Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 2004 22:34:21 EST
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: wheel offset for vanagons
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Just want to clarify this further for those who are wondering about how
acceptable width works with ET (offset):

This communication was continued via pmail at the request of one person
making the query. For the sake of the archives, here's part of the discussion:

BenTbtstr8@aol.com wrote:

<< You can get away with ET35-44 which is the most common. Try to stay at no
more than ET38. Otherwise, you will need spacers. Max width no more than 8
inches at ET23. Than means ET38 can only go 8 inches less 15 mm or about a 1/4
inch. Otherwise you will run into the sliding door. You can always use a
swingarm extensions. Too much trouble and not worth the hassle.

The rear wheels are inset about and inch compared to the fronts. That is why
lots of German T3 tuners go for the staggered look (inch wider in back than
the front). Not only will the van handle better, the wheels will look even with
each other when viewed from the rear of the van. BEWARE that Syncros must have
the same wheels front and back. More on that if you want.

56 mm hubs on Audi alloys are TOO small for Vanagon hubs. They must be
clearanced at least 2 5/8" or 66.6 mm. Vanagons are LUG-centric whereas Audis are
HUB-centric. You will need to remove the 11 mm drum retaining bolts in back to
fit any other wheel too.

Ben >>