Geometry & Clearance

Snow-chain clearance is not determined by wheel diameter alone. The important question is whether the complete tire-and-chain envelope can move through the wheel well without conta...

A narrower donor wheel can improve suspension and fender clearance, but wheel width alone does not determine fitment. Offset, tire dimensions, brake geometry and suspension movemen...

Start with the reference wheel The safest way to predict strut clearance is to compare the donor wheel with a wheel that is already proven to fit the vehicle. You need the referenc...

Changing wheel diameter affects two different clearance questions: Brake clearance: whether the wheel barrel and spokes clear the brake caliper and rotor. Tire clearance: whether ...

Why towing compression changes wheel-fitment decisions A wheel that clears the suspension at ride height may contact a control arm, spring, liner, or fender when a trailer or cargo...

Compare the reference wheel before comparing backspacing Backspacing is useful because it locates the wheel’s inner rim edge relative to the mounting face. However, a backspacing v...

Wheel barrel clearance: why diameter alone does not guarantee brake fit A wheel clears the brakes only when its usable inner barrel diameter and shape provide enough radial space f...

A wheel with a higher positive offset moves its mounting face farther toward the outside face of the wheel. If wheel width stays the same, the wheel’s inner edge moves closer to th...

Concave wheel faces and brake clearance A concave wheel face is a styling and structural feature: the spokes curve inward from the outer lip toward the hub. It can create a more ag...