Another New Wheel, with 6" Backspace

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Just got an email from a Nicole at Centerline telling me that very soon their Crossfire wheel will come in HD version with 8x6. 5" lug pattern and 17x8. 5" with 6" backspace. This will only add about 1/2" protrusion beyond stock due to wider rim and . 25" off ideal backspace (neutral BS is 6. 25" for 8. 5" wide rim). I think this is a very acceptable wheel and close enough to pass my backspace & offset specs



It's nice to see Centerline is finally getting on the ball a bit more than they were. Here's the wheel:

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Oh I meant to say it may come in a 20" too, waiting to hear back to confirm. My preference is 18".

 

[WoodChuck]

Thanks Vaughan,



Nikce looking wheel!

 

[FDavid]

is it hubcentric? Those are the only kind of wheels I will buy

dave

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Good question Dave, it would have to be hubcentric for me too. I'll ask and post!



Vaughn

 

[Matt400]

Great find Vaughn, nice looking wheel.

One thing to remember is that the 3rd gen OE wheels are both - hub and lug centric due to the tapered lug nut seat. A hub centric only wheel, has no tapered lugs and uses only the center hole to center the wheel.



My guess is these will not be hub centric but lug centric wheels that will come with a tapered seat to center the wheel. The hole in the middle will be centered on the lug pattern for balancing purposes, it just won't fit snug on the lip of the truck.

Some feel you loose some strength that way and maybe so but it won't change what the manufacture stamps on it for load rating.



Keep us posted, I like that wheel.

 

[nickleinonen]

i hope that wheel will stay 6 spoke for the 8 lug... 8 spoke on 17" would look off [i think] but 8 spoke on 20" wheel could look ok...

 

[LightmanE300]

Those wheels don't look fun to clean.

 

[willysrule]

Those wheels don't look fun to clean.

agreed... all my vehicles would have those black steel wheels or the black powder coated alum. ones if nice shinny wheels didn't make them look sooo good... I hate cleaning wheels...

 

[Spooled-up]

is it hubcentric? Those are the only kind of wheels I will buy

dave

You could use these and make any wheel hub-centric.

 

[Matt400]

True, I don't see the size needed on their site though. Most aftermarket wheels I have found are 5. 15" center bore so if my calculations are correct then this metric ring is the one to get.

Only thing is then you can't use a "push through" style center cap.

 

[TBrennan]

Look guys, those wheels are full 0. 5 inches less spacing than stock. The 6. 5" used by Dodge was ordained through the Dodge Oracle from the All Mighty himself. Any deviation from that measurement proves you the fool at the least, and further shows your complete disregard for the safety of yourself and any loved ones in your vehicle.



In fact the wheels are likely to fall off on a catastrophic failure, rupturing fuel lines and igniting a diesel fire the like of which no man has ever seen. The subsequent fireball will leave devastation for miles and probably lead to the Apocalypse.



But hey it's your call ... . :-laf

 

[Matt400]

But they look cool!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Matt, these wheels are lug-centric unfortunately.



TBrennan actually it's . 25" less backspace than what it should be to remain neutral with stock 6. 0" backspace. 6. 5" on a 8. 5" rim puts you 1/2" closer to the fender liner and the same as stock on the outside. 6. 25" splits it and makes tire 1/4" wider on both sides. 6. 0" BS on 8. 5" adds 1/2" to the outside, no change on inside.



Vaughn

 

[Matt400]

Matt, these wheels are lug-centric unfortunately.

That may be ok with me Vaughn. . did they give you a proposed load rating yet?

 

[TBrennan]

Any wheel with any offset (positive or negative) is not "neutral" to start with. It's just the factory setting and I'm willing to bet is largely determined by getting the wheel and tire to fit without rubbing issues and keeping the stresses within the limits of the hub bearings / lugs etc. rather than determining which wheel puts the least stress on them.

 

[Matt400]

Another good reason for keeping the tires tucked under the truck may be the added protection the tire/wheel assembly gives the rear brake calipers from road spray off of the front tires, especially in the winter.



Now before the laugh at that statement consider that GM has been having trouble with road grit getting into the rear calipers causing stuck caliper pistons and slides resulting in premature brake bad wear on their full size trucks and SUV's.

They have even issued a TSB on it for installation of an added mud flap that mounts in front of the rear wheel. . that should look cool!



Looks like they gave up on the design because all 2005 full size rigs get rear drum brakes now. They added larger front brakes to compensate but according to reports it still added a little stopping distance unloaded. I wonder how good they work loaded?

 

[TBrennan]

GM went from discs to drums in the rear because of road debris in the calipers?? :-laf :-laf



That's right up there with Ford dropping pilot injection onf the 6. 0 cause the couldn't get it working right. :-laf



Sometimes I think Dodge may just have the best engine AND the best engineering overall ... .

 

[Matt400]

Bad news on this wheel...



The Engineer working on this wheel was fired for an unknown reason so the wheel has been put on hold pending not only a replacement engineer but also a big order.

They won't restart engineering on the wheel until a major chain puts in a sizable order and they have an engineer to do the project. Also once that happens it will be 3 months for DOT testing and approval- then it will go into production.



Bummer

 

[nickleinonen]

Bad news on this wheel...



The Engineer working on this wheel was fired for an unknown reason so the wheel has been put on hold pending not only a replacement engineer but also a big order.

They won't restart engineering on the wheel until a major chain puts in a sizable order and they have an engineer to do the project. Also once that happens it will be 3 months for DOT testing and approval- then it will go into production.



Bummer

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