question on rim backspacing

[Matt400]

Imagine a wheel with extreme offsets in either direction, all the way to the edge of the wheel. When applying a force to the wheel the hub is going to see the same forces acting on it regardless of which side of the hub the mass of the wheel is on.

Maybe setting still but not in motion.



Now just today we had a Honda Accord in the shop with factory OE wheels that have huge back space, the center hub is almost out at the edge, lug nuts were flush with the outer edge of the tire. You can't believe that leverage and forces on the bearing while the vehicle is in motion would be the same if you were able to flip that wheel around and bolt it on back-wards?

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

TBrennan,



I think you need to be told that some people on the TDR will take what you say as a fact. Then they will Do what you are saying, and problems can occur. It is not safe to "assume that a Manufacturer Designs their stock system with any offset. " These Companys cycle the suspension on a computer thousands of times. Then they put them on a truck and cycle them again. Then they take all that data and decied what wheel backspace will be the safest, longest lasting, and impose the least leverage on the bearings. If you do not understand what you are talking about, stop talking and listen to people. Your opinion is truly yours to cherish. Keep it to yourself and stop thinking out loud. It is getting tiresome.

K Kroeker already explained why you need to use a STOCK offset. Matt400 gave a pretty good example how leverage affects a wheel and a bearing. But you come back saying we are "confusing the issue". Not so. I have seen a stock wheel on a diesel equiped off road truck eat a bearing. Kill a front Diff. Mangle a hub. How do you think we learn this. Test, Test, Test, Test, Test and more Testing!!!! How does Dodge learn this. The same way.

Now I am sure you can find an American Racing wheel that will fit your lug pattern. Does it have the proper weight rating for a 4000 lb front end? If the backspacing is less, that wheel would have to carry a 6000lb front end due to the added leverage. Now add a wider tire. More weight on the outside of the wheel. More mass on the axle, added resistance in turning, increased force on the dampening of the axle movement. All of these come into play as you mess with backspacing.



Be Careful



Greg

 

[TBrennan]

Greg,



First of all let me say that everything I say is my opinion, as is yours, Matt's, and Kent's. I was not aware that you personaly worked at Chrysler and specifically on their suspensions so that your thoughts are facts and mine are opinions. I find your constant evangelizing of the KORE system tiresome myself. I'm not trying to undermine anyone's marketing efforts though. I think the KORE system is probably very good and wouldn't mind getting a setup myself.



You've seen a stock wheel mangle a bearing, great. I see no point in your arguement that validates your assertion.



However, I find it utterly ridiculous for you to come on here and tell me how the oem tests and to what criteria they test to and proclaim that that oems design only to the highest standards. Hypocriticaly you go on to espouse the virtues of an aftermarket system that uses a new rim size (18") and raises the front end 2". I find it utterly comical to suggest any oem's first criteria is designing a component that is the "longest lasting". Lol, you are funny.



Your example at the end shows a complete lack of understanding. The weight rating of the wheel takes it's own backspace/offest into account and is not multiplied becasue you actually bolt it on an axle. Your complete misrepresentation of this fact as FACT leads me to believe you are certainly no more qualified to make their opinons known as myself. As far as I'm concerned, you can keep your opinion to yourself and if you don't like mine stop reading, either way I don't give a rat's a**.



I'm glad you like your system, and as I said I'm sure it's very well engineered. But please don't presume to stop any questioning or explore any other possibilities of ideas that may have merit or further understanding.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

This has nothing to do with KORE. It has to do with wheel backspacing. As for the force generated on an axle, take a front end apart and see for yourself how it is designed. IF you move the wheel out, it puts more leverage on the axle, hub, bearing, studs, ball joints, and axle housing. Your lack of understanding is amazing, your assumptions are even more amazing. Buy yourself some wheels that have an incorrect backspacing. Install them on your truck. Take your whole family for a ride and feel safe. Its your truck. I was just trying to help with something I am familair with. I am not an expert and never said I was. Just someone with a little expierience talking about what I have learned from hands on expierences. Wow, why so tense?



Greg