I currently run 15 x 10 steel wheels w/ 4" backspacing. The tires are 35 x 12.5 SSR's. I am wanting to chang to 15 x8 wheels w/ 3" backspacing. I am having a hard time visualizing this, I know with less backspacing puts more stress on ball joints,etc, but by going to a narrower wheel shouldnt this counter act that aspect of less backspacing?
Also Less backspacing should move the tire out and allow for increased turning before rubbing on the leaf spring?
The narrower wheel will make the tire slightly taller(this is a good thing), but will that counter act the positive effects of the less backspaced 15 x 8 wheel?
I think the 12.5" wide tire is too narrow for a 10" wheel, I constantly rub the outer lip of my wheel on rocks, plus with a 8" wheel it should be better for keeping the tire seated when air down.
Any thoughts on this or anyone gone this route before?
Am I correct in my assumptions here or am I just:smokin:

Thanks for any info as always,
-Jeremy

Yes you are right it will counteract the extra offset by going to the narrower wheel.

Just wanted to point out that you are not going to gain any turning capability by going with a narrower wheel with less off-set.

With a 10" wheel, your tire (12.5") is 2.5" wider than your wheel. That is 1.25" per side. So with 4" of back space, the tire is 5.25" (4+1.25) behind the wheel mounting surface.

With an 8" wheel, your tire is 4.5" wider than your wheel. That is 2.25" per side. So with 3" of back space, the tire is still 5.25" (3+2.25) behind the wheel mounting surface.

Another way of looking at this is that with a 10" wheel, centerline is 5" and with 4" backspacing, it is 1" offset. With an 8" wheel, centerline is 4" and with 3" backspacing, it is 1" offset.

Hope this helps,

- Mike

Another way of looking at this is that with a 10" wheel, centerline is 5" and with 4" backspacing, it is 1" offset. With an 8" wheel, centerline is 4" and with 3" backspacing, it is 1" offset.

Thanks Guys. Thats kind of what I was thinkin just couldnt picture it in my head. Mainly I just want the 8" rim w/o any more stress on my bearings and ball joints. My turning radius is actually very good, but I'm thinking about going to 36" SX's, not much bigger, but how do the guys running 38"+ tires turn?:confused: Seems like you would rub the springs like crazy:eek:
-Jeremy

Originally posted by Rat Patrol
how do the guys running 38"+ tires turn?:confused: Seems like you would rub the springs like crazy:eek:
-Jeremy

Wider axles :D