offset vs.backspacing?

[nikonnut]

Hello all. I have a wheel question. After a trying day of hunting 165/70-12s (I found some Yokohamas, OUCH!) I've started hunting wheels. My fesy is a driver and I found some UGLY steels for fairly cheap in a 13x5.5 flavor. Question is the maker says they have a 4.5" rear spacing. How does this compare to the 38mm offset I've read about? I'd like to have tires for years to come. Thanks for the enlightenment.


Cheers,
Nik

[FestYboy]

offset is measured from the centerline of the rim to the mounting surface, whereas backspacing is measured from the inside lip to the mounting surface.

in short, know your backspacing!!! it's what makes the differance between a wheel touching or clearing your suspention components (struts).