Based on the tremendous response we received from the Performance Training Guide launched in May, we’ve developed another unique tool designed to give you a winning edge.
Starting this month, and appearing semi-annually, I’ll be covering new vehicle and wheel applications data that will help you get the most from your sales and installation team. The first vehicle to make the list is the Chrysler 300C. We’ve covered this car a number of times, mainly due to the unique 5×115 bolt pattern and medium offset required.
Notice how the medium offset gives the factory wheel a little depth from the outside flange to the lug nuts. Most of you know, or should know by now, that you can easily bolt a set of 22s on this car and its Magnum and Charger siblings in RWD trim.
Well, just when we thought we had this all figured out, Chrysler changed the rules. Case in point: the 300C all-wheel drive. It you take a close look at the factory wheel, you’ll see that the face is flat; there is no depth to the wheel. You guessed it – it’s a positive offset!
So, what do we do? First, from now on, we have to ask or look for ourselves to find out which vehicle the customer has before we can suggest wheels. Fortunately, the 5×115 bolt pattern and high offset are common for many of the GM vehicles, so we can still offer a wide variety of styles and sizes, including 22 inchers.
Next up is the newly redesigned SUV from GM. After having to increase inventory to fit the 2005-and-up F150 when it arrived with a 6×135 bolt pattern and high offset, we now have to tie up more cash and floor space to fit the General, as well. For almost two decades, the combination of 6×5.5 bolt pattern and medium offset has made this platform one of the most successful in the aftermarket and for GM.
As 2007 Yukons, Tahoes and Suburbans roll off the lots and into our shops, we have to keep in mind that they’re now built with a high offset, instead of a medium offset. The bolt pattern is still 6×5.5, and the hub is still 78 mm.
The problem is the same as it was for the Ford. How do we recommend a wheel with a decent lip and still maintain drivability? What’s more, how do we comply with some state laws requiring that the tire cannot extend pass the top of the fender or fender flares?
Start asking your suppliers for high offset wheels to install on these SUVs. I guarantee that trucks will show up with this same setup by late next year.
The next new model is the Raider from Mitsubishi. Many of you may remember the old Raider from the late 1980s. Although this truck has the same name, it is a completely different application. It uses a lot of off-the-shelf Dodge parts but has its own style.
One main similarity is the hub design. The new Raider has the same 5×5.5 bolt pattern with medium offset and 9/16-18 lug nuts as the Ram.
But, take a look underneath, and you will see a major difference. The medium offset places the top of the tire very near to the upper A-arm. A wider tire – especially one like a ProComp or TSL with extra knobby lugs on the side – may hit this unless you mount them on an aftermarket wheel with a zero offset or below.
Remember to install fender flares, if required, because you will be several inches outside of the body. Of course, if you’re in a state like mine that doesn’t have any regulations governing fender flares, having a mud-covered truck with wide tires and wheels is a status symbol.
Another long-time staple to the roadster market is the Mazda Miata. This car is so popular and has been modified so much that it even has its own racing series in SCCA. It had always had a 4×100 bolt pattern. That is, until this year.
Now that the 2006 model has rolled out, not only does it have new styling but it also comes with a 5×4.5 bolt pattern and keeps the high offset. Looks like it’s time to tuck some 225/35R19s under this one.
For you guys who want to run a set of 225/50R16s at the track, be careful choosing the wheel. The brake calipers are going to be close on some wheels. You may want to make a cardboard template and compare to the X-factor of the wheel to make sure that you have enough clearance behind the spokes.
The last vehicle is a completely new SUV from Mazda. The CX-7 just arrived and is targeted at the RX330 and MDX consumer market, both of which are great platforms for 22 inchers.
The CX-7 comes with 235/60R18s from the factory and a 5×4.5 bolt pattern and high offset. Making the calculations, we see that a 265/35R22 is dead on the money for a plus size. The sky is the limit with this one.
In all of the above examples, make sure to verify the load index of your replacement tires and set the air pressure accordingly to meet or exceed the factory specs.
If you need help with any of this application data, or you want information about a vehicle that we haven’t covered, send me an e-mail.
