Reply to "GT 5 Wheel Offsets"

Coz,

Are you measuring for a set of aftermarket wheels?

If so, get the car level and hang a string with a weight (plumb bob) on the end from the center of the wheel opening on the inside (duct tape should hold it in place). With the wheel bolted in place, measure from the edge of the rim to the string. That measurement will tell you just about how far out you can bring the wheel without it hitting the sheetmetal.

Lets say that measurement is 2 1/4". If you wanted to move the wheel right out to the limit, you subtract say 2" from the backspacing. If it's the rear wheel, your new backspacing would be 3 1/4" (flange measurement). That's how you would order it. If you only want to come out 1", you'd be at 4 1/4".

The front requires an additional step. When you determine how far out you want to move the wheel (say 2"), find yourself something light and 2" thick and tape it to your sidewall as close to the tread as possible. Jack the car up and support it under the control arm so that the front is at ride height but off the ground. Turn the wheel to the extreme lock and rotate it slowly noting how far that taped object comes to hitting anything. Turn to the opposite lock and do it again. Knowing how Panteras are constructed, I would do both sides front and rear (no need to jack up the rear). Be sure to leave yourself enough room for suspension travel. If it hits anything, back it off 1/2" at a time and try again.

If you want to move the wheel in, you add to the backspacing. Again, make sure to check for clearance. You don't have to add the spacer in because you're taking a new direct measurement with the wheel in place. If you don't use the spacer, you'll get a slightly deeper dished rim.

Michael