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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
Hey everybody, great site, and I'm sorry for my first post being kind of a pita. I've searched for hours and can't find a definitive statement on the offset of the 1st gen, stock, 15x7 wheel. Thanks to you guys, I know it's bolt pattern, back spacing, etc. but what is the offset?
Nice post. So you're saying the 1st gen, stock 15x7 wheel, with 4.5" back spacing, has 25.4mm {1 inch} positve offset? Does this number match Ford's published spec's for this wheel ? Either way, your post is very helpful and I thank you.
This ^^^ is a common misconception but incorrect nonetheless.
Backspace is measured from the outside of the rim flange but width is measured to the inside (see pictures posted above). Most wheels have a flange width of about 1/2".
So, a 7" wide wheel with a backspace of 3.5" has an offset of about -1/2", usually given as -12mm by the wheel industry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the case of stock Gen1 and Gen2 Explorers, the offset is +12mm:
Width: 7"
Backspace: 4.5"
Offset: +12mm
Width: 6.5"
Backspace: 4.25"
Offset: +12mm
Width: 6"
Backspace: 4"
Offset: +12mm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Factory Gen3 Explorer wheels have a larger positive offset (+44mm) and a larger backspace dimension to match. Nominal dimensions are:
Another good post. We are getting closer. Do we have any Ford dealer parts department guys on here. If so, they should have access to the maker's specs.
Another good post. We are getting closer. Do we have any Ford dealer parts department guys on here. If so, they should have access to the maker's specs.
The vast majority of Gen1 and 2 wheels were the 7" type listed above. Some base steelies were 6" and apparently there was a Limited wheel from the mid 90's that was 6.5". The certification label on your driver door or jamb should tell you what the truck was originally built with.
All stock Gen1 and 2 Explorer wheels had +12mm offset as stated. I believe that answers your original question. What else do you need?
I wasn't really doubting your post, just looking for confirmation on the exact number. There is so much misinformation and confusion on this topic that it is almost comical to do a search and look at how many times this type of question has been asked and the replies given. Since most sellers list either offset or backspacing, but rarely both, it makes it hard to pick a replacement wheel with any confidence. I'm looking for some good rim/tire takeoffs, and wanted the stock specs so I could make a good choice. Thanks 4 the good info.
I dunno. I was always told backspace & offset were the same thing when fitting a wheel. They may have different measurements, but the fitment is the same.
Why do import wheels have an offset listed but not a backspace? When shopping for rims I've never used backspace on imports. The X is the only car I have used a backspace spec.
I dunno. I was always told backspace & offset were the same thing when fitting a wheel. They may have different measurements, but the fitment is the same.
Why do import wheels have an offset listed but not a backspace? When shopping for rims I've never used backspace on imports. The X is the only car I have used a backspace spec.
This is, by far, the best info out there on this subject. rwenzing has it down. Because the exact dimensions of the flange are usually unknown and english/metric conversions are rounded, you might end up 1-2mm off, but this formula works on every wheel I've checked. Thank you much. this will make it possible to jump on the right deal when it comes along.
If the OEM rear spacing is 4.5", and you're looking at a rim that is 4" (rear spacing); how will this affect the fitting, and vehicle handling etc.?? Will it work? The offset would be zero. Right.
I want to order some Cragar rims for my 98 Sport. The rims have 4" rear spacing.
So having said all that:
I just put Gen 3 wheels on my Gen 2 Explorer today. I read that they were all the same from 1990 on. WRONG! They're fine but look a little ridiculous as my Ex is an Eddie Bauer with the huge flares on it and the wheels are sunk way into the wells now. I just ordered spacers to get them out from under the truck a little. Can anyone tell me how far I need to space them out?
Thanks
Tbars,
Thanks for the response. The wheels I put on are stock. I don't have a link to where I read that info but I can tell you for sure that it wasn't on this site. I think they were referring to the bolt patterns anyway. The bolt pattern was perfect, it's the backspacing that's off. I don't know enough about this stuff to check the difference in backspacing before putting the wheels on. I'm going to try to space them out a bit with some spacers I just ordered through summit. I got a bunch of 7/16, hopefully it works.
