17x8 or 17x9.5

[adbeck]

When comparing a wheel that is offered in two different sizes, how does one decide which to go with? There is a 17x8 with 30 offset and 5.7 backspacing and there is 17x9.5 with -18 offset and 4.5 backspacing. I have read through so many threads but still can't make heads or tails of it when comparing two wheels.

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[Moe_Fugga]

Higher offset will pull the tire in closer to the vehicle. Lower pushes them out. I can’t tell you specifics on either of those, but here is 17x9 with -12 offset and 35/12.5/17 tires. Factory wheels are 44 offset if I’m not mistaken. Wider tires need lower offset wheels or spacers to keep them from rubbing at full lock. As far as width goes, whichever tire you choose will have a recommended wheel width range. Stay within that range and you’ll be good to go.

 

[bastage]

the one with the +30 offset will sit about 1.5" farther into the fenders. The narrower wheel on that one will also keepthe same size tire having some bulge.. Honestly I wouldn't even consider a 9.5" tire with a -18 offset unless your going for a rather large training wheel look with a 13.5" wide tire or bigger.

 

[Moe_Fugga]

 

[adbeck]

So if the stock 7.5” wide wheels are 44 offset, and the Jeep 8.5” wide performance wheels are 12, then is it safe to think that the 8” wheels at 30 offset would keep the tire at about the same spot with regards to how far it is against the inner fender wall, and it would stick out about an inch farther?

 

[bastage]

7.5" width +44 offset is a backspace of 5.98"
8.5" width +12 offset is a backspace of 5.22"
8.0" width +30 offset is a backspace of 5.68"
9.5" width -18 offset is a backspace of 4.54"

The backspace will give you a better ideal of how far it is from the inner fender. Higher the number is closer to the fender.

 

[Alabama Mud Machine]

20x10 wheels 4.56" Backspace -24mm offset, wrapped with 37x13.50 tires.

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