i have a 1998 LT and want to get a set of crager soft 8 wheels and i need to know whether to go with a 15x8 or what size i need to get to fit with the stock tires

 

i also need to know the bolt pattern and spacing

 

2wd or 4wd? Bolt pattern will be 5x4.75" either way but backspacing/offset will be different.

Later, Doug

 

I believe your stock rim size is a 15x8 but I'm not positive and your bolt pattern is for sure a

5 x 4.75 (inches)
5 x 120.65 (mm)

 

Stock 4x4 is a 15x7 rim with 6" of backspacing.

Stock (2nd gen: 1995+) 2x4 is 15x7 rim with 4.5" of backspacing

The Soft 8's come with 4.5 inches of backspacing, meaning your wheels will be sticking out 1.5 inches further than stock if it's 4x4...

Bolt pattern is 5x4.75, or metric= 5x120.65 (listed as 120.7 sometimes). If you're planning a lift, 31 inch tires may require some fender trimming with a 2 inch lift... I'd suggest combining a 2 inch body lift with a 2inch suspension lift (either Torsion-bar crank with shackles, or do a BDS or Rough Country susp. lift... more money but makes it easier to get an allignment done and it'll hold that aligment much better.) THat way you'll avoid having to trim with 4 inches of total lift.

Any other questions, just post =P

 

If your just wanting replacement rims, not a lift or larger tires. If you have a 4x4 then get as close to 6 inch backspace as possible. Your factory tire should be 235/75/15 and you may (depending on saggy torsion bars, other cercumstances) you should fit a stock tire safely with up to a 5 inch backspace.

Lower than that and you may rub, plus you should make sure you don't have exposed tread laws in your state. In WV they will pour water or hang a plumb line on your fender/flair and if it touches tread at all, legaly it shouldn't pass inspection. But to your point I'd shoot for as close to factory backspace as possible.

If your not dead set on cragers, there are other wheels that wheels to think about. Any camaro, trans am, firebird, or corvette wheel from 94 and up (except newest camaro) will have he same bolt pattern and backspace as factory 4x4 wheels. Just remember not to run two diffrent size tires with 4wd engaged.

But whatever route you go, keep us informed and post pics if possible.

 

X2 on the backspacing issue unless you have a lift.

 

thanks a lot to everyone! Please forgive the delayed response but i did decide against the cragers for the reason my cousin had them on his jeep and he said they rusted really fast. i just started to do some off roading in my truck too so im shooting for an aggressive look with new wheels. Any suggestions???
Thanks, Dan

 

You might check out the American Racing ATX styles
http://www.americanracing.com/browse_atx.asp
I think they might have that aggressive look you are after.

 

also look a procomp wheels