I have a question about putting wheels on my 97 LS 400. I know the stock offset is a +45 but I'd like to know what range of offsets I can use. For example can I do a +25 to a +55 like what's the range? I wanna put 18×8 maybe 18×8.5inch wheels on there with 235 maybe 245×45 or 40 tires and any advice on wheel spacers is greatly appreciated. I was going to leave the brake caliper the same but refinish it and I was gonna put after market disks on there they'd be the same size obviously. As far as suspension goes I would like to lower it and keep it simple though with just springs lowering it not too much definitely not too little what are you guys think? Thanks just trying to get a diversity of opinions.

 

I'm lowered a couple inches running 18x8.5 +35 all around with 235/45/18 in the rear, and it barely clears the inner fender lip. Running 225/45/18 up front, and have a little more room, but probably wouldn't be able to go lower than a +25 in front without rubbing. Fenders are stock. If I rolled them, I would gain about a half inch or so.

 

Many variables. With 245/40-18's on 18x8.5" square set-up a +40 conservative offset is safe. The back without mods the 30mm range is visually matched. This isn't flush at all but isn't sunk like stock. Springs usually drop the car in the 2" range and that does not pose a rubbing issue.

 

I've got 18x8 +45 SC430 wheels running 235/45/18 Bridgestone RE97AS tires with a 20mm spacer in front and it's pretty much flush with the fender. In the rear I'd need a 25mm spacer to make it look proper but haven't got around to doing that yet.

Car drives fine, doesn't rub or bump when going over large speedbumps.

I had to add the spacer in front to clear the big brakes found on 95+ models, but it'll clear fine on older models without a spacer.

 

what you also have to consider when getting wheels on top of offset is wheel design to clear the brake calipers. keep in mind you have larger profile calipers and some wheels will not clear the caliper due to the spoke design. most RWD OEM wheels, like the SC430 wheels mentioned above, have the design to clear the brakes. I've seen some aftermarket wheels not clear despite having a lower offset due to the design. spacers can be used to remedy, but I don't recommend running anything wider than 5mm.

it is hard to determine an offset range bc a lot of it depends on the wheel/spoke design.

 

Thank you all for your reply's. The brake caliper situation is something I hadn't even thought of. I like to see what is working, it will help me make some informed choices.

Steve