Overwhelmed with wheel options, need help!

[Boar]

I looked around the forums and couldn't quite find any help, so I thought Id just ask outright. Over the past few months I've been fixing my explorer to the point where it barely resembles the truck I bought in the beginning of this year, so after finally wrapping up with fixing primary issues, I figured Id spoil myself with some fat tires and new wheels. I ordered 31's and they should be here within a week, however I am overwhelmed with options for wheels.

I want to stick with either 15x7's or 15x8's but my issue is finding correct center bore, backspacing, and offset combinations. Hell, i still cant wrap my head around backspacing and offset. I seem to get the idea, but there are a hundred combinations and i...i just need some help.

Thanks guys

 

[Four0Sport]

going with 31s huh? ever gonna go bigger? if you are then dont waste your time with a 15x7 wheel, go with a 15x8. as far as offset goes the more common combination is a 15x8 wheel with a 3.75" offset, this will bring the tires out a little. I think there is a pic of my truck with 31s and that wheel setup in my build thread, first link in my signature

 

[Boar]

I'll stick with the 31's for a while, I plan a 2.5" lift this spring, but my main concern now is to be able to go lock to lock turning and not rub the tires. I wouldnt want expensive tires to go to waste. So offset and backspacing are my two biggest concerns it seems.

 

[RangerX]

Backspacing and offset are two different ways of measuring the same thing. Stick with backspacing.
Your stock rims are 4.5" b.s.
Most aftermarket rims that will fit your Ex will come 3.75".
Actually, I'd be surprised if you could find some in any other backspace without custom ordering.
Even if you never go bigger than 31's, 15x8 would be a good size for them. And 3.75 would be a good b.s. It will push your tires out just a little. everything will clear just fine, and you'll turn lock to lock still.
.

 

[Boar]

I've been on summit racing, and they seem to have tons of options that would fit my truck, thats whey i got so confused. Summit has cheapish prices and free shipping. The shipping costs are what kill me, so it being free made me decide with this site.

There were plenty of wheels with more backspacing than 3.75, I was looking at some with 4.5. Youre saying to go with zero offset? none negative?

 

[Boar]

And im looking for inexpensive steel wheels, nothing too fancy. Ive always loved a steel wheel. Never feel bad about beating on them.

 

[RangerX]

. Youre saying to go with zero offset? none negative?

Where'd I say that? :scratch:

Yeah, there's a million backspace choices, but when you view the wheels on Summit that will actually fit your Ex, the choices will be 4", 3.75", 4.25", and maybe 4.5".
Enter all the parameters: 15" dia, 8" width, steel, 5x4.5" lug, and discount the ones that don't have a center hole for the hubs. Then check the bs options. You'll see.

 

[cloaked_chaos]

You definitely want to go with zero offset. none negative. Also this quote totally isn't fake.

 

[kbsmith_48]

If you are wanting to stick with just about the same backspacing and offset from factory these are the way to go. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/usw-84-5712pl/overview/

 

[RangerX]

cloaked_chaos, LOL!

 

[Boar]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crr-3655812/overview/

any opinion on these? ive always been a huge fan of the 5-spoke, and the dimensions seem in the ballpark of your advice

 

[RangerX]

Perfect! But check this measurement before ordering: "Center Bore Diameter (in): 3.300 in". It's probably big enough for the hubs, but I don't know that dimension offhand.

 

[rabbit91]

Get 4" or 3.75"
8 inch wide rims

 

[Boar]

Welp. Tires just arrived, and they dont seem THAT much wider than what ive got now. I think I might actually attempt slapping them on the stock alloys and see what happens. If they dont rub the springs and I can turn, maybe I'll keep stock. Sort of doubtful about it, but its worth a try. I work at a shop so mounting is never an issue.

If not though, I think ill go with those 5-spokes. So thanks for the help guys! I appreciate the hell out of it.