I'm looking into getting a new set of wheels/tire for my '95 Sidekick. I'm not sure if I should go with 15x7 or 15x8 wheels. I will be putting either 235/75/15 or 30x9.5 tires on them, and the trucklet will be getting a 2" lift, too.

I like the look of the 15x8s, but want to minimize rubbing (not sure if that's going to be an issues). Been doing a lot of searching already.

Thoughts?

15x7 as they are closer to what is recommended for both tire sizes. That being said I have 235/75r15 on a 15x8 not sure of the backspacing and get firewall rub up front and inner quarter panel rub on the back that has a slight tendency to cut the lugs on the side of the tire just barely enough that it can be noticed. The tire shop had a little bit of a time putting the tires on the wheels but managed to get it done. Also on a 15x8 you won't be able to air down as much as the 15x7 can. If the weather gets nicer I will take a pic or two showing what I mean. Soon a lift will be added and new tires for the back as I got mine used and didn't check the date code when I bought them and now realize they are from 04 so with that and the lug issue I will just replace after the lift is done to make sure the new ones don't get damaged from it.

Thanks for the info. I think I will look for some 15x7s. Now I have to decide between 235s and 30s (and all terrains or mud terrains!).

235/75 R15 will fit without a lift.  30" tires require a little more work and suck a bit more power out of the engine.

Let us know what you decide on and how they fit, really interested in the offset and what is available. I just put a 2" lift on my 95 4door, added some 30x9.5 on the stock wheels and they rub the frame at full lock. I would like to find some 15x7 that move everything out a bit more. I checked all the Cragar steel wheels and they are 4" backspacing. Sounds like we need 3" or less which is hard to find. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CRR-3975755/

Erik in Portland

My wheel post:

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/technical-discussion-performance-modify/cragar-soft-8-15-x-7-4%27-backspacing-do-these-fit-4-dr-sidekick/msg249149/#msg249149

235/75r15 on 15x8 Cragar, though not sure of the model name. They are pushed out of the wheel wells a little bit, and do rub on the front at the firewall and at the rear at the top of the wheel arch at full flex for the stock truck.

Good luck for whichever wheel/tire combo you chose.


Thankfully plastic pushbar is gone now.

All good info; thanks.

I'll probably stick with a 15x7, and go with a 235/75. However, frankly, if I find a smokin' deal on some 30x9.5s, I might buy 'em.

The 30s are half an inch taller, a nats ass wider but the reason I went with them is the tread is deeper and the casing thicker, unfortunately they also weigh more.

http://toyotires.com/tire/pattern/open-country-at

Erik in Portland

4 Wheel parts sells "Pro Comp Rock Crawler" steelies, I got the black ones, and they are 15x7 with 3.75" BS.  It had some 235/75 on it before and they looked like donuts because they were so rounded...when I put the 30x9.50 on them, the tires looked less rounded and much better.  Going to a 15x8 with a 235/75 or 30x9.50 would make the tire look very rounded I would think

I tryed both with my 30x9.5's and the 15x7's work and look better. with a 3.75BS they are fine. I would like to find a 15x7 with a 3" BS, that would be perfect for me. I have a 3" calmini lift.