Backspacing question - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

06-29-1999, 02:01 PM

Does anyone know or know how to figer the backspacing of the wheels on a 97 explorer sport.
Thanx

Ivan_M · 06-29-1999, 09:56 PM

Lay the wheel face down on the ground, take a straight edge that will go across the wheel (edge to edge), measure down to the face at the center where the lug holes are and get your measurement in inches... That's your back spacing...

Ivan

Keith · 06-30-1999, 12:03 AM

OK I measured the backspacing and got 4.5". The wheels that i was thinking about getting are 3.632". Now I have 15X7's and the ones I want are 15X8's. So would the 15X8's with a backspacing of 3.632" fit close to the 15X7's with a backspacing of 4.5".
Thanx
Keith

Ivan_M · 06-30-1999, 11:34 PM

I'd say stay with a 7 inch wheel for several reasons with stock back spacing. First off, if you go with a 30x9.50 or a 31x10.50 tire you'll get better protection for your wheels as the tire will extend beyond the wheel on a 7" wheel. Also, with 7" wheel you'll get a slightly "high profile" height wise from your tire because it will not spread out as much as on an 8" wheel. Now let's build upon those theories above with your wheel spacing for 8" wheels at 3.6 inches. At 3.6" of backspacing, what that means is that your wheels will stick out further and you could wind up rubbing the fender flair or inside the wheel well. Picture if you will those dorky looking Honda Civics with almost no backspacing.. ok you get my point. With less backspacing, this also means you won't be able to stuff the tire up into wheel well while off roading, hence the rubbing I mentioned. Also, by going with a lessor backspacing of 3.6 inches, you could reduce the life of your wheel bearings because the loads are extended out beyond stock and for what they were designed for. Now, if you go beyond a 31" tire, you will more than likely need to get a suspension lift or a body lift to get desired clearances, so something more to condsider there, but it all depends what you are after. Bottom line... get the wheels style you want, but with as stock as possible backspacing... Hope this helps... good luck on your wheel hunt...

Ivan

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06-29-1999, 02:01 PM	#1
Keith Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	Does anyone know or know how to figer the backspacing of the wheels on a 97 explorer sport. Thanx

06-29-1999, 09:56 PM	#2
Ivan_M Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 31 Vehicle Specs	Lay the wheel face down on the ground, take a straight edge that will go across the wheel (edge to edge), measure down to the face at the center where the lug holes are and get your measurement in inches... That's your back spacing... Ivan

06-30-1999, 12:03 AM	#3
Keith Wannabe Elite Explorer Northport, NY 2003 VW Jetta Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 240 Vehicle Specs	OK I measured the backspacing and got 4.5". The wheels that i was thinking about getting are 3.632". Now I have 15X7's and the ones I want are 15X8's. So would the 15X8's with a backspacing of 3.632" fit close to the 15X7's with a backspacing of 4.5". Thanx Keith

06-30-1999, 11:34 PM	#4
Ivan_M Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 31 Vehicle Specs	I'd say stay with a 7 inch wheel for several reasons with stock back spacing. First off, if you go with a 30x9.50 or a 31x10.50 tire you'll get better protection for your wheels as the tire will extend beyond the wheel on a 7" wheel. Also, with 7" wheel you'll get a slightly "high profile" height wise from your tire because it will not spread out as much as on an 8" wheel. Now let's build upon those theories above with your wheel spacing for 8" wheels at 3.6 inches. At 3.6" of backspacing, what that means is that your wheels will stick out further and you could wind up rubbing the fender flair or inside the wheel well. Picture if you will those dorky looking Honda Civics with almost no backspacing.. ok you get my point. With less backspacing, this also means you won't be able to stuff the tire up into wheel well while off roading, hence the rubbing I mentioned. Also, by going with a lessor backspacing of 3.6 inches, you could reduce the life of your wheel bearings because the loads are extended out beyond stock and for what they were designed for. Now, if you go beyond a 31" tire, you will more than likely need to get a suspension lift or a body lift to get desired clearances, so something more to condsider there, but it all depends what you are after. Bottom line... get the wheels style you want, but with as stock as possible backspacing... Hope this helps... good luck on your wheel hunt... Ivan