i plan on getting 17x9 xd series diesel wheels. they are 0 offset and i dont know how offset works so would that bring the wheel farther out or in? would this cause any type of rubbing more than i already have?

It will bring the wheel out. It may cause a bit of rubbing of the plastic that everyone trims. J.A.'s post about installing wheel spacers discusses the trimming too.

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/2007/wheelspacers.html

That wheel has 4.5" backspacing.
So to answer your question as to whether it will bring surfaces further in or out, the answer is out on both the inside and outside. It will be wider by about 1.25" on the outside and 0.25" on the inside.

Yours is a wider wheel than stock by 1.5" Zero offset means the hub mounting surface is in the center of the wheel. The offset on a stock 4R wheel is +30 (millimeters) and the width is only 7.5". Stock wheels have a hub mounting surface about 1/2" off center. Because the offset is positive, that means the hub mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel. That places the wheel center towards the inboard side of the truck, resulting in a narrower stance.

If you stay with the stock tire size you'll have no problem. A tire up to 32" can fit with only minor modification to the inner fender plastic. Its only when you get to 33" or more when fitment problems arise.

so would 285/70/17s be a problem?

285/70/17's are 33's so you're right on the line. 275/70/17 has less options but it's just enough smaller that most report a good fit. Search Promed's rig. His was T4R of the month and has 275's if you want to see pics. Spacemans rig has them also.

ok but i plan on doing this at the same time as my lift so will that create enough room?

In my opinion, you may have rubbing on the upper control arm, which is not a good situation. There are many variables, because not all 285's are the same. For example M/T's will run larger than A/T's.

The other factor is the wheel width. A 285 mounted on a 9" wheel will be slightly shorter and wider than the same tire mounted on a 7.5" wheel.

You may want to look at a different wheel offset, if available. -6 to -13 is commonly available and will create the clearance needed for 285's

will those negative offsets bring my wheels farther out from my body?

Yes, negative offset will move the wheel out further. Remember, it is wheel width and offset that contribute.

so would a 17x9 with a -12mm offset and a 4.53in backspace be more suited for the job?

guys?

BUMP

Yes, that should work well providing minimal bearing stress and good clearance as far as rubbing is considered.