Well, I messed up big time.

I have a 2000 Ex (all stock) and I picked up a set of 17 inch rims with all the centers really cheap. The rims are in good shape and I got tires and had them all ready to go.... but I didn't do my research. The rims hit my tie rod end on the front end. They won't work, the offset is too much.

A friend has a set of 18's (no tires) and I tried them, they clear everything but the offset puts them way back in, I'm afraid they would rub the leaf spring at full turn. Do you think I could make them work or should I just bite the bullet and get a set of aftermarket wheels?

 

They sell wheel spacers to fix that problem. they bolt up to the factory studs and then the wheels bolt to them. the spacers have their own studs so they are strong.

 

Yes you could get a set of spacers to make them work but keep in mind that a high quality set of spacers will set you back about $ 500.00. So you might want to weigh your options. I would probably resell the wheels and keep the tires then get a set of wheels that fit.

 

What offset are the wheels you bought?

 

From what I measure the factory 16's have 4 inch backspacing and the 17's I bought are 5 inch backspacing. When I put the 17's on they rub the tie rod/steering knuckle. A 1/4 inch might be enough to clear but it would be very close.

I put the rims and tires on internet to see if I can get my money out of them. I guess I'll just keep looking for rims to fit.

 

I just installed a set of 20x10 with a 5 inch backspace(-12offset) with zero rub on a 34.1" tire. This is also on an excursion.

 

I believe the stock specs are:
Rim 16x7 — Offset +25 — Back Space 5 — Tire 265-75-16 (31X10.4-16)

 

That sounds like my stock rims size, I was looking to get another set to run for the winter, but the 17's won't clear the tie rod end, the 18x9 I tried cleared but it was just a rim, not sure what size tire I could run. I kept the 17's LT265/70r17 so they were close to the 16's size.

I was also thinking of beefing the springs up a little too, so tire size may come into play yet.

 

Ok, does anyone have an opinion on running a set of 18x9's on my Excursion?
I'm worried about the backspacing on the rear.
Are they gonna rub?
Am I gonna need spacers?

 

Sadly you can't just say 18 x 9 and have that translate to a standard backspacing. It is specific to each rim.

 

I believe I measured the backspacing at 5 inches

 

I personally would get some 2" wheel spacers. i had to do that and i have 20's with 41's on them.