OffRoadUSA.com's latest guide introduces the OBS 17x11 wheels, a vital component for off-road aficionados. These wheels blend robust design with performance, ensuring reliability on rugged terrains. Our guide offers an in-depth look at their specifications and advantages.
What Are OBS 17x11 Wheels?
OBS 17x11 wheels are an aftermarket wheel option popular among off-road enthusiasts and truck owners, especially those with older "Old Body Style" (OBS) Ford, Chevy, and GMC trucks from the late 1980s to the late 1990s.
How Much Do 17x11 OBS Wheels Cost?
When discussing the cost of 17x11 OBS (Old Body Style) wheels, it's essential to consider the wide range of factors that influence their pricing. The brand of the wheels is a significant determinant of cost. Premium brands like BBS, Enkei, or OZ Racing are known for their quality and performance, and thus, their products are priced higher compared to more budget-friendly options. This difference in brand reputation and quality can lead to a substantial variation in price.
The material and construction of the wheels also play a crucial role in determining their cost. Wheels made from aluminum alloy are generally more affordable, whereas those crafted from forged materials or carbon fiber are on the higher end of the price spectrum. Forged wheels, recognized for their strength and lightweight features, are typically more expensive due to the advanced technology and materials involved in their construction.
Design and finish are other critical factors affecting the price. Standard finishes like silver or black are usually less costly than custom colors or multi-tone finishes. Similarly, wheels with intricate designs are more expensive to manufacture, leading to a higher retail price.
Where you purchase the wheels can also impact the cost. Prices can vary between local auto parts stores and online retailers. Additionally, regional variations in pricing can occur, influenced by factors such as shipping costs and local demand.
Market trends and the availability of specific wheel models also play a role in pricing. Limited edition or discontinued models might command higher prices due to their rarity and demand among enthusiasts.
Finally, it's important to account for additional costs such as shipping, installation, and any necessary accessories like wheel nuts or spacers. These can add to the overall expense of acquiring new wheels.
In conclusion, the price of 17x11 OBS wheels can range significantly. While some wheels may be available for a few hundred dollars each, high-end options from renowned brands or with advanced features can cost over a thousand dollars per wheel. When considering a purchase, it's advisable to compare prices from various retailers and factor in all associated costs, including installation and additional parts.
17x11 OBS Vehicles: What Vehicles Are They For?
The 17x11 inch wheel size, popular in the aftermarket customization scene, is used for both Chevrolet and Ford OBS (Old Body Style) vehicles. This wheel size is not specific to either brand but is a common choice among enthusiasts who customize vehicles from both manufacturers.
Chevrolet OBS Vehicles: These typically include models like the C/K series trucks, Tahoe, Suburban, and Blazer from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. The 17x11 wheels are chosen for their aesthetic appeal and the potential performance benefits they bring, such as improved handling and stability.
Ford OBS Vehicles: For Ford, the OBS term often refers to trucks like the F-150, F-250, and F-350 from similar years (late 1980s to late 1990s). The larger 17x11 inch wheels are equally popular among Ford enthusiasts for enhancing the vehicle's appearance and performance, especially in off-road and performance-focused builds.
In both cases, fitting these larger wheels usually requires additional modifications to the vehicle, such as suspension adjustments and potentially altering fenders for proper fitment. The choice of such a wheel size is more about personal preference and the desired application (such as off-roading or street performance) rather than a reflection of the stock specifications of either Chevrolet or Ford OBS vehicles.
17x11 OBS Wheel Bolt Pattern Considerations
When considering 17x11 wheels for OBS (Old Body Style) trucks, it's important to note the specific bolt patterns for Ford and Chevy models from the late 1980s to the late 1990s:
OBS Bolt Patterns: These trucks commonly use a 5x5 inch (5x127 mm) bolt pattern. Ensure that the 17x11 wheels you're considering match this pattern.
OBS Ford trucks often feature a 5x5.5 inch (5x139.7 mm) bolt pattern. If you own an OBS Ford, you'll need to ensure that the 17x11 wheels are compatible with this specific pattern.
Wheel Offset and Backspacing: It's crucial to check the offset and backspacing of the 17x11 wheels. These dimensions must be correct to avoid issues like the wheels rubbing against fenders or suspension components, especially considering the wider size of these wheels.
Tire Compatibility: The choice of tires for 17x11 wheels must be compatible with your truck's specifications. Ensure that the tires fit the wheel size and that there is sufficient clearance in the wheel wells.
Suspension and Brake Clearance: Larger and wider wheels can sometimes interfere with suspension and brake components. Verify that the wheels will not impede your truck's brakes, especially if they are upgraded or larger than standard.
Load Rating: The wheels should be able to support the weight and usage demands of your truck, particularly if you use it for heavy-duty tasks like towing or hauling
17X11 OBS Wheel Hub Bores
When discussing the hub bore sizes for 17x11 OBS (Old Body Style) wheels specifically for OBS Fords and Chevys, it's crucial to have accurate measurements for proper fitment.
For OBS Ford trucks, which include models from the late 1980s to the late 1990s, the typical hub bore size is around 87.1 mm. This size is quite standard for Ford trucks of that era. However, it's always recommended to verify the specific measurements for each model and year, as there could be variations based on the exact model and production year.
On the other hand, OBS Chevy trucks, also from a similar time period, often have a different standard hub bore size. For many of these vehicles, the hub bore is usually around 78.1 mm. This difference, although might seem small, is significant when it comes to wheel fitment.
It's important to note that using wheels with a hub bore size that doesn't match the vehicle's specifications can lead to issues. If the hub bore is too small, the wheel will not fit onto the hub. Conversely, if the hub bore is too large, it can cause the wheel to be off-center, leading to vibrations and potential handling problems.
In cases where the hub bore of the wheel is larger than the vehicle's hub size, hub-centric rings can be used. These rings fill the gap between the wheel bore and the axle, ensuring a snug fit and proper centering of the wheel. However, the ideal scenario is always to choose wheels with a hub bore size that matches the vehicle's specifications exactly.
Do 17x11 Wheels FIt OBS Vehicles?
Fitting 17x11 wheels on Old Body Style (OBS) vehicles, which generally refer to trucks and SUVs from the 1980s and 1990s, is feasible but depends on several factors. Here's a detailed overview:
Compatibility with OBS Vehicles: The GTP19 wheel series, which includes sizes from 17” with widths from 7 to 11”, is noted to be suitable for the growing OBS truck trend and 90’s styling, suggesting that 17x11 wheels can be compatible with OBS trucks.
Specific Vehicle Models: There are instances where 17x11 wheels have been successfully fitted on OBS trucks. For example, a single cab OBS was equipped with a set of 17x11 wheels along with Toyo tires of size 315/35/17. This indicates that such wheel sizes can be accommodated on certain OBS models, though specifics can vary based on the model and the modifications made to the vehicle.
Tire Size Considerations: When choosing wheels, the tire size that can fit on a 17x11 rim is an important factor. It affects the vehicle's stability, traction, and comfort. The right tire size for a 17x11 rim should be selected to ensure proper fitment and performance.
Need for Modifications: While it's possible to fit 17x11 wheels on OBS vehicles, modifications might be necessary. These could include changes to the suspension, wheel wells, or other components to accommodate the larger wheel size and prevent issues such as rubbing against the suspension or bodywork.
Consulting Specialists: Due to the variations in vehicle specifications and the potential need for modifications, it's advisable for vehicle owners to consult with wheel and tire specialists or refer to the vehicle’s manual for tailored advice regarding wheel upgrades.
In summary, while 17x11 wheels can be compatible with OBS vehicles, the fitment is dependent on the specific model of the vehicle and may require modifications. It's important to consider the appropriate tire size for these wheels and seek expert advice to ensure proper fitment and vehicle performance.
17x11 OBS Wheels Conclusion
OffRoadUSA.com's comprehensive guide on OBS 17x11 wheels culminates in a detailed exploration of various aspects essential for enthusiasts seeking to upgrade their vehicles. These wheels represent a perfect amalgamation of robust design and performance, specifically tailored for off-roading adventures. Our guide has delved into their specifications, advantages, cost considerations, vehicle compatibility, and much more.
The 17x11 OBS wheels are a testament to the evolution of off-road customization. Compatible with a range of OBS Ford and Chevy trucks, these wheels elevate the aesthetic and functional aspects of the vehicles. While primarily chosen for their striking appearance, the wheels also offer improved handling and stability, crucial for off-roading. However, it's important to remember that fitting these larger wheels might necessitate additional modifications for optimal performance.
In terms of cost, these wheels vary significantly, influenced by factors like brand reputation, material quality, design complexity, and market trends. High-end options can be a considerable investment, underscoring the importance of thorough research and price comparison. Moreover, the overall cost also encompasses additional expenses like installation and accessories.
For OBS vehicles, specific considerations like bolt patterns, wheel offset, backspacing, and tire compatibility are critical. Ensuring these elements align with your vehicle's specifications is vital for a successful upgrade. Additionally, considering the hub bore sizes is crucial for a proper fit, with potential variations between Ford and Chevy models.
It's clear that while 17x11 wheels can be a fantastic choice for OBS vehicles, their suitability depends on several factors. Vehicle-specific models, necessary modifications, and expert consultation play significant roles in determining the appropriateness of these wheels for your truck.
Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or a fan of performance-focused builds, understanding these nuances is key to ensuring your vehicle not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well under various conditions.