About to order new wheels next week but I have a question: the wheels I want are offered in 17x8 and 17x9, both with 4.5 inch backspace. I'm going to put on 35x12.5 inch tires. What width wheel should I get, and why? I don't know what an inch difference would do.

Thanks

 

the 8 in will help The tire bead stay seated on rim more than the 9 when aired down.

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But the 9 will give you a flatter tire and a wider one as well.

 

I you look on the manufacturer's website for that tire, it will most likely list 8.5" as the minimum wheel width for a 12.5" wide tire.