Date:         Thu, 9 Oct 2003 06:15:12 EDT
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: [Syncro] What is the correct offset for 16 x 8.0 wheels?
Comments: To: syncro@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 10/8/2003 11:07:16 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
VANAGON@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG writes:

<< I have some Mercedes Benz 16 x 8.0" wheels with an offset of 35mm - they
bolt right on to the Vanagon and the nuts have the same profile as the
Vanagon nuts. >>

So you did not specify if these are steel or alloy rims. Nor did you specify
if they are conical or ball seats (...same profile...)

<< But, as we all know, the offset 35mm is incorect for wheels this wide.>>

Incorrect (or "incorect" as you put it) is a relative term. You need to
define what you are trying to accomplish. On or offroad. What sort of driving? What
handling characteristics? Etc., etc.

<< so what is 8" - I have some 8 mm and 20mm spacers here.  8mm seems about
right, but there is maybe 5mm clearance between the upper control arm and
the rim, with 20mm installed the tires stick WAY out there - with both
installed it seems pretty silly unless I want to impress the neighbour with
his Chev and Mickey Thompsons.  I am going to be using 235/85R16 and there
is no way of getting the sliding door open if I had one (Single Cab Syncro)
and I will be spraying mud all over the side of the vehicle.>>

I have the equivalent of ET23 on my 8" alloys in my 1987 2wd Vanagon. The
sliding door barely clears but clear it does. Tires are 50 series. Anything
taller will create clearance issues up front. The tires will stick about 12 mm out
up front. The rears should be OK. Syncros and trucks (singles and dokas) are
slightly different.

BenT Weel