How To Choose The Right Wheels For Your 4×4
Changing your rig’s stock wheels to a fresh set of aftermarket rims is a common mod many 4×4 enthusiasts do to change the look of their rig. Although it’s mostly a cosmetic upgrade to look good, many times it’s actually out of necessity due to a higher lift or even larger tire size. These days 4x4s are pretty diverse, with enthusiasts looking to go wheeling on dirt, trails, sand, rocks, mountains and so much more! But the best thing about modern 4x4s is that there’s literally an off-road style for every taste, preference and want.
If you’re looking to truly do some off-roading and need the right wheels to do it, we’ve to a simple go-to guide on how to choose the right wheels for your 4×4. After all, having the wrong wheel diameter or even the wrong backspacing can cause problems in the long run (which translates to more money to fix the problems). Have the wrong rim diameter and your new rims might not even fit over the brake calipers, or get the wrong backspacing and the tire might not clear the Jeep or truck’s suspension. That’s why it’s important to do some in-depth wheel research before buying anything.
Wheel Type
When it comes to the types of wheels available for 4x4s, you’ll probably come across cast aluminum and forged aluminum options. There are a variety of differences between these two types of off-road wheels. Cast aluminum wheels are usually less expensive than their forged counterparts and come in a variety of diameters, with 17″ and 20″ being the most popular. Our GD series is our cast aluminum collection and comes in multiple wheel styles and sizes to suit your persona preferences. Forged aluminum wheels are a bit more expensive and the top of the line when it comes to available wheels. Due to their forged design, they feature incredible stench and come in a more wheel size and finish options. Our GF collection offers enthusiasts the chance to customize their wheels to their rig’s theme.
What Is Backspacing & Offset?
Backspacing and offset is important when buying wheels for any vehicle. Here’s a more in-depth explanation of both! To sum it up, offset is the distance going from the centerline of the off-road rim to it’s mounting surface. It’s positive if it is more toward the outside of the rim and considered negative when it’s toward the back o the wheel. For the backspacing number, yo’ll have to measure the wheel’s mounting surface to its outer lip on the backside of the rim. So the lower the number is, the farther outside of the wheel well the tire will sit. Both measurements are important when determine if an off-road wheel of your choice will actually work on you specific rig. Then you have to factor in the size of the tires and if you want to upgrade the suspension. If you’re confused by this all, you can easily ask us to help you find a dealer near you who will help recommend the right wheel based on your vehicle’s offset, backspacing and more! Just email us at sales@grid-offroad.com!
What Is Lug Centric?
Wheels can be hub-centric or lug-centric. The majority of aftermarket off-road wheels are lug-centric, which just means that the lug holes are at the center of the wheel and not the hub bore. This is the case because it allows us to create wheels that fit more vehicle applications.
Bolt Patterns
When it comes to 4×4 rigs, 5-, 6- and 8-lug wheel bolt patterns are pretty common. But the pattern configuration possibilities is quite vast. This means a set of wheels with a 5-lug pattern for one model year vehicle will not work for a newer model. But don’t sweat it because we make things simple by allowing consumers to choose the septic vehicle to see which bolt patterns and wheels go well with that specific year, make and model. Although buying used off-road wheels might require some more research when it comes to bolt patterns.
Wheel Size Matters
Wheel sizes have definitely increased over the years. Long on are the old days of 15″ wheels, with 17″ and 20″ becoming popular with trucks and SUVs. But many of today’s modern 4x4s can even incorporate larger rims and GRID Off-Road has them all! However, it’s good to note that if you’er hitting the trails, you might want to skip a larger wheel, which translates to less sidewall and problems on the trails.
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