plan to change them.