02 OB > can i run wheels with 45mm offset?

[eakins]

stock is 50mm. can i get away with 45? will this move the wheel in or out? any way to compensate?

thanks,

bill

[Glenner55]

I am running Dodge Caravan 5 by 100mm 15 inch wheels for the snows on my wife's 96 OBW. Offset is about 8mm off stock and has moved the wheel outward. Width of rims has a bearing for clearance issues obviously. Dodge wheels are same width as stock summer alloys. Some concerns have been expressed about effect on wheel bearing life and handling.

To date don't feel any handling differences, have only had them on for a few months so bearing life is still in question. My mechanic "blessed" the setup saying the offset difference was not so large as to have any measureable effect on bearing life. See other posts about wheels that fit the Subaru 5 by 100mm bolt pattern. Clearance of calipers and fitting over the center hub piece are other things to watch for. If rim center hole is larger than stock, wheels will be mounting "bolt centric" relying on bolts for centering, not the center hole.

 

Following brands use 5 by 100mm on some of their models, Dodge, Toyota (Matrix), VW (Jetta/Golf) Subaru does use one of the largest offsets so accurate measurement is crucial to check offset.

 

Good Luck,

 

Glenn

  eakins said:

stock is 50mm. can i get away with 45? will this move the wheel in or out? any way to compensate?

thanks,

bill