Wheel offset

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Joined
Jan 18, 2025
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Location
PA
So I have a 89 k3500 4x4 and I'm looking to widen my track width so the tires stick out a 1"-2" past the fender with taller side walls for a more aggressive look, but I don't wanna cut fenders or modify stock suspension. I also wanna keep my stock 16" wheel. Anybody have any pictures or suggestions on what works best?
 

Sean Buick 76

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jan 6, 2024
Messages
2,734
Reaction score
6,676
Location
Edmonton Alberta
For what your asking for I think wheel spacers are the only answer. You don’t want to switch wheels or cut anything so… 3” spacers should give you the look you want. The better option is a set of aftermarket wheels with a negative offset.
 

joeblow867

I'm Awesome
Joined
Mar 26, 2024
Messages
210
Reaction score
218
Location
USA
Your rear end is likely narrower than your front end. This was definitely the case on my '97 and '00. The semi float rear end needs 2'' spacers to run perfectly in line with the front end. The full float needs 1.5'' spacers. Not sure what your 89 has, i would assume its the same 14 bolt FF. If your sure you want to widen up the front stance, I'd do 1.5'' in the front and 3'' in the rear. But just getting the wheels squared up helps a lot. I like the look of mine. What is your tire size? 265/75r16's look pretty damn good on my trucks. I believe going any bigger you might start to have rubbing issues. Remember even if tires dont rub on flat pavement, they might when your not on flat pavement.
 
Joined
Jan 18, 2025
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Location
PA
Yea I was thinking of going negative offset
For what your asking for I think wheel spacers are the only answer. You don’t want to switch wheels or cut anything so… 3” spacers should give you the look you want. The better option is a set of aftermarket wheels with a negative offset.
Yea I would rather go negative offset then wheel spacers. But I'm curious how much is too much before you rub fenders. I was gonna do somewhere from a -24 to -26, but I also don't want to take away from the load rating from the wheel.
 
Joined
Jan 18, 2025
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Location
PA
Your rear end is likely narrower than your front end. This was definitely the case on my '97 and '00. The semi float rear end needs 2'' spacers to run perfectly in line with the front end. The full float needs 1.5'' spacers. Not sure what your 89 has, i would assume its the same 14 bolt FF. If your sure you want to widen up the front stance, I'd do 1.5'' in the front and 3'' in the rear. But just getting the wheels squared up helps a lot. I like the look of mine. What is your tire size? 265/75r16's look pretty damn good on my trucks. I believe going any bigger you might start to have rubbing issues. Remember even if tires dont rub on flat pavement, they might when your not on flat pavement.
Yea I believe I have a semi float. I'm currently rebuilding the front end and just slowly working my way back. The tires that were on the truck were 245/70r/16 but it also had 3 different wheels on it. I won it at a junkyard auction. It's 1989 gmt 400 k3500 with the 454 and 4x4. Do you know what the difference would be on wheel spacers vs negative offset on the topic of which one would negatively affect the load rating of the wheel more then the other?
 

b454rat

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 25, 2019
Messages
2,037
Reaction score
1,886
Location
Windsor NY
That truck will have a Dana 703HD. I had o e years ago, and had an 88 same thing. I ran 33” with a slight rub, then on another truck had a 3” b/l and 35s on stick wheels.i think my trucks have an 1.5” spacer an is perfect front to rear. Dunno how well it will show in pics.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3318.jpeg
    IMG_3318.jpeg
    581.7 KB · Views: 10
  • IMG_3239.jpeg
    IMG_3239.jpeg
    277.1 KB · Views: 10

joeblow867

I'm Awesome
Joined
Mar 26, 2024
Messages
210
Reaction score
218
Location
USA
Do you know what the difference would be on wheel spacers vs negative offset on the topic of which one would negatively affect the load rating of the wheel more then the other?
I do not. But I'm not sure your understanding the issue. The rear wheels are closer together than the front wheels. So if your getting new rims to fix the issue, you would only get rear rims with the negative offset. Which would be an issue for tire rotation, you would never be able to swap front/rear wheels. Wheel spacers dont affect the load rating of wheels. Any application where i had any load concerns I would definitely be using steel wheel spacers. Worth the extra cost over aluminum.

The tires that were on the truck were 245/70r/16
265/75r16's with some aggressive tread will look MUCH better.
 

joeblow867

I'm Awesome
Joined
Mar 26, 2024
Messages
210
Reaction score
218
Location
USA
My 2500 with 2'' spacers on the rear semi float 14bolt. One more inch would probably put them about flush with the part of the fender flares that stick out the most. 2 more inches would probably put them slightly out past the flares. And both sets of tires pictured are 265/75r16.
 

Attachments

  • 1.jpg
    1.jpg
    176.9 KB · Views: 9
  • 5.jpg
    5.jpg
    184.4 KB · Views: 9
  • 3.jpg
    3.jpg
    193.7 KB · Views: 9
  • 7.jpg
    7.jpg
    239.9 KB · Views: 9
  • 6.jpg
    6.jpg
    246.5 KB · Views: 9
Top