Wheel Offset And Wheel Backspacing: What's The Difference?

By Author: Oliver Bennet
Total Articles: 29
Comment this article

Looking for a new set of wheels can be a daunting task. The aftermarket for wheels is enormous, with many brands competing against each other to provide a wide selection of wheels that vary in type, construction, and design. If you're searching for new wheels for your 4x4 vehicle, the first thing you want to do is figure out the size you need for your rig. This attribute will include the wheels' diameter, width, and load rating. After you've determined the size of the wheel required, it's time to look at the offset and backspacing of the SUV or truck wheels that you will mount.

When picking aftermarket wheels for your ride, proper fitment is still essential. The correct wheel offset and backspacing measurements ensure that your wheels and tires will fit properly in the wheel well, preventing any contact or rubbing against the fenders, bumpers, mudflaps, and other components on the vehicle's underside. The two measurements can determine which wheels are compatible with your vehicle. They can also help describe the wheel's proper position, how it will look, and ...
... how it will perform on the road. Understanding wheel offset and backspacing can help you choose the proper aftermarket wheels to install and acquire specific modification results you're going after.

Wheel Offset
Wheel Offset is the amount of distance between the wheel's hub mounting surface away from the wheel's centerline. It is usually measured in millimeters and has three different classifications. Every vehicle has a specific offset. You can see the correct offset information engraved on the mounting surface or the spoke of most SUVs and truck wheels today.

Positive Offset
A positive offset is a forward wheel mounting towards the outer face of the wheel. It is when the wheel mounting surface is closer to the outer lip. The mounting surface extends past the centerline, making it closer to the face of the wheel and fender. Having a higher number of positive offset from +20 to +40 gives the wheel a less lip and a more flat face look. Most modern front-wheel-drive vehicles have a positive offset. The same can be said for most factory rims and truck wheels today.

Negative Offset
The Negative Offset is when the mounting surface is closer to the wheel's back or closer to the rig. A lower negative offset can give your wheel a deep-dish look. Many 4x4 vehicle owners preferred the aggressive look of the negative offset because it adds a robust aesthetic to the rig that makes it look more rugged. Lifted rigs with larger tires require wheels that have a negative offset. It is common for older and customized vehicles too. It is necessary to prevent contact and rubbing of wheel and tire to any vehicle components while doing steering maneuvers and suspension articulation. Brands like Fuel wheels have a lot of selections that offer negative offset.

Zero Offset
The Zero or 0mm offset is when the mounting surface is centered within the rim and aligned with the centerline of the wheel. Zero offset wheels are best if you plan to keep the suspension components unchanged but still want an improved aesthetic with a stylized wheel spoke.

Wheel Backspacing
Backspacing is an old system of measurement that determines the depth of the mounting surface away from the inner edge of the wheels. It is usually measured inches and from the inner lip of the wheel instead of the wheel's centerline. Like offset, it can also be positive, negative, or zero. Backspacing typically has a positive number, but it has a negative number in some cases, like for pickup trucks with dually wheels.

Correct backspacing prevents the wheels from interfering with the suspension, brake, and steering system. The amount of backspacing greatly affects the wheels' position on a vehicle. A positive offset offers more backspace, while a negative offset minimizes the backspace.

High backspacing can lead to suspension clearance problems, failure of control arms, and insufficient ball joint clearance. Low backspacing can lead to fender rubbing, decreased wheel travel due to wheel's location, larger turning radius, wear and tear on suspension parts, and bumper trim.

It is more common to refer to backspacing than offset in 4x4 and off-roading. Most manufacturers of aftermarket parts like suspension and lift kits recommend using a specific wheel size and backspacing. They already provide this information, including recommended wheel and tire combinations. This information is helpful, especially for new SUV and pickup truck owners modifying their rigs.

If you plan to keep the suspension the same while replacing the stock with a set of aftermarket wheels, keep the measurement as close as possible with the stock backspacing. If you want to install a new lift kit paired with new wheels and tires, check the lift kit manufacturer to acquire the correct backspacing measurements and requirements, as it will be different from the stock. Most technicians and mechanics can help you determine the correct backspacing by measuring and calculating the distance between the mounting surface and the internal point you want the wheel to extend into.

Proper offset and backspacing ensure that your tires and suspension will be in tune with one another. They can also significantly affect the look of your vehicle. When you're choosing new wheels for your SUV or truck, consider what kind of look you want as well as whether or not there are any clearance issues with suspension parts. Don't let your hard-earned cash go to waste by purchasing wheels that will rub and interfere with your rig's suspension and brakes. Buy a new set of wheels with the right size and fitment to ensure that you will be satisfied with your vehicle's improved appearance and performance.

I've been writing automotive-related content for 5 years. It started as a hobby but it opened up an opportunity for me to make it a career. I contribute articles about off-roading and truck parts and accessories at 4WheelOnline.