Backspacing and offset UPDATE!
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I plan on lowering my newly acquired s10 pickup 4" all around...springs and blocks...should I lower my truck before I measure and order my rims or is there a measurement already known for this? I dont have the ground effects on it yet but will and the stock wheels are tucked inches inside the factory wells and im just looking for a wheel and tire combo that will sit flush with the fenders and rear corners and still fill my wells without too much rubber (low profile tires).Ok Since the first backspacing thread I made years ago is getting a little long and little confusing with all the edits and questions in it, I'll just start fresh here. Here goes..
First thing, the Bolt pattern on an S10 is: 5 x 4 3/4"
OR
if you measure it out in metric the pattern is: 5 x 120.65mm.
Alot of people ask if a 5 x 120mm wheel will fit.. if ya wanna be picky, no its not the correct size, but yes they do physically fit on the vehicle. DO not hold me personally nor S10forum.com responsible if your wheel studs break from running a wheel with this 5 x 120mm pattern to them.. saw it first hand happen to a buddy of mine while driving 70mph down the highway
Measuring a 5 lug wheel is different then 4, 6, or 8 lug wheels. For the 5 lug you measure from the far side of the one lug hole, to the center of the 3rd hole.
![]()
Now on to the offset and backspacing info. To make this as simple as possible, offset and backspace values can be interchangeable... if that makes any sense to ya, if not read on. :haha:
Offset is the distance of the mounting flange to the center of the rim. The offset of a wheel is measured with the following formula:
Offset = Backspace - (Rim Width)/2
(after you get your number it will have to be converted to millimeters)
tip..To convert from inches to mm multiply by 25.4
To convert from mm to inches divide by 25.4
Backspace is the distance from the mounting flange to the inside back edge of the rim.
If you only have the rim width to go by, you can calculate either one, given the other. The easiest way to measure backspacing is to carefully lay the wheel face down, then lay a board or something flat across the back of the rim. Last measure down to the mounting flange, this will give you your backspacing number.
![]()
Theres 3 different types of offset a wheel can have,
First is a Positive offset: This is where mounting flange is positioned toward the front side of the wheel. This style wheel will have a large backspacing and is typical to the style of rim on most FWD cars. These WILL NOT fit a 2wd s10 unless you run adapter to space the wheels out correctly.
Next is a Zero offset: This is where the mounting flange is positioned evenly with the center line of the rim. This is the style wheel a 2wd S10 requires for a stock fitment.
Lastly is the Negative offset: This style rim has the mounting flange shifted towards the back side of the rim towards the brakes. This wheel has a small backspacing and so on a 2wd S10 will push the wheels out of the wheel well further. On bagged or lowered trucks ya have to be careful as theres a good chance the wheels wont tuck up inside the fenders.
when tightening the wheels down, make sure you finger tighten the lugs enough to center the wheel on the lugs, then go around and tighten them down in a criss cross pattern this will center the wheel on the lug nuts without undue stress and or unwanted vibrations
![]()
Now finally to the part everyone really cares about. What fits! As I mentioned before since the amount of backspacing and offset required to correctly tuck inside the fenders and fit the truck changes with the size and width of the rim, you have to pay attention especially with smaller rims.
![]()
As you can see with the chart the wider the wheel the larger the amount of backspacing you need in order to maintain close to a Zero offset.
Now keep in mind you can vary outside these numbers, this is only a suggested guideline. With extreme drops, bags, and or a bodydrop these measurements can be changed to better fit if need be.
On smaller rims 14" - 17" you wont want to go much more positive offset then these numbers up front as you can run into rubbing issues on the outer tierod on the spindle steering knuckle.
7" wide - -12mm up to a +10mm offset
8" wide - -6mm up to a +10mm offset
8.5" wide - 0mm up to +6mm
On 18" and up rim sizes you can increase the positive offset a little more since the inner lip of the rim will now clear the steering knuckle of the spindle.
7" wide - -12mm up to +6mm
8" wide - -6mm up to +15mm
8.5" wide - 0mm up to +15mm
9" wide - -6mm up to +15mm
Hope this helps and isnt too confusing. If anyone has any questions feel free to post in here or pm me. Also i dont claim to know everything about wheels, so if you see something you dont agree with mention it.
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You're going about this all wrong. Springs and blocks will kill your ride as well as your back. You need to visit the Dropping' it section and read up, or do a search on drops. Put the ground effects on it also. After you decide what you want to do, you can check the sticky in this section for drops vs wheel sizes and back spacing.
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I found a balltech kit on summit for 700. It has all the parts to properly lower my s10 pickup.
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Post a link...
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That's not going to work well. You need spindles up front along with the corresponding springs to get to your desired drop. Tall ball joints will help also. If you use front springs only, you'll be riding on the bump stops. There seems to be mixed feelings about BT leafs...do a search for the pros/cons. Those blocks are junk. Find a place that has solid steel or aluminum blocks. You'll also need to remove the rear bump stops and brackets. If you don't, you'll be beating your kidneys to death.
An alternative is to use ZQ8 leafs and solid blocks to achieve the desired drop in the rear. In the front, use drops spindles and ZQ8 springs. The plus side is you can use the current shocks until you get everything sorted out.
An alternative is to use ZQ8 leafs and solid blocks to achieve the desired drop in the rear. In the front, use drops spindles and ZQ8 springs. The plus side is you can use the current shocks until you get everything sorted out.
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More info needed 4X4 or 2wd? What are the specs on the wheels you want to use? You might try searching on this site since there are threads on the subject.
This is a 2wd and my initial thought is to use 15" chrome steel wheels with baby moon hubcaps. General appearance package will be light yellow similar to 2021 Ford Ranger cyber orange, tan interior and chrome fittings. The chassis is complete with engine and drivetrain. I am currently working on the completely dissembled body.
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How about Corvette rally wheels? These are 15X7 front and 15X8 rear.
Ok Since the first backspacing thread I made years ago is getting a little long and little confusing with all the edits and questions in it, I'll just start fresh here. Here goes..
First thing, the Bolt pattern on an S10 is: 5 x 4 3/4"
OR
if you measure it out in metric the pattern is: 5 x 120.65mm.
Alot of people ask if a 5 x 120mm wheel will fit.. if ya wanna be picky, no its not the correct size, but yes they do physically fit on the vehicle. DO not hold me personally nor S10forum.com responsible if your wheel studs break from running a wheel with this 5 x 120mm pattern to them.. saw it first hand happen to a buddy of mine while driving 70mph down the highway
Measuring a 5 lug wheel is different then 4, 6, or 8 lug wheels. For the 5 lug you measure from the far side of the one lug hole, to the center of the 3rd hole.
![]()
Now on to the offset and backspacing info. To make this as simple as possible, offset and backspace values can be interchangeable... if that makes any sense to ya, if not read on. :haha:
Offset is the distance of the mounting flange to the center of the rim. The offset of a wheel is measured with the following formula:
Offset = Backspace - (Rim Width)/2
(after you get your number it will have to be converted to millimeters)
tip..To convert from inches to mm multiply by 25.4
To convert from mm to inches divide by 25.4
Backspace is the distance from the mounting flange to the inside back edge of the rim.
If you only have the rim width to go by, you can calculate either one, given the other. The easiest way to measure backspacing is to carefully lay the wheel face down, then lay a board or something flat across the back of the rim. Last measure down to the mounting flange, this will give you your backspacing number.
![]()
Theres 3 different types of offset a wheel can have,
First is a Positive offset: This is where mounting flange is positioned toward the front side of the wheel. This style wheel will have a large backspacing and is typical to the style of rim on most FWD cars. These WILL NOT fit a 2wd s10 unless you run adapter to space the wheels out correctly.
Next is a Zero offset: This is where the mounting flange is positioned evenly with the center line of the rim. This is the style wheel a 2wd S10 requires for a stock fitment.
Lastly is the Negative offset: This style rim has the mounting flange shifted towards the back side of the rim towards the brakes. This wheel has a small backspacing and so on a 2wd S10 will push the wheels out of the wheel well further. On bagged or lowered trucks ya have to be careful as theres a good chance the wheels wont tuck up inside the fenders.
when tightening the wheels down, make sure you finger tighten the lugs enough to center the wheel on the lugs, then go around and tighten them down in a criss cross pattern this will center the wheel on the lug nuts without undue stress and or unwanted vibrations
![]()
Now finally to the part everyone really cares about. What fits! As I mentioned before since the amount of backspacing and offset required to correctly tuck inside the fenders and fit the truck changes with the size and width of the rim, you have to pay attention especially with smaller rims.
![]()
As you can see with the chart the wider the wheel the larger the amount of backspacing you need in order to maintain close to a Zero offset.
Now keep in mind you can vary outside these numbers, this is only a suggested guideline. With extreme drops, bags, and or a bodydrop these measurements can be changed to better fit if need be.
On smaller rims 14" - 17" you wont want to go much more positive offset then these numbers up front as you can run into rubbing issues on the outer tierod on the spindle steering knuckle.
7" wide - -12mm up to a +10mm offset
8" wide - -6mm up to a +10mm offset
8.5" wide - 0mm up to +6mm
On 18" and up rim sizes you can increase the positive offset a little more since the inner lip of the rim will now clear the steering knuckle of the spindle.
7" wide - -12mm up to +6mm
8" wide - -6mm up to +15mm
8.5" wide - 0mm up to +15mm
9" wide - -6mm up to +15mm
Hope this helps and isnt too confusing. If anyone has any questions feel free to post in here or pm me. Also i dont claim to know everything about wheels, so if you see something you dont agree with mention it.
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RE: 2000 Chevy S10 xtreme 1Ok Since the first backspacing thread I made years ago is getting a little long and little confusing with all the edits and questions in it, I'll just start fresh here. Here goes..
First thing, the Bolt pattern on an S10 is: 5 x 4 3/4"
OR
if you measure it out in metric the pattern is: 5 x 120.65mm.
Alot of people ask if a 5 x 120mm wheel will fit.. if ya wanna be picky, no its not the correct size, but yes they do physically fit on the vehicle. DO not hold me personally nor S10forum.com responsible if your wheel studs break from running a wheel with this 5 x 120mm pattern to them.. saw it first hand happen to a buddy of mine while driving 70mph down the highway
Measuring a 5 lug wheel is different then 4, 6, or 8 lug wheels. For the 5 lug you measure from the far side of the one lug hole, to the center of the 3rd hole.
![]()
Now on to the offset and backspacing info. To make this as simple as possible, offset and backspace values can be interchangeable... if that makes any sense to ya, if not read on. :haha:
Offset is the distance of the mounting flange to the center of the rim. The offset of a wheel is measured with the following formula:
Offset = Backspace - (Rim Width)/2
(after you get your number it will have to be converted to millimeters)
tip..To convert from inches to mm multiply by 25.4
To convert from mm to inches divide by 25.4
Backspace is the distance from the mounting flange to the inside back edge of the rim.
If you only have the rim width to go by, you can calculate either one, given the other. The easiest way to measure backspacing is to carefully lay the wheel face down, then lay a board or something flat across the back of the rim. Last measure down to the mounting flange, this will give you your backspacing number.
![]()
Theres 3 different types of offset a wheel can have,
First is a Positive offset: This is where mounting flange is positioned toward the front side of the wheel. This style wheel will have a large backspacing and is typical to the style of rim on most FWD cars. These WILL NOT fit a 2wd s10 unless you run adapter to space the wheels out correctly.
Next is a Zero offset: This is where the mounting flange is positioned evenly with the center line of the rim. This is the style wheel a 2wd S10 requires for a stock fitment.
Lastly is the Negative offset: This style rim has the mounting flange shifted towards the back side of the rim towards the brakes. This wheel has a small backspacing and so on a 2wd S10 will push the wheels out of the wheel well further. On bagged or lowered trucks ya have to be careful as theres a good chance the wheels wont tuck up inside the fenders.
when tightening the wheels down, make sure you finger tighten the lugs enough to center the wheel on the lugs, then go around and tighten them down in a criss cross pattern this will center the wheel on the lug nuts without undue stress and or unwanted vibrations
![]()
Now finally to the part everyone really cares about. What fits! As I mentioned before since the amount of backspacing and offset required to correctly tuck inside the fenders and fit the truck changes with the size and width of the rim, you have to pay attention especially with smaller rims.
![]()
As you can see with the chart the wider the wheel the larger the amount of backspacing you need in order to maintain close to a Zero offset.
Now keep in mind you can vary outside these numbers, this is only a suggested guideline. With extreme drops, bags, and or a bodydrop these measurements can be changed to better fit if need be.
On smaller rims 14" - 17" you wont want to go much more positive offset then these numbers up front as you can run into rubbing issues on the outer tierod on the spindle steering knuckle.
7" wide - -12mm up to a +10mm offset
8" wide - -6mm up to a +10mm offset
8.5" wide - 0mm up to +6mm
On 18" and up rim sizes you can increase the positive offset a little more since the inner lip of the rim will now clear the steering knuckle of the spindle.
7" wide - -12mm up to +6mm
8" wide - -6mm up to +15mm
8.5" wide - 0mm up to +15mm
9" wide - -6mm up to +15mm
Hope this helps and isnt too confusing. If anyone has any questions feel free to post in here or pm me. Also i dont claim to know everything about wheels, so if you see something you dont agree with mention it.
I bought a 16/8 wheel, 5x4.75 bolt pattern, offset -12mm. I currently have stock wheels. I need to replace a wheel that causes a slow leak. How can I use the 16/8 wheel and compensate for the -12mm offset as the range for 16x8 is -6mm to +10mm? The distributor site confirmed that it would fit my 2000 xtreme.
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Stock Wheel spec on a 2000 xtreme is 6.4 mm offset but I don't know the range.
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Stock 2wd s10 wheels have 0 offset.
I have a 03 s10 4.3 with 2wd in correct in thinking that 18" x 8" wheels with a 4" back spacing will fit about perfect correct? Thinking about running 245 40 R18 tires on them with a 3/4 drop. Thanks in advance.
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Did you check the chart??
Tire/Wheel Fitment Chart. MODS PLEASE STICKY
Since my old one with like over 100000 views got deleted please sticky this. IF you guys have any questions email me at [email protected] or call me 415 519 2432 im allways around This chart is made from the experiences I have with the trucks I lowered and put tires on and that still look...
www.s10forum.com
Yes I did and I do believe I wouldn't have any fitment issues but it never hurts to get a second opinion on things you're unfamiliar with. I'm not too knowledgeable about building a minitruck but can't wait until mine is the way I want it.
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