im a finally jumping upto bigger tires on my 1992 sr, it already has the 31" tires on it from the factory, but i am stepping up to 285 75 r16 goodyear mtr, the tires are being given to me for free so all i need to do is buy the rims. i have my mind set on the cheap black steel rockcrawler wheels, but since i am getting a bigger tires, the factory wheel specs such and backspacing and offset will not be the same for the new tires. what backspacing and or offset should i look for to make sure that my tires do not rub, and that the spacing is correct?

I have 32s on black AR767 rims, the "rockcrawler" ones. Mine are 15x8 with a 4 inch backspace. They work great on my Gen1. I know some people have 3 1/2 or 3 1/4 backspacing. With 32x11.5 tires and 4 inch backspace, my tires stick out about an inch maybe an inch and a half. That is a gen1 with no fender flares.

I pretty much have the same set up. 32's on 15x8 black steel rims (Unique Brand), about 4 inch back space. Will be stepping up to 33's next time.

Mine are some off brand. They look just like Rockcrawlers, but with a red and blue stripe.

15x8, 3.5 inch backspacing.
Tires stick out about 1.5 inches. I should have gotten 15x10.

Clay

First, lets clarify something... Are these 15" or 16" wheels that you need?

Sounds like you need 16's but the folks replying may be slightly confussed because they seem to be talking about 15" rims unless I read their posts wrong <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />.

FYI... it's usually easier to find 15" rim & tires for off road applications which makes them a less expensive solution over a 16" alternative, so you need to also weigh in those costs if you want to get your buddies tires.

Because of this it's also harder to sell 16" off road tires/rims if you decide later to go with 15's because fewer off roaders run them. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I'd say statements regarding 16" wheels/tires are not really true anymore. If you look around, most of late 90s and 00+ vehicles came with 16"+ wheels from the factory. It is reflected in the aftermarket. I'd dare to say there is as many options in 16" range as in 15 now.

I do still stand by my statement that there are fewer options for 16" tires/wheels. Try to find a Geolander MT 33x16" size. Doesn't exist.

Same goes for other tires I'm sure.

Maybe I misswrote it but what I'm saying is that the tires that are available in a 16" size will have less demand & therefore less selection available and because of this be more expensive.

I just did a search for tires right now using America's Tire's website & based on what I'm finding the results are significant in the price differential... minimum $80 difference for a set of 5 tires.

For a 33"x12.5" equivalent...
BFG MT's
15" is $162/tire
16" is $182.00/tire

Goodyear MTR's
15" is $162/tire
16" is $178/tire

BFG AT's
15" is $138/tire
16" is $175/tire <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Tire prices are minimum $16 more per tire or $80 for a set of 5.

Wheel prices are $20 more per tire or $100 for a set of 5.

Myself, I'd rather take that $180 and use it for a front ARB fund or a don bumper.

Also there are still plenty of off road wheel/tire makers that don't make an equivalent 16" option and for those that do, you will pay a premium for them.

Just look in my signature. 285/75R16. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />
As far as price, yes, 16 is marginally more expensive but that doesn't constitute lack of availability.
I just got a set of Swampers for my 02. There were plenty 16 sizes available.

I switched to 15 inch from 16 because of the price difference. When I bought my junk the difference was enough to justify the cost of the wheels (about $40 per tire, wheels were $43).

Clay

Well, I guess it must be a special order item for America's Tire/Discount Tire since they don't list it in either their store or mail order sites.

As far as availability, don't misinterpret what I'm saying. They're obviously available but definitely at a higher cost... but hey if $200 isn't a big deal, just go ahead and make a check out to Ray... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

So grifter679... we've obviously gotten a ways off topic so bring it back, are the tires you're getting 16's or 15's?