Let's start an argument discussion about rims

OGMB2K

So I'll start by saying that I respect everyone's opinion on this subject, therefore here is my opinion and question.

Like someone who has woken up out of a 40 year coma, I can't believe that the only rims I BELIEVE look good on our custom Mazda's are the period billed or aluminum rims. Current truck rims are WAY too big or IMO look way to rugged, ie riveted rim lip, etc.

I am looking for suggestions toward finding more import style rims for these little trucks. I love the old school billet wheels and such, but unfortunately that limits me to used wheel sets. I favor more import style multi-spoke wheels, without the riveted lips. Then there is size. Dolly currently has 17" rims, however, the tire that was put on them was stretched over the lip. Considering the previous moron removed the torsion bars, I am assuming there is a slightly larger rim/tire combo that will fit under these with a more street conscious drop.

Is anyone running 18" wheels? Even my Scion xD ran 19" with some rubber on them, so I am sure it is possible. So please share what vendor has the widest selection of rims for our 6 lugs.

Thank you

Cusser

I run 15" B2600i 4WD rims on my '88 B2200 (my SE-5 had the 14" white spoke wheels), primarily because someone local gave me four for free, and the tires were decent (I had helped him with his truck electrics). Personally, I'm not into fancy wheels and tires on any of my vehicles, but my 1971 VW Convertible does have 14" (15" was stock) mag wheels purchased in the late 1970s simply because someone back then was having front-end problems and a mechanic blamed the wheels/tires, so I got all four for $150 which was less than the 4 new tires I needed.

Cusser

Cusser I run 15" B2600i 4WD rims on my '88 B2200 (my SE-5 had the 14" white spoke wheels), primarily because someone local gave me four for free, and the tires were decent

I forgot to add: I did adjust the "stops" a little on each side so that the wider tires would not rub at extreme left or right turns.

OGMB2K

You prove my point your rims are dated .. matched to the truck, they look really good on that truck.

So far, what I have searched and seen, look to "Modern", for the truck. I know that's hard to quantify, but it my perception so far.

MazdaMitch

It really depends on a few things but I do get what you're saying.
And when I think you're saying is some wheels are way too big for this body style truck and I agree with that.

I would say the max size with a low profile tire probably 17 in.

My favorite wheel of all time is the eagle alloy 028 5-star wheel. 15x8 with a -30 off set.

These trucks do not look good with larger Wheels unless they tuck in the truck is lowered.

Other than that 14 15 16 17 fit the wheel wells and still look decent.

Malkovich

"OEM interchange" was a bigger thing in the 90s, whether for minitrucks or otherwise. So in a sense, running Toyota, Escalade/ GM, Isuzu, or current Bronco wheels even several decades newer than our trucks is still kinda period-correct for me. This is my preference.

I'm with Mitch, max is 17" for aesthetics. Larger looks good if there is significant work done to seriously tuck.

I'm with you, OP, in that a lot of the new aftermarket offerings don't really do it for me. Definitely not the wannabe tough guy off-road stuff (beadlock look or whatever).

Regarding the 6 lug question, your options go way up if you grind down the hubcentric nubs, basically leaving you with the challenge of finding the proper offset. But do your homework and assess risk with grinding off said nubs... many report no issues if running the proper lugcentric nuts, but I've no experience and haven't delved much into this. Options go up way more with a 5-lug conversion.

OGMB2K

For my taste the pickins are slim ..

I may use this post to showcase what I find, to have them all in one spot. So far here is American Racing. I can get these in 17"
American Racing
-American Racing Mainline (My Favorites so far of the "New" Rims)

-American Racing VN506

-Eagle Alloys Series 114

-Eagle Alloy Series 203

-Eagle Alloy Series 206

-Eagle Alloy Series 218

Mazdarick

I agree with all the above statements currently running 17's on mine

OGMB2K

Mazdarick Nice !! What are those Budnik's?

lizardkingjr

I still only have 14" wheels on my truck.

Nissan 14" 8-spoke chrome wheels:

Mazda 14" OEM steelies with chrome beauty rings:

I like whitewalls on my truck over blackwall tires.

Mazdarick

OGMB2K
eagle alloys

AlfanoEngraving

You can get all kinds of wheels, you just have to be willing to spend money. I had 18x7 Bonspeed Laguna's made for my truck. If you're willing to shell out 3k or so, and wait a few months, there are hundreds of wheel choices.

OGMB2K

AlfanoEngraving I know "anything" is possible, like you I had custom 20" rims made for my xB so I could tuck them without rolling the lips.

I was more inquiring about what size can go under these trucks before we have to start modify inner fender wells, and who was still making more tuner style wheels that don't have fake bead locks on them.\

Thanks

OGMB2K

Mazdarick Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, I think the eagle will land on Eagle Alloys. That's the style I am looking for. What size tire pairs well with the 17's?

Ebersole0828

personally I don't like many of the options available for 6 lug. So I convert my stuff to 5 lug, possibilities are endless then

OGMB2K

Ebersole0828 Oh ??? Do tell on how you did the five lug conversion. I am willing to go down that rabbit hole since I have to rebuild the entire truck ..

Thanks!!

Ebersole0828

OGMB2K. KEI fabrication on YouTube machines a bushing that fits on the Mazda spindle. This bushing then accepts a crown Vic hub. It have explorer calipers, master, big crown Vic rotors.. then I shorted an explorer 8.8 rear axle. So it is 4 wheel disc. His bushing don’t change track width etc.. It stops on a dime. KEI really thought it through… top notch quality… here is a link to his video explaining everything

https://youtu.be/v1km0CEYdGc

Axel-Breaker-Earl

I have 16" stock Toyota wheels on my 4x4 truck, but with all-terrain BFG tires which have plenty of sidewall. It is completely stock with no lift, and they clear just fine.

MazdaMitch

That truck looks great @Axel-Breaker-Earl

Axel-Breaker-Earl

MazdaMitch That truck looks great @Axel-Breaker-Earl

Thanks Mitch! I have a replacement front differential that I need to install in it so I can get it back on the road. The original unit has bad carrier bearings, so I quit driving it on the road........once I get it out (just need to find the time!) I will rebuild it and have it for when I rebuild the engine. I have all the parts already to do the engine rebuild.