mctuners

Hello.
I have an IS250 AWD and looking to put 18 inch wheels, but staggered size. They are 18 x 8 in front with 45+ offset and 18 x 8.5 in rear with 38+ offset. Now, I'm trying to put equal size of tires so that it would not mess up my transmission or AWD system.
My question is, is it possible to put the same size of tires for these wheels with different width on the wheels? For example, instead of putting 225 in front and 255 in rear, can I put 235 all around?
Also, will the 18 x 8.5 with 38+ offset in rear rub against my rear fender?
Please don't tell me to do search, because I have done enough search, but there was no clear or direct answer to my questions.
thanks

dngo27

hey mc,

i would recommend that you not run a staggered setup. i dont have any proof that it'll mess your drivetrain but who knows. better be safe the sorry right?

i am running 18x8 30 offset with 235/40/18 all around. the offset is perfect. it doesnt rub in the rear at all even with a full load. in the front, at a certain wheel angle, it rubs just a teeny weeny bit on the wheelwell plastic closest to the center of the car. some others have used a heatgun to melt the plastic to create the clearance. i will do the same once i find a heatgun.

overall, my setup does not rub due to load, bumps or dips. with our awd, its really the best configuration imho.

good luck.

mctuners

thanks dngo27,
I'm surprised that 18x8 with 30+ offset does not rub on your car, which is also good to know, since I can check out more kinds of wheels.
So, running staggered size setup wheels, but with the same width of tires are still staggered? Wouldn't it be all same, because all 4 wheels will have the same amount of traction on the ground? I'm all confused..

mctuners

I just called tirereck since I thought that they would have an answer for me. They said running 235 on both 18x8 and 18x8.5 will be fine and won't mess up my tranny or drivetrain, because the same amount of traction will apply to all 4 shoes. Is this true? I want to make it 100% sure what I was told is absolutely true before I go for this plan. who know... someone might have different thoughs?

josephdoc

Dont run stagger setup in AWD cars. Do not listen to any suggestion because there is no such combo on tires that will have the same circumferences. Close match means not the same.

Good luck with your decision.

dngo27

hey mc,

its not just the tire contact patch, but also the weight of each wheel that i would be concerned about. i can take pics later so you can get an idea of my setup. imho, its the best setup for our awd. cheers.

is2seattle

iTrader: (1)

Even Lexus does not offer a staggered setup for all AWD models.

trinityhk

iTrader: (1)

Ive heard you should not run a staggered setup on an AWD.

mctuners

I understand that running a staggered setup on AWD is not recommended, but if I use the same type of tires, would it still cause the problem? I mean, 18x8 and 18x8.5 wheels may be weighted differently, but would that difference be noticeably huge that will cause the problem? If the answer is really no no, I won't do it, but the wheels that I found are the ones that I have waited for so long.

mctuners

so, I guess there is no one in this forum, who tried staggered wheels with same tire size for AWD model?

t.is350.h

iTrader: (3)

Hi guys,

I was wondering if this offset will work on our car 18x9J+33 F and 18x10.5+45 R. Any input would help me a lot. Thanks...

onihc

iTrader: (1)

it'll work. you'll need to stretch your tires, especially the front because it's going to poke a couple millimeters beyond the fender. the rears should be fine. you may need to shave the rear fenders, depending on the tires and how low you go. the rears will be as close to perfect flush without poking out.

trinityhk

iTrader: (1)

you are def. going to need to stretch your tires.

iSuxeL

iTrader: (21)

I think the fronts will be fine IMO

t.is350.h

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the response guys...I'm really appreciated...