Why do aftermarket wheel companies typically make their subaru wheels 48 offset, 50 offset, and if were lucky, 45 offset? Ive never actually rolled my rear fenders, but it seems that even with the stock rear fenders, i could use wheels with under 45 offset. Tell me if im way off, but cant wrx's handle +35 17x8 wheels? If so, why is the hideous +48 still being used so often?! Sorry for this random rant, it just annoys the hell out of my that i have rotas that are sunk into my car

 

Offsets get determined by suspension geometry which goes well beyond the obvious spring and fender clearances- don't forget that there is a spring perch on the other side of the tire, it isn't just the fender you need to clear.
If you can get something different to fit, there's a good chance it might screw up the loading of the suspension and handling.

 

makes me wonder if this is the reason why wrxs has crappy looking offset, or its just because manufacterers dont want to get too close to the fenders and have a bunch of customers rushing to complain about rubbing issues.

 

has to do with how the wheel bearings are loaded as well

 

they do that to save ur wheel bearings... if u want to get something that looks perfect and performs perfect..... rota may not be for you

dont get me wrong im a big rota fan i wont rock anything but rotas.. they just dont come very wide =D at least that im aware of

 

i totally understand that my rotas cant be perfect. i have them for the same reason everyone else does, im on a budget. cant beat a set of 17s for 300-400 bucks used!

 

quoted for the truth, i picked up sum used tarmacs with sum yokohama avs es 100s with decent meat left for $300

 

If its really that important to you, just get some spacers.

And don't forget to change your wheel bearings every few months!

 

17x8.5 +43 advans rg's i had almost stuck out the fender.. and the wheel bearing issue i assume is true.. i've replaced 2... but then again.. i also drive my car like i stole it.. haha

 

Seriously? They break that often? How long do they normally last with stock wheel use?

 

Hyperbole my friend. He could probably deal with doing it every year or so. The common theory, though, is that the non-STi wheel bearings only last about 10 hours at the track, but will last for years under normal loads on the street. The Subaru wheel bearings are no less strong for daily driving then any other manufacturers, though, so there is no need to get worried.

 

Everyone on here should open up the JDM magazine IMPREZA and read up. All of the stock bodied street/track cars are running 17x9.5's. I haven't been able to find the offset yet because it only says the wheels width/size and brand, but I'm sure it's 35-38 offset.

People worry too much. I don't hear about S14's blowing up wheel bearings all the time and they run insanely low offsets and widths. I'm sure they don't have some super strong bearings that we don't know about.

 

Don't expect them to go 100,000 miles, at least mine didn't...

 

EXACTLY! i think we keep getting the crappy offsets for subarus because aftermarket wheel makers are afraid to push the bar.