The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline wheel offset question

I am sort of ignorant on this topic and am thinking of buying some new wheels so I can eventually install a fatter tire. I am considering a 16x6 but each vendor asks for an offset. Can I use the same offset as my original wheels and does anyone know what it is. I have seen the diagrams but get easily confused.

It's not exact but most old rear wheel drive vehicles had about 3 1/2 iches of offset. If more inside clearence is needed, like tire to bedside, then use LESS offset and if fender lip clearence is needed use MORE offset.

I was the same way, go to wheel smiths website they have a diagram you can use for measuring everything out. Once you have the measurements they are very helpful in getting you the right rim and will help you with the correct tire info you need to make it fit. I spoke with Rex. PM me your e-mail address and i will send you a sheet on my truck that has all the before and after measurements with pics.

Beautiful '49 you have there Bill.

My experiences have lead me to the conclusion that the only way to be sure what is right for your truck is to measure your truck. You'd be surprised at the differences from one side to the other and how what you thought was stock isn't on a vehicle that is over 60 years old.

Use this sketch and fill in the dimensions for your truck... measure thrice, buy once. http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu176/lakeroadster/Generic/stock20Axle_zpsbbbde06f.jpg

Hope that helps!

There tends to be plenty of confusion between "offset" and "backspacing". Both terms are related to each other, and along with wheel width, are dependent on each other as well.
Backspace is the measurement from the wheel mounting surface to the inside lip of the wheel. On these old trucks, 3 to 3 1/2 inches is the common size, it can vary depending on the width.
Offset is the dimension from the wheel mounting surface to the wheel centerline, usually measured in millimeters. If it is on center, then you have 0 offset. If the wheel is off center to the outboard, that is positive offset (like todays FWD vehicles), and offset inboard is negative offset. To get the proper offset, one has to know the desired backspace and wheel width.
To give an example, a 15x8 wheel with a 3.5" backspace for a typical Chevrolet truck ('73-'87 1/2 ton 4x4) will have a -25mm offset.

Thanks for the info. Will be sending you a PM smoloney. Hot Rod John tanks for the compliment. That pic was taken about 10 years ago I think. Its a working truck and a "50 footer".
Bill