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Old 07-16-2013, 12:16 PM   #1 (permalink)
hat_man
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 475

Oh Deer - '03 Ford Ranger XL
90 day: 33.97 mpg (US)
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Positive offset rims vs. Negative

I have been mulling about the idea of finding different rims for the truck. Just in my mind for now but that's where all my ideas have started.

My stock rims weigh approx. 15 lbs. each and I have seen some from a Mazda 929 that have the same bolt pattern and weigh approx 12 lbs. each. I know this would be beneficial with the weight savings ( approx. 12 lbs. static weight and 45 lbs. rotational weight) but they might be considered "air blenders".

My stock rims have a negative offset and the Mazda ones have a positive offset. I'm not sure of how much of a difference it is but I do know the Mazda rims would move the wheels/tires inboard maybe an inch or two. In my mind I would think I could counter the "air blender" effect in the rear with full skirts. The inboard shift would create the clearance to make this possible. With the inboard shift in the front maybe a "bubbled" front skirt could be accomplished that would allow full wheel travel side to side.

What the real question is.....how would the positive offset rims affect the alignment of the truck? I'm sure the new alignment racks would compensate for the inboard shift and could keep the tires square to each other to prevent pulling or "crabbing" but what about toe-in or toe-out, etc?

This is all conjecture at this point and I may never do this anyhow, but if I play it in my mind and ask questions then I can at least learn something along the way. And if it could be a good idea then I might someday pursue it.

Thanks.

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