I noticed that a lot of the owners here are running these wheels (and looking good). Would anyone be so kind as helping this newbie out with the backspacing and offset numbers from a set of these wheels.

Also, are there "fronts" and "backs" like traditional 16"+ 3rd Gen wheels?

Thanks,

 

SLP is selling them with the offsets designed for thirdgens, no spacers are needed.

 

SLP and Ronal are selling the wheels with everything set up correctly for a thirdgen. Spacers and lug nuts come with the wheels. You will not need to use the spacers if you have a 1le car. Even with the spacers, I had to grind on my tie rod end a little. The modifican is not severe and only took about 15 mins. I've heard a lot of people dont even have to grind. The front and back Ronal/SLP wheels are identical castings.

Since you're a newbie, 1le involves a semi-rare brake package. Your car is not likely 1le. These vehicles came with different spindles and brakes that lend to increased tie rod-to-wheel clearance. Please excuse me if you already knew this.

 

Buy me!

 

Hmm... I JUST found a Ronal dealer up here in Ontario... It'll be ~$3000 for these ($400ea)plus some KDW 275/40s(275ea). Not bad at all.

They told me what the RONAL site couldn't the wheels are 10mm positive offset... which means that they have 5.125" BS, right?!

As for the 1LE thing... I am not new to the world of F-bodies. I have a friend with a '91 Camaro with the 1LE package (305 5spd).
Also, my '87 Turbo T has the 1LE brakes on the front. Hint!
You are more than excused... for being helpful and all.

So, if anyone can confirm the actual backspacing on these wheels I'd appreciate it.

 

I'm just a curious,how thick are those spacers that come with wheels.

 

I want to say it was 3/8" spacers. I have them on my car to clear the tie rods. They came with the necessary lug nuts as well. I've seen many people asking for the backspacing numbers, but I, like most owners, slapped rubber on them and torqued the lugnuts before doing any measuring. I personally would call customer service at Ronal USA and ask them. I think the number is on their website www.ronalusa.com.

GL!

 

I have sometimes wondered how much thickness at spacers is safe use.Probably that 3/8" is very close maximium thickness.Are those spacers hub centric or not?

 

Not sure what you mean, here's an example, but this one is for a 4 bolt wheel.

 

The supplied spacer is 1/8" thick. I did not have to grind anything to make mine fit.

Trust us, the backspacing is fine. Ronal only makes the R15 wheel for the thirdgen f-body application.

 

The supplied spacer is 1/8" thick. I did not have to grind anything to make mine fit.

Trust us, the backspacing is fine. Ronal only makes the R15 wheel for the thirdgen f-body application.

 

My spacer is 8mm (approx 5/16") thick, and even with that I had to grind down the tie rods. But they are Moog tie rods. Maybe stock GM doesn't have a problem.

 

I too need to know the measured backspacing on these wheels (I've searched to no avail). Ronal emailed me "10mm ET" which translates to 10mm positive offset. From my calculations that gives around 5.5" backspacing on a 17x9.5 wheel.

I plan to install these on a '78-87 El Camino with the 12" 1LE brake upgrade - if they will fit.

Measurements greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Chris

 

These dimensions are from the 2003 SLP catalog:

BACK SPACING: 5-1/2"
OFFSET: 3/4"
DIAMETER: 17"
WHEEL WIDTH: 9-1/2"
WEIGHT: 25 3/5lbs
BRAKE CLEARANCE: 15-21/32" (mounting flange)
BRAKE CLEARANCE: 16 13/16" (backmost edge)


Hope this helps!

 

That is exactly what I need. Many thanks.

They'll be something different on a G-body, though I think the front clearance is going to be tight. I ran GTA wheels (reversed, fronts on the rears, rears on the front) so I think it will be ok.

Chris