Crager Soft 8 rims...will this work? | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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Crager Soft 8 rims...will this work?

Zagnut

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Detroit, a third world country.
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Detroit, a third world country
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2006 4.0L Ed B Explorer
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haven't tested yet, despite having dual band radios.
I posted this in the wheels & tire section, but seeing as there's hardly any 4 gen posts there, thought I'd try here as well.

Currently running 265/70-17 on stock 17s.

I'd like something that appears bigger and a slightly wider stance.

I was thinking about Crager 16x8s, with 5 inch backspace, and either 265/75-16 or 275/70-16 tires.

Stock 17s are 7.5in wide, so a 6in backspace (stock offset is +44mm). I'd still have 32 inches of wheel, at pretty much the same width. The 275s would add about 0.4 inch of width, while the 265s would be the same as current 17in tires.

Just curious about rubbing.

Opinions?
 



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C'mon... someone has to know!
 






I’m sorry...not trying to be an ass, but your post is a little confusing.

This is what I was running on my 4th gen...

19x9.5 et35mm offset front with 255/ 50R19
19x9.5 et30mm offset rear with 285/ 45R19

...no rubbing inside or out at stock ride height.

You don’t necessarily have to go that aggressive, but it looks pretty good!
FE661E1F-C264-493D-8A66-ED73BAD584B0.jpeg


D10F1414-8EA7-4C8B-A2E8-BA611D56F54A.png


...wheels and tires are for sale, by the way...
 






I’m sorry...not trying to be an ass, but your post is a little confusing.

This is what I was running on my 4th gen...

19x9.5 et35mm offset front with 255/ 50R19
19x9.5 et30mm offset rear with 285/ 45R19

...wheels and tires are for sale, by the way...

You're fine. Basically the setup I want would stick out about an inch further than stock, but be the same overall diameter. I can't measure clearance until this weekend.

So with your 9.5in wide rims, running +30-35mm offset, your wheels are actually pulled in about half an inch more over stock.

Curious, why the different offset front/back? Slight increase in stability?

Nice looking wheels, sadly I couldn't afford them right now if I wanted them. I also live in Michigan, where our roads have potholes big enough to eat entire compact cars. I'd have to get an extra set for winter. So decided for more of an offroad look, bigger looking tires, brush/grille guard in front and wide tubular hitch step out back. Also, the smaller rims/bigger sidewall would help tremendously on our horrid roads. Otherwise I'd consider 19's.
 






You're fine. Basically the setup I want would stick out about an inch further than stock, but be the same overall diameter. I can't measure clearance until this weekend.

So with your 9.5in wide rims, running +30-35mm offset, your wheels are actually pulled in about half an inch more over stock.
I think you have it backwards, offset doesn’t work that way...the lower the number, the more the wheel is pushed out, the higher the number, the more the wheel is pulled in.

Curious, why the different offset front/back? Slight increase in stability?
With the tire size I was using, I could push them out another 5mm more than the front without it poking past the body.
 






I think you have it backwards, offset doesn’t work that way...the lower the number, the more the wheel is pushed out, the higher the number, the more the wheel is pulled in.


With the tire size I was using, I could push them out another 5mm more than the front without it poking past the body.
Ah ok. I get the offset differential. But the + in front of your numbers kind of confused me.
See this chart, with 9.5in wide rims, to see why:
Wheel Specs | Wheel Specialists, Inc.

What size stock rims did your Ex have? I'm thinking you didn't have 17s, which added to my confusion when referencing that chart.
 






Offset and back spacing are different ways to measure the same thing. Offset measures the difference between the invisible center line of the wheel and the mounting surface of the wheel. Back space measures the distance from the mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel. The width of the wheel plays a huge role in determining whether a wheel will fit or not especially when using offset to measure.

I tend to use offset for wheel measuring. IIRC the Crager Soft 8 is 8" wide with a zero offset. This will push the face to the wheel out by almost 2" and it will fit fine. You just have to like the look of a bit of 4x4 poke. I run a set of MB wheels which are 16x8 +25mm. This moved the wheel face out 1" and looks pretty good IMO. I didn't want a super aggressive 4x4 stance just to fill out the fenders a little better.

40541051842_95637d9002_b.jpg
IMG_20180302_151945
by christobal65, on Flickr
 






Ah ok. I get the offset differential. But the + in front of your numbers kind of confused me.
That’s not a ‘+’ sign lol, it says ‘et’

Zagnut said:
What size stock rims did your Ex have? I'm thinking you didn't have 17s, which added to my confusion when referencing that chart.
The stock rims on mine were 18s


Christobal65...looks good!
 






IIRC stock 17s and 18s are both 7.5 inches wide with a +44 offset
 






@Zagnut I currently run Cragar Soft 8s in 17x9 at 0 offset.
 


















sorry for the late reply.

Sexy! No lift mods I presume?

I'd prefer 16s (make the wheels look bigger, and tires a little cheaper). Can you give me a link to those specific rims, where you bought them? I'd really appreciate it.

First on my list is all new suspension bushings. Current tires should fit those 17s, so I'd actually save a few $ since the cooper ATs have a good amount of tread left and wouldn't need to buy new rubber.

I really like these rims, so any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 






Sexy! No lift mods I presume?

I'd prefer 16s (make the wheels look bigger, and tires a little cheaper). Can you give me a link to those specific rims, where you bought them? I'd really appreciate it.

First on my list is all new suspension bushings. Current tires should fit those 17s, so I'd actually save a few $ since the cooper ATs have a good amount of tread left and wouldn't need to buy new rubber.

I really like these rims, so any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
I do have it lifted with the Traxda Leveling Kit. The 17x9s run about 100 dollars a piece. Plus you have to buy the center caps and lugs. I don't have a specific link, but they were on summit.
 






I do have it lifted with the Traxda Leveling Kit. The 17x9s run about 100 dollars a piece. Plus you have to buy the center caps and lugs. I don't have a specific link, but they were on summit.
I'd personally love to do that lift, but I bought the Exploder for my girlfriend...who's a whopping 5'2. She already needs a stool to get into it with oversized cooper at3s...lmao!
 






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