Need Help: Wheel/Offset Gurus please chime in- Method NV Options

[Special-k]

Guys, looking for direct experience or advice. I have a 2010 Limited. Looking at two wheel specs in the Method NV as follows:

18x9 -12 offset/4.5" backspace
18x9 +18 offset/5.75" backspace

>Tire will be Duratrac 275/70/18 (which is a 33" tire)
>I'm planning on doing the Toytec Ultimate lift (3/2). I'm ok removing mudflaps and trimming plastic. Not really interested in modding the wheel wells anymore than that.


I'm assuming the -12 has a more concave shape (which is a bigger fad in the tuning world than off-road) in addition sticking out more?

I like the look of that wheel/tire combo sticking out more so do realize other option is to run a spacer with the +18 and dial in the offset to my liking. Thoughts?


I've asked my local shop, Method, and Tirerack, all giving me different answers :shrug:. Hoping the T4R forum crew can help a brother out!

 

[PhoRunner]

Several owners including myself run the 18x9 -12 so that would be my recomendation.

 

[proquip]

Guys, looking for direct experience or advice. I have a 2010 Limited. Looking at two wheel specs in the Method NV as follows:

18x9 -12 offset/4.5" backspace
18x9 +18 offset/5.75" backspace

>Tire will be Duratrac 275/70/18 (which is a 33" tire)
>I'm planning on doing the Toytec Ultimate lift (3/2). I'm ok removing mudflaps and trimming plastic. Not really interested in modding the wheel wells anymore than that.


I'm assuming the -12 has a more concave shape (which is a bigger fad in the tuning world than off-road) in addition sticking out more?

I like the look of that wheel/tire combo sticking out more so do realize other option is to run a spacer with the +18 and dial in the offset to my liking. Thoughts?


I've asked my local shop, Method, and Tirerack, all giving me different answers :shrug:. Hoping the T4R forum crew can help a brother out!

Yep, you'll want the -12 offset wheels. The +18 wheels will not only pull the wheel inboard about 3mm from stock (+15 offset on stock wheels), but you're also running a much wider wheel, which will make the already wider tires bulge out even more, pushing the sidewall even closer to the upper control arm. My guess is that you'd probably rub the UCA. Stick to the -12 offset. That said, the -12 wheels will poke out quite a bit, and you might need a body mount chop, even with 3" of front lift. There are a few here with that tire/wheel combo - they might be able to provide specific feedback on the topic of the BMC. Good luck.

Forgot to mention, unless your set on those wheels exclusively, I would try to avoid buying new wheels only to require spacers (in the case you went with the +18 wheels).

 

[1engineer]

Everyone wants to improve their "stance" by pushing the tires and wheels further away from the vehicle. Some have even tried to justify it by saying "My 4Runner will be more stable with a wider stance!" Please. OP, remember this: If you push your tire/wheel further away from the vehicle through wheel design or wheel spacer use you could rub the fender liner, mud flap area or even body mount. If you push the centerline of the wheel closer to the body by changing the offset or just running wider wheels you could rub the UCA. [MENTION=65825]proquip[/MENTION] gave you some good advice in his above post.

 

[grey_ghost]

I did almost the same thing on a 2013 SR5;
Stock: +12mm Offset and 4.5" backspace

New Wheel: -12mm Offset, 4.3" backspace

IMHO, why add parts/complexity (spacers) when you can simply buy wheels that provide that look without spacers?

I retained the stock tire size but with a slightly more aggressive tread (BFG Rugged Terrain). The result was the outer surface of the tire was pushed outward about 1.2 inches.
As you suspected, there was some rubbing initially that I resolved in two ways:
1. remove the very small mud flap in front wells
2. Used a heat gun to smooth down some ridges in the plastic of the front part of the wheel well.

I love the result and as someone elsewhere in the forum said, it overcomes the stock look of "fat chick with skinny legs"... (not my phrase)

 

[proquip]

Yep, you'll want the -12 offset wheels. The +18 wheels will not only pull the wheel inboard about 3mm from stock (+15 offset on stock wheels), but you're also running a much wider wheel, which will make the already wider tires bulge out even more, pushing the sidewall even closer to the upper control arm. My guess is that you'd probably rub the UCA. Stick to the -12 offset. That said, the -12 wheels will poke out quite a bit, and you might need a body mount chop, even with 3" of front lift. There are a few here with that tire/wheel combo - they might be able to provide specific feedback on the topic of the BMC. Good luck.

Forgot to mention, unless your set on those wheels exclusively, I would try to avoid buying new wheels only to require spacers (in the case you went with the +18 wheels).

BTW, I remember seeing a couple of folks with similar wheels (same offset) and same tires. You might want to reach out to them to get their input on how much rubbing to expect.
[MENTION=92451]ultraefro[/MENTION] and [MENTION=63821]PopsSmith[/MENTION]

 

[roktoy]

One thing about the 275 tire is not recommended for a 9" wide wheel. There is very little sidewall bulge, which means the rims will not be well protected. I have also seen it in person, and I didn't like the look of the rims being almost flush with the tires.
Have you considered the 295/65/18 tire?
its .5" wider, and .3" shorter at 33.1" tall. This tire is in the range of a 9" rim and would look better IMO.

 

[Special-k]

One thing about the 275 tire is not recommended for a 9" wide wheel. There is very little sidewall bulge, which means the rims will not be well protected. I have also seen it in person, and I didn't like the look of the rims being almost flush with the tires.
Have you considered the 295/65/18 tire?
its .5" wider, and .3" shorter at 33.1" tall. This tire is in the range of a 9" rim and would look better IMO.

That was my original thought actually- the 295/65. However, the T4R is a second vehicle for me which sees mostly snow/winter driving. I figured I'd take the skinnier tire for better winter performance although I didn't think it would look too bad on a 9' wheel. Something to think about. Also, my Limited stock 20s have 275s on them and they do look a bit skinny to me now that you mention it

Well at least I know the -12 offset is what I need!