First, I tried finding info on this through search in both this forum as well as the 97-03 trucks forum with no luck.

Secondly, I know what offset means, I know what backspacing means, and I've seen a reference to "inset" which I would presume to be negative offset.

Now my question- on f-150's, particularly in the 97-03 range, do the wheels that come on 2wd trucks have the same offset as those on 4wd trucks? I'm aware that certain OTHER vehicles (read chevy s-trucks) were different for each.

For instance, I'm looking to swap to a 17" OEM wheel from my 16's and I'm looking at the 5 spoke chrome rim that I've seen only on 2wd lariats. It's actually a steel wheel with a prermanently installed chrome overlay of some sort. And, I've been looking at the 5 spoke with the exposed lugnuts and black centers that I've seen only on 4x4 trucks. I've seen one of those 4x4 wheels up close that had "14mm offset" cast into the back of the rim (meaning the mounting surface sits closer to the front of the wheel). However, I thought I had seen reference to 14mm INSET on some 2wd rims. I could just pull one of mine off and measure it but I was hoping someone here could save me that trouble.

 

Not sure about those newer trucks but I am certain that on 80-96 trucks they are no different. Someone will come along soon...