How important is it to get a wheel with the 50mm offset?

When I search for compatible wheels on the online tire/wheel sites, it seems most aftermarket wheels are 42mm, 45mm, etc. Some are 50mm, but not many.

Would running anything other than 50mm damage the wheel bearings or something?

 

running a different offset will just bring the wheel in or out. it shouldn't affect it but will make it look more flush or tuck it in. most of us not running stockers are running something other than 50 offset.

 

Wrong offset = wheels that don't fit

Doesn't have to be +50 like stock...but it does have to be an offset that matched with the wheel width = something that fits

 

+1 you need to make sure the wheel and tire size combo will not rub on the wheel well on the outside or the suspension on the inside.

 

offset is just as important as breathing

 

But not as important as sex.

 

right offset will get you sex. cause the bitches like aggressiveness...

muahahahaha!

 

You don't wanna date a chick who doesn't know what offset is anyway; that is just lame...

 

Dude, I think you just called the OP lame.

 

Good point... my bad.

Although - the OP Knew what offset WAS; just not how important it was... so I am safely in the gray area....

 

Based on the OP's username, she is a "chick".

Going with a lower offset is OK. Like others have said, it will bring the wheel out from the center of the car, making them more flush with the fenders (looks better, more aggressive). But you also need to keep an eye on the width of the wheel.

Stock wheels are 8" wide with an offset of 50mm. My wheels are 8.5" wide with an offset of 38mm and they do not rub. A wheel that is 9.5" wide with the same offset would most likely rub, so you'd have to go with a higher offset, like 45mm. Here's a link to an offset calculator that will be helpful:

http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

If you aren't racing or planning on buying expensive ultra-light wheels, then I would suggest going with an 8.5" wide wheel (or 8", seems the X.5" sizes are more common though). Safe offset can be anywhere between 50mm and 40mm, you can go even lower if you want. I have 38mm, some have run 35mm with no rubbing, but depending on the diameter of the wheel (18", 19", etc.), the tire you are running and the amount of camber you have you may run into issues. Hope that helps.

 

9.5" +38 isn't supposed to rub with 245/40 but 275 it will. In between those sizes I dunno. Take home message is, for aesthetic purposes, get the lowest offset you can without rubbing in whatever size you deem appropriate.

 

I have 235/35/19 stretched on 9.0" wide rims with +36 offset and no rubbing whatsoever... we shall see once the beezy gets lowered...

 

what all others have forgot to mention is that it IS true going with lower offset wheels may add load to the bearings.

seeing that you've asked that question with concern, you should already know the answer. but, its a rather small amount and damage are only seen on the bearings over the long run. unless.... you get some low offset wheels that are 50mm in the wrong direction, shall you fit them, you break studs, damage bearings and much more.

ever seen a lowrider on extended 12" daytons 100 spoke wheels broke on the side of the freeway??? i have... and until then, i think you're safe if you stay away from selection of that kind.

 

trust me offset is really import if you looking for rims especially expensive ones because you dont want to buy them and find out that you want it more aggressive later on.

 

Nice save.