Replacing stock rims with a stylish set of aftermarket wheels happens to be one of the first truck modifications that most customers make. These aftermarket wheels usually help set your vehicle apart from that of its similar models on the road.
When it comes to purchasing new wheels for your vehicle, several measurements are needed to be taken into consideration. This is mainly to ensure proper fitting. Apart from this, there are various safety devices that you need to install in your vehicle. You can find out more about these safety devices and how to maintain your vehicles online.
This article will help you understand and examine the measurements, and review available finishes along with the two primary means of building a wheel.
Wheel Dimensions
1: Offset
Offset is the position of a wheel’s mounting plate concerning the centreline of the wheel. When a wheel with a mounting plate is pushed away from the vehicle is termed to have a positive offset, whereas a wheel with the plates pushed towards the vehicle has a negative offset. It is also possible for the mounting plate to be located right in the center of the wheel, and is referred to as zero offsets. The measurement is usually taken in millimeters (mm).
2: Backspacing
The distance from a wheel’s mounting plate to the rear edge is known as backspacing. It is measured in inches and is one of the most crucial measurements taken into consideration while choosing a wheel. This is mainly because the original equipment manufacturers set the backspacing requirements to ensure that the wheels do not hit the brake calipers or any suspension components. If you happen to install a suspension lift kit, the backspacing requirements tend to change. In such a situation, refer to the lift kit installation manual for correct backspacing measurement.
3: Bolt Pattern
The vehicle’s bolt pattern is usually determined by the number of bolts used to secure the wheel to the hub, and the diameter of the bold-mount circle. This measurement is either taken in inches or millimeters.
4: Diameter
The diameter of your wheel is measured from below the outer rim. The measurement is taken in inches, and diameter happens to be the first dimension referenced in wheel sizes. Most of the large wheels (mainly 22 inches and above) have large width and high negative offsets, which also makes them popular among trucks.
5: Width
The measurement of the space between the inner and outer rims is known as the width of the wheel. This measurement is usually taken in inches and is also the second dimension referenced in the wheel size.
6: Center Bore
It is also termed a hub hole, and it is the hole in the center of the rim. The diameter of the center bore is an essential measurement to remember, especially when shopping for wheels. This is mainly because it has to be the same size as that of your OE center bore or larger.
7: Load Capacity
The load capacity of a wheel is the weight of the heaviest axle it is designed to support divided by two. Exceeding your wheel’s load capacity can have negative impacts on your vehicle.
Construction
1: Cast
Cast wheels are usually created by pouring molten aluminum into a wheel-shaped mold. With the help of the cost-effective casting process, the wheel created is of good quality and durability. For this very reason, cast wheels are the most common type than that forged wheels. However, both these types are aftermarket replacements and original equipment.
2: Forged
Forged wheels are produced by milling a round bar of forged aluminum in a CNC machine. Compared to cast wheels, the material required by the forging process is less. It results in a lighter product wheel compared to cast wheels. Additionally, forged wheels are also stronger than their cast counterparts, which means that they could be made in large sizes that cast wheels usually don’t support. Forged wheels are expensive, mainly because of their expensive forging process. Overall, they provide a great long-term value because of their superior structural integrity.
3: One-Piece
One-piece wheels are made from one continuous piece of metal. This design is the most common one that you will see on the road today as they are affordable compared to the two-piece wheels.
4: Two-Piece
Two-piece wheels have separately manufactured center section and rim bolted together. It is done in a way so that the wheel appears seamless. Compared to one-piece wheels, these are easy to produce, especially in larger sizes with deep negative offsets.
