aftermarket wheels, should I buy four or five?

[cmoney]

Hello everyone, stopped by America's tires today to get a quote on new wheels (pro comp 7089, 4.5 bs) I've been wanting for awhile. The rep advised to get five instead of four. The reason being if I get a flat when offroading, the different offset of the stock wheels will put stress on the transfer case when 4wd is engaged. I've heard of this issue when using a smaller tire as a spare but the difference in offset is new information for me.

Anybody have any thoughts on this? Please chime in.

Getting that fifth wheel isn't a big deal for me. I was just thinking why spend the extra money when it won't be seen underneath the truck anyways (I'm running 255/75/17).

 

[cam-shaft]

Pretty much up to you, but I know that if I am in the middle of the backcountry and I get a flat I want to know that my spare will fit and work just like all other wheels. I guess I would call that being prepared. I love the stock wheels.
Cam-shaft.

 

[Mark Harley]

Get the 5th, matching spares are good and look cool.

Have you ever seen a lifted jeep with the original 225-75-16 spare hanging on the rear?
looks bad and won't get you home easy.

 

[tanglefoot]

I've never heard of different offset causing speed differential. There might be a very slight rotational difference when turning but it would be nothing compared to the difference between the normal front and back speed differeential in a turn. Tire size surely causes a difference but I can't see offset causing anything significant.

It depends more on how much you want to spend, whether or not your spare is visible and if you want to use 5-wheel rotation.

 

[p nut]

If you have the means to do it, why not? It makes sense, either way. Putting on a spare with matching tire and correct back spacing couldn't hurt. Like when I upgraded to 33's, I switched out the spare as well.

 

[Louisd75]

I've never heard of different offset causing speed differential. There might be a very slight rotational difference when turning but it would be nothing compared to the difference between the normal front and back speed differeential in a turn. Tire size surely causes a difference but I can't see offset causing anything significant.

It depends more on how much you want to spend, whether or not your spare is visible and if you want to use 5-wheel rotation.

^^^ This. I can't see a different backspace causing problems. Different diameters could be a problem. So long as the diameters are the same you should be fine. Personally I would go with a matching spare and do a 5 tire rotation. When I replaced my last set of tires I had four at 50% or so wear and my spare on the stock steelie was brand new. I switched tire sizes so I couldn't just remove the spare and put it onto one of the alloy rims. I picked up some extra stock alloy rims so that I now have two spares mounted on rims that match the rest of the truck.

 

[cmoney]

Thanks everyone. The fifth is going underneath so no aesthetic benefits but the fifth tire rotation is a plus. It seems like most of you don't think it will do any damage mechanically if the stock is used in flat situation.

I have a 2008 4runner. Anybody have experience with an aftermarket wheel underneath the truck? Any issues not fitting bc of different backspace?

 

[Mrknowitall]

I would definitely get the 5th wheel, for the same reason I'd buy 5 tires, if you can swing it: you never know when they'll stop making the exact wheels/tires you buy, and if you destroy one, you could be SOL.

 

[p nut]

Thanks everyone. The fifth is going underneath so no aesthetic benefits but the fifth tire rotation is a plus. It seems like most of you don't think it will do any damage mechanically if the stock is used in flat situation.

I have a 2008 4runner. Anybody have experience with an aftermarket wheel underneath the truck? Any issues not fitting bc of different backspace?

Unless you're going with some obnoxiously wide wheels, backspacing won't matter for fitment under the truck as long as the width is close to the stock wheel.

 

[CAP650]

The BS / Offset will not affect the transfer case. That applies to running tires of different diameters. If you are running 255's, you will be fine with a 255 on the stock spare wheel. Only way the offset would affect anything would be if you were running wide tires, where the offset / bs is preventing rubbing. In that case the spare tire might rub on UCA's or somewhere the new wheel / tire combo don't and this could cause problems, especially offroad.

I would say the only advantages are if you plan to do 5 wheel rotations, or you hate having a barely worn spare tire when you by new rubber. One other possible advantage is not having to flop the tires back around after you repair the damaged tire.

 

[2025 deleted member]

I would get 5 tires but only 4 wheels. 5th wheel=waste of money IMO.

 

[CAP650]

I would get 5 tires but only 4 wheels. 5th wheel=waste of money IMO.

Yup!