Noob questions about Wheels, backspacing, and tires (1 Viewer)

[JimmyK]

Hey guys, I did a quick couple of searches but didnt find the answers because I think my questions are just general knowledge for 99% of you guys.

First off; backspacing is how much the tires are going to stick in/out of the wheel well? IE it will change your stance either wide or narrow? and we use differnet backspacing incase we have rub b/c the tires are to wide? and aesthetics also? Do we sacrifice any kind of structural integrity by widening the stance? ie more stress on the axle?

Why do people seem to go to smaller rims? I see it VERY often on this forum and yotatech, is it only because of the backspacing or do we gain something, ie custom tire sizes more flexiblity, bigger sidewalls smoother ride?

Finally the reason Im asking; Im about to take the plunge in the next 4 weeks with J springs L shocks and 35 inch tires. I want to do it right the first time, if I have to invest an extra 400 bucks for some rims then I should do it know instead of getting 35s for my 16 inch rims and then have to change everything down the line.


Post Script - I see this used a lot so Im going to throw it in for $hits and giggles

 

[Mike S]

Back spacing is measured by placing the wheel outside face down and placing a straight edge across the rim from edge to edge. Then measuring at 90 degrees from the straight edge to the mounting face of the wheel (where it contacts the face of the hub). Correct bacspacing is important to assure that the wheels clear the brake calipers/drums/steering knuckles, etc.

Mike

 

[nelson71]

I am definitely not the expert on this forum, but there are a couple of things I have picked up. The backspacing and wheel size topics have been covered ad nauseum on the forums, but probably not answering all of your questions.

The backspacing measurement on a given rim indicates, when mounted, how much distance there is from the bolt surface to the inside lip of the wheel. So this measurement has a lot to do with stance. A lower backspacing number means a wheel that sticks out farther and a wider overall stance. Significantly shorter backspacing will increase stress on bearings, steering, joints. A higher backspacing number means a more narrow stance; increasing backspacing too much can introduce clearance problems with inside components (brakes, tie rods, etc). Folks generally go to rims with different backspacing when they have a different length axle, a wider or narrower wheel, or just want a different stance. In some cases it is possible to eliminate rub with a slightly different backspacing, in other cases it is possible to introduce rub.

I think the stock 80 wheel has 4.5" backspacing. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

If by smaller rims you mean shorter, in some cases going to 15" wheels can mean more available tires at better prices.