Hey Everyone! I've seen a lot of "E's" with 20" rims on them. Some have said they'd like 22". I've only seen a few on cardomain.com with 22"

I've only had rims once on my 97 expediton which were 22's. I'd really like to know which size to go with on my new 06 element & need some good advice. I really want 22's but do not want to have to go through crazy modifications to make them fit. Anyone here have or know of anyone with 22's?

Any help would be great and much appreciated. I also do not know much about all the sizes and fitment with rims. I do not know what the offset represents and/or modifies. All and any help in this dept. is needed.

Thanks.

p.s. already on this site has enabled me to clear out headlights add clear side markers and make them blink w/turnsignals. Thanks guys!!

I'd suggest spending some time browsing the Tirerack web site (they also have a distribution center in Indiana - South Bend). They have tech notes about tire sizes and wheel dimensions, including concepts like offset.

Also make sure you understand the dimensions of the stock tires and wheels. Look up the specs tables for the stock tires. This will give you a reference point. A tire with similar overall diameter has a decent chance of fitting.

Then look at tires and wheels in the sizes that interest you. Look at the prices to see if you can afford such a change. Look at the selection, or lack there of.

Examine why you want to change. Is there a practical reason, or are you just after a certain faddish look?

paulj

You're not likely to get much useful information here about 22" wheels on an Element mainly because those who are into that look are in the minority here. CarDomain is probably your best bet in getting the information you seek since you mention finding a couple of E's with 22's there.

There's absolutely no pratical aspect to 22's. Maybe they'll handle a bit better on dry pavement, but it's all about the look. I just do not want to have to do much cutting undernearth or none at all if possible. I've seen it done with 22's, just can't get a response as to how they fit.

Hopefully i'll get some good responses on this thread.

Thanks.

What kind of cutting are you talking about?

To partly answer some of my questions: The stock tires are a bit under 28" in overall diameter, on 16" rims. That means about 6" of rubber between rim and the ground. 28" tires on 22" rims means 3" of rubber. If you can find tires with an overall diameter of 28" or less, they should fit without hitting anything - provided, of course, the offset is correct.

Recently I described the potential points where a tire can rub. You need to understand what tire sizes fit, or not, regardless of rim size. Ultimately it is the tire size that is the limit, not the rim size. http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22458

Maybe I'm too practical, but it seems to me that starting point should be the tire size, in particular the tire diameter and width. Once you have decided that, then you can choose the rim size to suit your aesthetics and pocketbook.

In that spirit, let me ask: what size and model of tire are you considering? I took a quick look at Tirerack, and had trouble finding any 22" rim tires. I'm sure there are some, but the selection must pretty limited.

paulj

Paulj, thanks for the input. That definately helps. I'll look into the offset and tire size. Still need input to what the offset actually is in relation to the tires. With 28" of room, why are some post stating that their 20's are rubbing in the back? Wrong tire size maybe?

Tirerack has a lot of good info, but I found their selection to be a bit slim. I got some wheels from www.bigwheels.net, and their site says that the Element will accept an offset range between 30 & 45mm and a wheel size from 16x6 to 22x8.5. Also, once you pick a wheel you like from their list that they guarantee will fit (without modification...lowered suspension will obviously change things), the site will also give you a list of the best matches for tires for that wheel. So if you follow their recommendations, they guarantee everything will fit without rubbing and without having to modify anything to fit.


EDIT: just searched there for 22" wheels and the selection sucks, but that doesn't surprise me. At least you know the dimensions of everything for them to fit.

That bigwheels selector is better than tirerack for this size of wheel. Though once you find that 245/30/16 is the only realistic option in size, Tirerack gives the same selection: Perelli PZero Nero summer tire. Even using a 45mm offset on 8.5" wide rims seems safe with this low profile tire. But with a max load of 1389lb, I would inflate them close to the max pressure of 50 psi. There isn't much air volume in these tires.

While the wear rating is only 220, these should last a few summers, while keeping the Wranglers (or better) for winter. Provided, of course, that you can stay away from potholes.

offset: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=101

paulj

Thanks guys this is a BIG help. I now have some resources to contact and get the best fit for my element. I'll post pics once I get something!!

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=214792#post214792

Give this guy a PM about issues he might have with his wheels. I also like the look, but I don't feel comfortable with a 30 series tire or even 25 series. So I'm rolling 20's.

22" Helo HE 834 5x4.5 +42mm offset w/ 255/30/22 Nexen Tires w/ 03 Element AWD Install Kit. This was recommended to me ny numerous dealers. I havent got them in the mail yet but I will let you know asap. Later