Hello,

I'm really hoping someone can help me out here.

I'm planning on ordering my new wheels today, 17" KMC XD Addicts. I was intending on getting the ones that are 17x9 with -12 offset and 4.53 backspacing. The fella at the tire shop told me I should be getting the 17x9 with +18 offset and 5.71 back spacing. He said the -12 would stick out too far and cause me to get tickets? I do plan on tossing on some bushwacker flares in the near future... and I like the idea of the tires sticking out a bit.

Am I ok to do with the -12 or should I be getting the +18? How much would the -12 actually stick out?

If it helps, I also bought 285/70/17 to toss on the new rims.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Chris

 

From everything i've read and been told you want a 4.5" back spacing in order to clear 12.5" wide tires at full turn. That is the common width of tire for anything above a 34" tire. I would stick to the -12 offset 4.5" BS.

 

35x12.5x17 with 4.5" of backspacing. This is how far they stick out.



About 2" past the bushwacker flares. I'm at work so don't have a straight on pic. I do at home though and can post it later if you want.

 

Thanks for the pic! So, given that my tires are 11.2", I guess they would only stick out about 1" or so, that's not to bad i dont think.

 

Well 1.3" narrower would have to be split between the inside and outside of the rim so they would stick out approximately .65" less than mine.

 

Is it definitely a law where you live? I know PA is hard about it, but MI doesn't care. Worth checking into.

 

Worst comes to worst, simply add some gentlemen mudflaps and call it a day.

 

Here's a better shot.

 

I run those wheels and you would want the 4.5in backspacing or you are going to rub bad and end up getting wheel spacers down the line.

37x12.5x17 with trimmed fenders any only about an inch and a half out

 

Assuming you do have coverage laws there, you might try and find a local 4x4 club and talk to a few of their members to get a better idea of how strict the enforcement is. If you find that there is no law, or that is is not enforced, I would go with the 4.5" backspace. It is a good look, and as noted, is a very common recommendation for 35x12.50's, so you won't have any worries if you decide to upsize in the future.