Van Wheel Setup...

Facts:

Bolt pattern: 
The Vanagon bolt pattern is 5x112. This is shared with Mercedes, many Audis and many VWs. Other bolt patterns can be used on a Vanagon through the use of adapters. In order to use adapters, the offset of the wheels should be 50mm or more (at least for the front). 

Offset and wheel size: 
Wheel size and offset go hand in hand in most cases. The ideal offset for the front of a Vanagon is 30mm through 39mm. A little more or less is sometimes okay, but it really is best to stay as close to the ideal as possible. The following is a list of wheel sizes and their recommended offsets in relation to the FRONT of a 2wd Vanagon (Syncro front applications can usually get away with slightly more offset): 
[list]


15x6 - ET30 through ET35 
15x6.5 - ET30 through ET35 
15x7 – ET30 through ET32 
15x7.5 – ET25 (not recommended) 
15x8 – ET18 (not recommended at all – wheel will be outside the wheel opening) 

16x6 – ET30 through ET35 
16x7 – ET30 through ET35 
16x7.5 – ET28 through ET30 (Tire width is critical in this application. The narrower the better) 
16x8 – ET17 (not recommended at all – wheel will be outside the wheel opening) 

17x7 – ET30 through ET42 
17x7.5 – ET30 through ET36 
17x8 – ET30 
17x8.5 – ET23 (not recommended) 

*Note* - For wheels 15x7 and wider as well as 16x7.5 and wider, tire selection is super critical as it is the tire that will make contact with the upper control arm before the wheel ever hits the upright/spindle. For the above recommended offsets, 205's should be just fine, 215's should be okay at the lower offsets but really check them for the higher offsets and 225's will definatley need to be inspected closely to ensure that they don't rub on the upper control arm.