Cragar Soft 8's offset, and back spacing???

[1996BLKBauer]

So in the spring with my Tax return check I have finally decided to get a new set of rims for my 1996 Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 AWD. Here is how I am going to keep the cost down though, I want to be able to just take off the tires from the stock rims, which are the chrome skinned 5 spokes. But I also want to keep the same spacing, and clearance. I plan on buying a set of Cragar Soft 8's off of Summit, I have never really delt with after market rims before, so I am uncertain what offset, and backspacing to get. I want the same, or almost the same as stock. So what should I get? Also what should I do fro center caps, will the ones I have fit, I think it would look cool to have a black rim with the chrome center cap to match the chrome bumpers I have. suggestions on that would be cool as well.

thanks for any input.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

The factory wheels are 15x7's, you'll be better off getting a set of 15x8's with 4" backspacing. It'll be the perfect size for what you're looking to get. I have the sama size with 33x12.50x15's on them on my lifted 2003 Sport Trac.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

The only thing is that I want to keep the same tires I already have. If I buy 15x8 I won't be able to do that. My tires are practically new, with about 20,000 miles on them. but if I get 15x7 with a 4in back spacing, will it be close to the stock rims? I have no plans on lifting my truck, one of my rims is rusting out, common problem with the style rims I have, so I want to replace them with a sort of an upgrade, but keep the same stock setup mostly, so I don't put excess strain on my wheel bearings, and lugs.

Nice Ex by the way.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

You can put the factory size tires on the 15x8's with no issue.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Really? How is that so? doesn't the 8in portion mean how wide the rim is? if so, wouldn't I be stretching the tire onto thew rim, and make the sidewall tapered, instead of being a slight bulge? It's not that I don't believe you, I just never delt with anything that is not factory, and I don't want to compromise ride comfort, or even worse buy the wrong rims online, and then have to return them. I think I am just over thinking this.

Also is that your factory center caps on your soft 8's? any problems with clearance with those?

 

[obie]

Unless you're running space saver spares on all four tires, you should be fine. Stock tires are 235/75R15s, right? So your tire width is 9.3" wide. Cragar also sells Soft 8's in 15x7 size. Also, the extra 1" width of the wheel isn't going to hurt your hubs. If you go with 15x8 though, keep in mind that because the tire is now wider, it will be shorter.

 

[corkey]

these are 15x10 with 4 inch backspace and with 35x12.5x15's on them, it's a 1996 too

 

[1996BLKBauer]

OK, That makes sense. Thanks for the clarification, can you tell I have never done this before. So with the 15x8 wheels the tires will be shorter, with less side wall, so a harsher ride would happen then? if I go with the 15x7 it would be the same as stock, or would they stick out more then stock. I just want to be 100% sure before I order, I know it is a few months away, but I like to make sure a head of time.