Factory Wheel Offset?

[Ninjasupahsquid]

I have a 1996 Ford explorer Sport (Pictured Below)

Currently trying to get some nice black aftermarket wheels for this thing. But I don't know what the factory Offset is for this car. I know they are 15x7 5-114.3 with 235/75R15 from factory but I don't know what the factory wheel Offset is. So I have nothing to compare it to.

I think I read somewhere it was a +19 but I have no idea. Trying to get something that sticks the tires out maybe an inch or 2.



On a side note. I've been looking at the American Racing AR172 Baja's. They have the offset I'm looking for but I have a question. How big are the holes in the wheels. The reason I ask is because I'm about to get red calipers and drilled and slotted rotors and I'd like to be able to see them. If I could see some pictures of some explorers with these wheels that'd be great. (I hear they're pretty popular with the 2nd gens) I'm also open to some suggestions for wheels. I really want to stay away from wheel spacers if I can.



Many thanks,

-Ninjasupahsquid

 

[Squirrelmaster]

I believe the factory 15" wheels have an offset of +12, though I'll be honest that I can't remember if that is true for the steel wheels, the aluminum wheels, or both.

I have 15x8 Cragar Soft 8s with (I think) -20 offset, and it's worth noting that it will push the tires outboard enough that even at a factory size, you may need to clearance the inside of the front bumper.

I have 31x10.50x15 tires, so more of the inner bumper had to be cut away than would be necessary with a tire size closer to stock.

 

[DannyW]

I have a 1996 Ford explorer Sport (Pictured Below)
View attachment 455412



Currently trying to get some nice black aftermarket wheels for this thing. But I don't know what the factory Offset is for this car. I know they are 15x7 5-114.3 with 235/75R15 from factory but I don't know what the factory wheel Offset is. So I have nothing to compare it to.

I think I read somewhere it was a +19 but I have no idea. Trying to get something that sticks the tires out maybe an inch or 2.



On a side note. I've been looking at the American Racing AR172 Baja's. They have the offset I'm looking for but I have a question. How big are the holes in the wheels. The reason I ask is because I'm about to get red calipers and drilled and slotted rotors and I'd like to be able to see them. If I could see some pictures of some explorers with these wheels that'd be great. (I hear they're pretty popular with the 2nd gens) I'm also open to some suggestions for wheels. I really want to stay away from wheel spacers if I can.



Many thanks,

-Ninjasupahsquid

When I was replacing mine, the tire shop measured +19 on my 95 stock 15's. 4 dr xlt.

 

[redavis460]

For us old school folks using standard measurements, the stock wheel comes with a 4.5" backspacing if I remember correctly. Aftermarket wheels, even with 4.5" backspacing, will often need a 1/16 to 1/8" spacer to clear the caliper because of manufacturing differences.

 

[DintDobbs]

My 1999 Sport had the factory teardrop 16x7 and the backspacing on those was 3.75". Offset is just an unnecessarily complicated way to figure backspacing.