Offset Questions

[david_827]

I'm looking at buying rims, but after the winter as the winter's in New England can be pretty brutal... I just have one question, when it comes to rims, how do you know what offset you need? Is it just an experience thing, or is there a formula somewhere that i dont know about?

[tk-421]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=wheel+offset+calculator&l=1

[david_827]

Thanks TK!

[1.5]

Trial and error

[tk-421]

I guess that's an option too. Could turn expensive pretty quickly though.

[wildmongoose26]

Trial and error is the worst way to do it.
A few simple tools and you can figure out EXACTLY what offset, width, size, etc. of wheel you can fit on any corner.
Plumb-bob can be your friend.

[1.5]

You can browse the internet all day and set up scenarios or use digital models, offset calculators, whatever, but when you actually get your wheels and mount them, they don't always look like you thought. Plus there are tons of tire options that come into play, body work as well can give you even more room that you thought and change the look.

I am chasing that perfect fitment though and a few mm's here or there is a big deal to me. If you only want to know what will fit then those tools may be sufficient.

And yes the journey to perfect fitment is time consuming and expensive.