I am a little confused with the effects backspacing and offset have on any given wheel.

I have the chrome wheel on my '09 Alpha, but I really like the Dick Cepek Gun Metal Torques. I already have 305/70's, giving me a little extra width and they are fairly new, less than 10K miles.

I would like to go with 315/70-17's but can't justify tossing the like new tires I bought not too long ago. Besides, the 33's provide more power for towing.

In short, what will be the effect of staying with 16" wheels and simply going to the Torques? Will they give the tires a wider stance?

 

Read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offset_(wheel)

Back space is the more important number. You need the same back space as OEM (4.5) for the same stance. Less backspace will push the tires out more but you may have rubbing issues with a wider stance. I'd stick with a wheel as close to OEM specs as possible, which is 7.5" wide.

Don't forget that H3's need Hub Centric wheels meaning the center bore must be 101 mm diameter. Lug Centric wheels usually have a small center bore which won't work on H3's.

 

Keep the tires and put on a 16x8 or 16x9 rim. Just make sure it is made for the H3, the wider rim will give u that wider stance.

 

Custom rims, wheel tire packages for your ride - RIMSnTIRES.com

mess around with this...should help.

 

stock backspacing is not 4.5. I believe it is 5.75

 

Yes, you are right. Stock wheels have 5.75" backspace.

I had 4.5 on my mind because I've been looking at Rancho 4" lifts, which require wheels to have 4.5" backspace.

 

Thanks for the replies.

There's not many aftermarket wheels that I would consider, but Dick Cepek is a legendary name in offroading. And the Torque Gun Metal wheels are only available in 16" and 17". Won't ever see them on any boulevard cruisers.

I have written Cepek to inquire about the 101mm wheel bore diameter. Will let everyone know their response.

 

I didn't know we had "Hub Centric" wheels. I mounted some Eagle USA wheels that are "Lug Centric" with a larger hole than needed.
So Far, I am not have any problems with balancing or vibrations...

But, I do agree. Although, Our Lug Pattern is the same as the GM 1/2 Ton trucks. Our center bore needs to be a lot bigger...

 

You don't have to buy wheels with the same hub bore, as there are hub rings in a zillion sizes that will allow your aftermarket wheel to fit the hub snugly. Many wheel manufacturers will only make wheels with a few bore sizes, so hub rings are used to allow them to fit a myriad of brands/models. They are cheap and usually plastic (polymer), and I've run a set on one of my cars for years.

Just an option so you don't limit your selection...