Offset question - particularly Disco

[WedWon]

Apart from catching the bodywork etc, what other problems (ie drivetrain, suspension etc) would you have by fitting wheels with a different offset to the originals?

I am looking for alternatives to the standard Disco 1 steel wheels. Thought about alloys and am now thinking about 110/130 steel wheels but still not 100% decided.

Once again, any input would be appreciated.

Cheers

Jason

[beforethevision]

The offset chosen by the manufacturer is to align the centre of the wheel with the centre of the bearing. This is to eliminate torque on the bearing during normal (straight line) driving. In reality the forces of cornering and offroading are huge, so small amounts are not usually an issue. Many people change offset with no worries. huge offset and large kms may wear bearings faster, thats all. or break something.....

Anyone with pracitcal examples may be able to give you a specific answer.

[100I]

Google the terms 'kin pin inclination' & 'scrub radius' and get your head around that and you'll be able to make an informed choice.
Then it depends on the amount of change in offset and the diameter of the tyre as to what affect it may have to things from handling to wheel bearing and kin pin bearing loads etc.
If you are going to larger diameter tyres then a change to more neg offset wheels should minimise their affects to your steering geometry.

[Bush65]

Often, the wheel backspace is reduced so that larger diam tyres don't hit the radius arms (maintain turning circle), or the inner guards or spring perches during articulation. The increased track width improves stability.

The disadvantages include:
Track may exceed legal increase. Remember wider rims increase the track, even if backspace is not changed.
Guards may need flares to cover tyres.
Increased scrub radius. Apart from tyre wear, you may not notice this in normal circumstances, because the left and right tyres counteract each other. It can be an issue off road, in a difficult situation if either of the front wheels suddenly becomes airborne.
Tyres may rub on the outer guards.
Increased loads on bearings.

Taken overall, the benefits of a moderate reduction in the backspace is worthwhile if you fit larger tyres.

The centres of disco steel wheels are often reversed to reduce the backspace.

[weeds]

Thought about alloys and am now thinking about 110/130 steel wheels but still not 100% decided
A good number of us 110/130 owners ditch the standard rims and fit disco rims, I think I have read that the later 130 are off a better design, if you fit older 110/130 rims you will need to fit tubes and put up with flats

[beforethevision]

Increased scrub radius. Apart from tyre wear, you may not notice this in normal circumstances, because the left and right tyres counteract each other. It can be an issue off road, in a difficult situation if either of the front wheels suddenly becomes airborne.


Scrub radius effects weight of steering primarily. It can make the car 'dance' if its too small, and give wicked bump steer if its too high. Only effects tyre wear if you turn the wheels without moving forward. It also has a few 'on track' effects, but noone races a landy... much.

Cheers!