Aiming for Flush with a +30 17/8

[Tangent]

I'm exploring ideas for wheels and tires. Currently looking at Enkei Matrix 17/8 +30 offset, with 265/65/17 AT to replace the stock 255/70/16 +55. That's only a 1.4% increase in size, falls in the 3% margin of error, which is like 1mph at 60.

Anyway, as I consider maybe going up like .5" in size, I would have to get the odometer/speedo recalibrated. What sort of prices are the dealers charging? Are there sizes they can't calibrate to? Most of the information I can find is when the Ranger first came out and many dealers seemingly didn't have a clue, but I would assume its gotten easier right?

Are people just not concerned with scrub distance or is that just something you accept when you go after market? Even with this modest offset change, I'm looking at like, 25mm of scrub distance. But, I'm also like, yes, 25mm.... is that a lot?

I'm pretty damn new to this, mostly have worked on motorcycles in the past and you don't really have to worry about offsets on two wheels, so this all seems a bit voodoo.

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[PNW_Ranger87]

I believe the dealership can only program all available factory sized tire options for our truck. I think they can only toggle between the 4-5 sizes that are offered. I can't confirm this yet but from what I've seen, that's usually the case.

The extra scrub distance does put more stress on the hubs yes but it's usually not more than they can handle for a long time. I used to run wide spacers and wheels on my old BMWs and that thing would just burn up front hubs. These truck hubs are built to withstand much more force and I can't think of hearing about anyone with wider wheel/tire setups having issues with hubs.

 

[PNW_Ranger87]

Also this...

Oh boy, here we go. This question has been beat to death everywhere, your best course of action would be to do as much research as you can and decide for yourself. I'll chime in on my take though.

Wheel spacers will increase load and strain onto the suspension and drive train, but no more than a wheel with the equivalent offset. If you buy wheels with more aggressive offset (let's say 25 mm difference from OEM wheel), the axle and suspension will see more load. If you buy 1 in spacers (25 mm), the axle and suspension will see the exact same load as the aftermarket wheel.

The only reason why spacers are seen as "inferior" is because you are introducing more mating surfaces and thus, increasing the number of potential failure points. With 1" spacers, you have double the mating surfaces (hub to inside of spacer + outside of spacer to wheel), and double the lug nuts/studs. Therefore, if you do not abide by the correct and safest methods to mate the surfaces together, you are increasing your possibility of failure.

A spacer made out of quality material (both the spacer material and the studs) and ensuring correct center bore sizing are critical when installing spacers. To answer your question, 1 - 1.5" spacers from a reputable brand will most likely be fine, but only you can make that decision. Keep in mind that anytime you modify anything, you may be going outside of what Ford tested and can result in adverse effects. It will also be wise to check with local laws.

 

[Tangent]

Thanks for the info! Definitely good info to know about the hubs. From what I can tell, the +55 offset of stock is kind of odd, there's pretty much zero non-ford options to not get a scub distance. Even the "spec'd for Ranger" ICONs are only like a +35 offset.

 

[PNW_Ranger87]

Thanks for the info! Definitely good info to know about the hubs. From what I can tell, the +55 offset of stock is kind of odd, there's pretty much zero non-ford options to not get a scub distance. Even the "spec'd for Ranger" ICONs are only like a +35 offset.

That's pretty typical for trucks and a lot of cars too actually. Like I said, the hubs on the trucks are very stout and can definitely handle the extra stress on them from lower offset wheels and tires. Especially since the 12-25mm isn't THAT much of a difference in width. The old car I had was OLD and definitely wasn't designed for the drastically low offset wheels (AND spacers) I was running.

 

[Tangent]

I've gotten a lot of muddy answers from the dealership on upgrading tires. Tried to just get a quote for the Raptor wheels with a set of tires, they read off a number from the website for the wheels, gave me a piece of paper with tires separately quoted, then said "there's probably some more charges." No shit, maybe that's why I'm asking you.

Other times I've tried to get any information like how much it costs to recalibrate the speedo, etc. I get answers ranging from "New cars match road speed," to "Let me look into that and email you" then silence.

I'm kind of baffled at this point that everyone who works for Ford is trained to seemingly ignore customers, their requests, or their desire to exchange cash for goods and services. When I bought the truck I had to go through like 3 different salesmen just to get one to respond to emails. Is this just par for the course now for my car maintenance now?

Guess I'm stuck going to a third party installer and praying the speedo auto adjusts because Ford can't be bothered.

 

[SN13]

I've gotten a lot of muddy answers from the dealership on upgrading tires. Tried to just get a quote for the Raptor wheels with a set of tires, they read off a number from the website for the wheels, gave me a piece of paper with tires separately quoted, then said "there's probably some more charges." No shit, maybe that's why I'm asking you.

Other times I've tried to get any information like how much it costs to recalibrate the speedo, etc. I get answers ranging from "New cars match road speed," to "Let me look into that and email you" then silence.

I'm kind of baffled at this point that everyone who works for Ford is trained to seemingly ignore customers, their requests, or their desire to exchange cash for goods and services. When I bought the truck I had to go through like 3 different salesmen just to get one to respond to emails. Is this just par for the course now for my car maintenance now?

Guess I'm stuck going to a third party installer and praying the speedo auto adjusts because Ford can't be bothered.

I saw the same Matrix Wheels (I like the brushed Black). But am thinking I'll just end up buying the Icon Ranger Spec'd Wheels as the Hubs are right, the offset is good.

I'm looking at larger tires to the tune of 1.5" OD. so will DEF. need speedo mod.

 

[Tangent]

I saw the same Matrix Wheels (I like the brushed Black). But am thinking I'll just end up buying the Icon Ranger Spec'd Wheels as the Hubs are right, the offset is good.

I'm looking at larger tires to the tune of 1.5" OD. so will DEF. need speedo mod.

Nice! I am sticking with stock suspension, so the 265/70/R17 is my limit and even then I'm a bit worried about rubbing under full load but, shouldn't come up in my driving routines. I like fire roads, but don't go into the super gnarly stuff, leave that to my dirt bike. That also gets my scrub distance down to 10mm, which should be fine handling wise.

Pulled the trigger on the Enkei Matrix in Brushed Black, went with General Grabber A/TX 265/70/R17s. Supposed to be delivered next Friday so should be an exciting weekend.

 

[PNW_Ranger87]

Bummer about the dealership support. I know that it's difficult to quote total jobs as far as parts and install is concerned because I work in the part dept. at a dealership. It's a major gap in the dealership system and I'm not proud of it.

Glad to see you're getting wheels and tires though! Looks like you went with 17x8" et30? I'm definitely interested to see how this size with the 265/70s works out!

 

[SN13]

Nice! I am sticking with stock suspension, so the 265/70/R17 is my limit and even then I'm a bit worried about rubbing under full load but, shouldn't come up in my driving routines. I like fire roads, but don't go into the super gnarly stuff, leave that to my dirt bike. That also gets my scrub distance down to 10mm, which should be fine handling wise.

Pulled the trigger on the Enkei Matrix in Brushed Black, went with General Grabber A/TX 265/70/R17s. Supposed to be delivered next Friday so should be an exciting weekend.

I'd love to see real world pictures of those. I only have the tire rack mockup...

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