Author: Chris Petrawski

Understanding Wheel Offset: A Comprehensive Guide

April 30, 2024

Wheel offset is a critical factor in the performance and appearance of a vehicle. It refers to the distance between the centerline of the wheel and the plane of the hub-mounting surface of the wheel. Depending on this distance, wheel offset is categorized into three types: positive, zero, and negative. Each type has its specific applications, advantages, and disadvantages that can significantly affect a vehicle’s handling, stability, and aesthetics.

Diagram illustrating wheel offset types: positive, zero, and negative offset, highlighting wheel centerline and back-spacing features relevant to vehicle performance and aesthetics.
Image credit by Les Schwab

How Positive Offset Wheels Enhance Vehicle Stability & Handling

In a positive offset wheel, the mounting surface is located toward the front (street side) of the wheel. This is the most common type of offset in modern vehicles, especially front-wheel drives, as it aligns well with the suspension setup, pushing the wheels closer to the outer body.

Advantages

  • Improves vehicle stability by aligning the wheels closely with the vehicle body.
  • Reduces strain on suspension components, contributing to a longer lifespan.

Disadvantages

  • May reduce steering responsiveness due to the wheels being positioned more inward.
  • Increased risk of the wheels rubbing against the bodywork, especially with larger aftermarket wheels.

Zero Offset

A zero offset means the wheel’s mounting surface is exactly in line with the centerline of the wheel. This setup is less common and usually seen in older vehicles or specific types of performance cars where the design aims for a balance between the inner and outer wheel placement relative to the body.

Negative Offset

With a negative offset, the wheel’s mounting surface is toward the back (brake side) of the wheel. This configuration pushes the wheel outwards, giving the vehicle a more aggressive stance.

Advantages

  • Enhances handling and cornering capability by widening the vehicle’s track.
  • Allows for a more aggressive vehicle stance and accommodates larger tires.

Disadvantages

  • Increases wear on wheel bearings and suspension components due to greater outward leverage.
  • Potential for the wheels to protrude beyond the body, which may require modifications or lead to legal issues in some areas.

Impact on Offroad Vehicle Performance

For off-road vehicles, wheel offset is a pivotal consideration. A negative offset is often favored because it offers a wider stance, crucial for stability over uneven terrain. The broader wheel track can improve balance and grip when navigating through obstacles. However, this setup requires careful consideration of wheel well clearance to prevent the tires from rubbing against the body or suspension components, possibly necessitating modifications for optimal performance. Learn more about how to enhance your vehicle with these off-road modifications.

Understanding wheel offset is paramount for anyone looking to modify their vehicle for performance or aesthetic reasons. Whether opting for a positive, zero, or negative offset, each choice comes with its own set of pros and cons. For off-road enthusiasts, the balance between a vehicle’s appearance and its functional capability over rugged terrain often leans towards a negative offset. However, it’s essential to consider the implications on vehicle dynamics and ensure compatibility with your vehicle’s design and intended use.

At OUTLAW Off-Road and Performance we love what we do and it’s our mission to provide San Antonio truck enthusiasts with the best service at friendly rates. Let us help you find the perfect set of wheels for your vehicle, be it positive offset or negative. Contact us today for your custom off-road wheel and tire installation.

Who Makes the Best Lift Kit?

July 26, 2021

Did you know that pickup trucks make up 25% of all new vehicles that are sold in the Lone Star State? 

Most people that live in Texas know that having a good lift kit on your truck is pretty much a no-brainer – everyone seems to have them. The key, however, is choosing the right lift kit that will give you the look and feel you want. 

Not all lift kits are the same, and you want to be sure that your kit is safe, manageable, and durable for the long haul.

Keep reading to find out how you can choose the right lift kit, and where you should go for the best service possible. 

What Should You Look for in a Lift Kit?

Getting a lift kit is about more than looking cool. It’s about enhancing your car, truck, or SUV to give it the functionality you’re looking for. As we said before, a lift kit isn’t really a good kit if it doesn’t do what you want it to do! 

You first have to narrow down what your goal is with the lift kit. Some common reasons that people will choose to get lift kits include:

  • Enhanced off-roading experience
  • Better visibility on the road
  • Obtaining larger wheels and tires
  • Smoother ride overall
  • Assistance with towing
  • Improved suspension

It’s a good idea to talk to the team about what you want from your lift kit before you decide on the type of kit you want to get. 

You also want to ensure that the lift kit you’re purchasing is within your budget, will work with the tires you prefer, and is of high quality. All of these factors are important to get the outcome you’re looking for and making your truck perform like the well-oiled machine it is. 

What Are the Best Names in Lift Kits?

Now that you have a better idea of what type of lift kit you want, you need to know which names in the industry are premium. At OUTLAW San Antonio, we work with the highest quality brand names out there, so you don’t need to worry about getting the best of the best.

Some of the names we partner with include:

  • Skyjacker Suspension
  • IIIProComp
  • Pure Performance Suspension
  • ReadyLIFT Suspension

If you have questions about our products or the companies we partner with, feel free to ask us! We want you to be comfortable with your choice so that your car, truck, or SUV ends up looking exactly as you imagined it would.

By choosing our products and services, you know you’re getting the best options in town for your lift. 

The Benefits of Getting Custom Lift Kits

The main benefit to getting a lift kit that you customize beforehand is that you are going to get exactly what you want. Whether you want a lift kit that will impact the way your vehicle looks or you want one that enhances the overall functions of your vehicle, you can figure out how to get the lift you’re looking for. 

The two main types of lift kits are body lift kits or suspension lift kits. If you’re looking for something that will add some height to your ride, the body lift kit is the way to go. However, if you’re more interested in a kit that will overhaul your existing suspension system and give your vehicle more power, the suspension lift kit is the better choice. 

Either way, you’ll reap the benefit of better visibility on the road with a custom lift kit, which is always a good thing for any driver. In addition to that, you’ll have more ground clearance, and you will be able to tow almost anything with ease. 

Make Your Truck Your Own With Customizations

Anyone can own a regular ride, but if you’re looking for something that’s a bit more your style, there are many different customizations you can make to give your vehicle a unique feel. 

Some things that you can consider adding to your car, truck, or SUV include custom tires, custom truck grills, or even vehicle wraps. It all depends on your own style. 

OUTLAW San Antonio is ready to help you get the look you want. We offer a wide variety of services that can really make your ride stand out among the rest! Check out some of our past work today to see why we are the best in the business. 

We really care about our customers and the quality of work we do. If you’re in the market for customizations, we are sure we offer what you’re looking for.

Why Is OUTLAW San Antonio the Best for This Job?

Installing a lift kit isn’t something that you should do on your own. If installed incorrectly, your lift kit could end up damaging your vehicle or making it unsafe for you to drive on the road. For that reason, you’ll want to go with a team of pros that will do the job correctly each and every time.

OUTLAW San Antonio has years of experience working with drivers that want to lift or lower their cars, trucks, and SUVs. We offer our customers the best products on the market and will always maintain the highest of standards in this industry.

In addition to that, we are ready to offer you a warranty on our products and our work. We want you to be happy with your experience, so we also can set you up with a financing plan to help you pay for the lift job over time. 

Are You Looking for the Best Custom Truck Lift?

While lift kits aren’t for everyone, they can be extremely handy for people with certain lifestyles. If you think you might benefit from having one, it’s worth giving it a try! 

OUTLAW San Antonio has a team of professionals that can accommodate your needs to increase your vehicle’s performance and enhance your off-roading experience. 

If you’re on the hunt for a San Antonio truck lift kit company with years of experience, we are here to help you out! Contact us to get more information on our services, and let us work with you for some design ideas today.