Need everyones help !! I just sold a set of 17 x7's with 205/45/17 to get a set of 18's. Well I'm thinking of maybe going with a 17" again. I found there is a much better selection & big price difference on the 17's. I plan on dropping the xB 2"s.

My questions are what is to be gained or lost between a 17" or an 18"?
What is the best offset to bring the rims to the fenders? or as close as possible
If the offset doesn't bring them to the fenders what size spacer for what offset?
What is the best tire size to run on both & why? ie. looks , handeling, rubbing
Which will look the best with a 2" drop? Looking to fill the gap

Any more info you guys could give me including pics & in depth details would be much appreciated !!!

Thank you all for your time & experience . :D

 

Regarding the difference between 17" and 18" wheels, you're going to lose about a ½" in tire sidewall if you keep the overall diameter the same. It will most likely ride a little rougher. As far as offsets to make it flush with the fenders, it all depends on how wide the wheels are. I'm pretty sure there are a ton of pics and info on this in the forum.

 

More sidewall cushion w/ 17s, plus less weight than 18 inch wheel wise.

 

... but 18" looks SO much better! :D

 

True that!

 

I have the option to get either 17" or 18" just don't want to make a bad decision.

Probably be either a 17 x 7 or 7.5 or an 18 x 8. I am kind of stuck on the whole offset thing though, I just don't understand it at all.

Thanks everyone for the good knowlage. Please reply on if you have any more info or any new people want to join in, please do so.

 

Check out this link, I think it might help you out regarding offsets!

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm

 

Here is what I came up with so far. The line of wheels I am looking at offers a +40 offset for the 17" & a +42 for the 18". What is the result of this? Will I need spacers to acheive the flush look I am after? If so what size spacers for each? Or should I put out a little extra $ & go with something with a different offset than stated above?

Roger thanks for the link, was very helpful. I at least understand the concept now :D

 

Lemme see what i cant do to help you out.

I have the BSA 259 series in a 17X7.5 with a 40 MM offset. The tire size i went with is the largest size possible, a 215/45R17. I have a universal 3MM spacer on the front, as i was told by another Scion owner that has the same set up that the wheels wouldnt clear the front caliper. In the rear, i have the 10MM shims, which sit behind the wheel assembly. If i wanted a flush look in the rear, i would install a 3MM universal spacer on the drivers side, and a 5MM universal on the passenger side. Im not sure why, but for some reason, the rear isnt set exactly center, so one wheel sits further out then the other side. But for now, im not going to bother with it. With this i also have the Tein H Tech springs, which have dropped the box about an inch and a half. Minimal gap around the tires, and i have a lot more side wall to cushion the ride, and save the wheel. Here in the Northeast, this is a must, as many a pothole will eat 18 & 19" tires and wheels on a regular basis.

Just so you know, i also made my purchase at www.victoriatire.com where i had tires mounted, balanced ( with tape weights ) chrome valves, lug nuts, lug wrench, hub centric rings, and shipped across the country for $776.

Pics can be seen through my sig @ the bottom

 

CB Thanks alot for the reply & the pics, your box looks great! Big Big help, I am probably going back to a 17" being that I am also no stranger to the northeast pothole problem & I can't complain about the ride I had previously with the 17". Now the only other question I have for you is would I need shims & spacers to acheive flush apperance or just spacers?

PS. Thanks for the victoria link, allot of nice wheels at great prices !

Once again thank you to all who have posted & helped me.

 

you could use either shims (for rear) or spacers where ever you need....
just don't use anything over a 5mm spacer without getting longer studs...

 

With a 5mm. like the situation CB was saying I could keep my original studs. You are saying if I go past the 5mm get longer studs correct. Something else I never considered. There is obviously alot that goes into getting the look you are after.

I am glad I have all of you to guide me to the light LOL !

 

Spacers are used between the wheel hub and the wheel. Shims are used BEHIND the wheels, and are only availible for the rears. If you use a spacer any wider then a 5MM, then you are cutting your torque on the factory lugs, which will result in the wheels coming off while your driving. If you need a bigger spacer, then you have to get longer lug installed.

 

Forget 17' and 18' go for 19's......Roll with the big boys....LOL...no just kidding...if i were you i would go with 18's....i used to have 18's on mine and i really liked it for a while...but then i just needed to go bigger...:D

 

CB should I start with the spacers or the shims. What should I start with first ? Do I need front spacers too or no? I am not trying to sound like an idiot but I come from rear wheel drive background. CB you are the man, you are a fist full of knowlage & I appreciate all your help.

Yoshii LOL- I am not worthy of being at baller status yet!

As of now I am looking at a 17" due to price & the land of potholes. Sucks to be B-R-O-K-E ! Could afford a 18" but I think its more sensible now to go with the 17". Your probably right a year from now I'll be posting 18" or 19" please help :D

 

I would guess that 5MM all around would get you started. You will probably end up adding the shims to the rear too. But to get you started, try the 5MM spacers. Try looking on Ebay. I paid about 28$ for mine, shipped and all.

 

Thanks CB & Everyone else you all put me off to a very good start. Now to order the rims probably Monday, or next paycheck. Then I will go from there. I am getting every thing I need & putting it all on in spring so I'll put up pics when all finished.

Thanks again everyone :D

 

I just has a thought, ask the guys over at Victoria if they can work a deal with you on a universal set of wheel spacers. Check Ebay first, then ask the guys over at Victoria. Couldnt hurt.

 

Good Idea ! Will do thanks for everything CB. I will be sure & show you the end results from all of your help. Either a pic or at a meet maybe.

 

17x7 with a 25 offset.oh and don't use universal spacers. that will be all bad if you are going to run wheel spacers get the bolt on h&r's they are worth the extra money.