Question about Alignment after Wheel Offset Change

After doing some searching I could not find a specific answer to my question. I recently installed new wheels and tires (265/70R16) and have a question about alignment. The new wheels have a 0 offset and would like to know if I should get an alignment due to the offset change even though I maintained the OEM tire size. The truck runs straight after the new wheel and tire installation with no indications that the alignment is out. Thanks for any input.

 

This adds 1" of positive scrub and pulls the tires to toe out more. This can cause inside scrubbing wear. Get it aligned with some toe in +.05 - +.07; factory spec is +.05.

 

@splitbolt thank you for the information! Your help is greatly appreciated .

 

I've been wondering about this too, the majority of answers online and even in professional shop is that if I'm only changing wheel offsets, I don't need new alignment, because offsets will not alter camber, toe-in, and caster settings.

However, what you are saying about scrub radius makes sense to me. I'm just not sure if I understand it correctly. Here is what I think is going on:

• going from more positive offset (OEM) to smaller or negative offset (aftermarket) will push the center of the contact patch away from the original line and thus introduce more positive scrub radius
• this deviation of scrub radius will somehow change the steering behavior of the vehicle
• your suggestion of give it more toe-in to counter that deviation

Does this deviation of scrub radius only affect the vehicle when cornering? If so, by giving it more toe-in to counter that deviation will mean that when going in a straight line there will be extra amount of toe-in (still within the plus and minus delta in the factory spec)

so in summary, I can choose:

• leave it alone, don't do anything but the steering behavior will change to some degree
• change the toe-in angle slightly, but will slightly increase tire wear because adding extra toe-in

or there's something I'm mistaken fundamentally?

Thanks for your reply

 

If going from a factory offset to a 0 offset you’ll be fine, when you get into more negative offsets it definitely is a concern.

 

I did have the alignment checked and no adjustments were necessary. I have put about 500 miles since and no issues. No appearance of excessive tire wear at all.

 

Hi bringing this back to life, I’m in the same boat.

alignment done 300 miles ago, wheels and tires swapped for the same size as stock but at 0 offset 100 miles ago.

did you have any wear after a while ? My truck drives straight with no issues( but my paranoia wants me to make sure)