8 lug wheels: Buying Wheels Online
8 lug wheels...
If you are looking to purchase 8 lug wheels online, you might be wondering how to spot the best deal or if you have to do anything to make them fit.
We've put together some information that will help you make a decision. After all, the whole reason most people look online for wheels and tires is that you can save a ton of money. What good is that if you end up with something that just doesn't work?
The first thing you should know when looking for wheels and tires online is that most sites will make suggestions based on the make and model of your vehicle.
You will be able to see the recommended wheels and can verify that they are indeed 8 lug wheels. Also, you will be given suggestions on wheels and tires that will fit. If you are unsure, just check them to the current size on your truck.
You will also note that most sites will make suggestions for larger wheels as well. Generally, they will suggest a lower profile tire with the larger diameter wheel so that the overall dimensions are similar to the stock wheel. If you are looking to fill more of the wheel well, be aware that for the most part you won't be getting huge wheel and tire packages listed. In general, most sites stick to the +1 or +2 sizing. If you are looking at anything bigger, you will most likely have to have a professional size and fit them.
Another thing to mention when looking at the recommendations is that you should be looking at quantities. Especially if you are looking at clearance wheels. Be sure there are 4 in stock.
Finally, be sure to check what the return policy is. For the most part, you will be responsible for all shipping charges incurred unless the wrong merchandise was shipped or it arrived damaged. Also, you might even have a restocking fee or some other kind of fee such as one to disassemble a wheel and tire package. All the websites have their policies online, but you can also call to get an exact answer..
If you have never purchases wheels and/or tires online, you might be unfamiliar with the terminology you encounter when shopping online for your new wheels and tires. Here's a brief run down of some common terms.
Lug pattern - the number of bolt holes. To measure the lug pattern or bolt pattern of an 8 lug wheel, start in the middle of one hole and measure to the middle of the hole directly across from it.
Hub Diameter - the measurement of the center hole of the wheel.
Back spacing - the distance from the outside edge of the tire to the backside of the wheel mount (where your lug holes are).
Offset: The measurement from the mounting plate to the centerline of the wheel. It can be positive (closer to the outside edge of the wheel) or negative (closer to the inside edge of the wheel).
To be honest, you probably won't need any of these measurements since most companies have made them for you in order to make their recommendations, but it's nice to know what they are talking about if it comes up!
Is one place better than another?.
I can't say I've purchased tons of wheels online. We only have 2 cars. Well, one car and one truck. I can, however, say that whenever I look to purchase something online I scour the net to find as much info as possible. Well, you must too if you are reading this!
Essentially the answer to that question is no. There isn't one place that is hands down better than all the rest. You have to take into consideration what your priorities are. For example, I was more concerned about price for our car, but with the truck I wanted something pretty showy, so I was more concerned about selection.
If price is a concern, you can find many online stores that have clearance sections. In fact there's a few shops that say everything they sell is discounted. You can also check out ebay and craigslist. One note on purchasing used wheels and tires though: now a days you can get pretty close to the same prices on new sets if you look hard enough. Also, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. That said, there are many reputable dealers who sell on ebay so just check the feedback to make sure you are dealing with someone who will be there after the purchase.
For those of you who are more interested in the latest styles or the biggest selection, you will find a plethora of sites catering to your particular scene. Manufacturers sell their wheels and tires for sure, but you can also find off road sites or customizing stores where plus size wheels and tires packages are ready for your particular truck. Again be sure to check out what kind of after purchase support and return policy they have.
If you don't have the right size wheel and tire combo on your vehicle, it won't matter how good you look. You won't be driving anywhere.
The concept of plus sizing is basically taking your wheel, making it larger, and then using a smaller profile tire in order to keep the over all dimensions as close to the factory original measurements as possible. By doing it this way, your speedometer and odometer still function correctly.
When shopping online, you will notice that most of the sites will have a plus 1 or a plus 2 at max. They have measured the stock wheels and tires so that they can recommend larder diameter wheels and still keep those same measurements. Of course, some sites will put together packages that aren't the same as the factory sizes. That's ok as long as you know that those 26's are going to affect the spedo, etc and that you have to do some work to get them to fit properly.
Another side effect of larger diameter tires combined with a shorter
profile tire is that the ride quality diminishes. Check out the
forums. There are plenty of people that will confirm that those
super big wheels aren't the best for daily driving. Since the
sidewall is much smaller, there is less rubber to absorb those
vibrations. Therefore it is transfered up into the seat. If you
aren't driving a ton of miles, no worries. Just remember that if
you are feeling extra vibrations, your vehicle is too.
Finally, remember to get an additional wheel/tire combo to use as a spare if you are super sizing your wheels. That factory donut isn't going to cut it, and that's going to leave you with a. an expensive wheel sitting on the ground or b. a tow since you can't drive to your nearest shop. Hopefully your trunk/bed will be able to house that extra spare!.