I finally got a chance to look at all 4. The set is indeed mixed. I got 3 et23 wheels and 1 et38 wheel. The wheels are stamped with the offset which backed up the obvious visual difference.

So, the right combo works fine. I got two on there and clearances don't appear to be an issue. I'll have to get the wrong wheel worked out with the vendor. 

Size wise, I nearly went with the WRG3 SUV tires in 215/65/16, but with the lower stance of the carat, I wasn't sure if I'd end up rubbing in the wheel wells. So I went a little more conservative. 

Thanks all!
Aaron

> On Dec 5, 2015, at 5:09 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> The 215/60-16 with a 99 load index is an extra load rated tire. Good choice.
> I prefer the 225/60-16 for just a bit more height and width. The 225 normal
> load index is 97 or 98 and the XL version goes to 101 or 102 depending on
> brand. From the specs your tie and wheel choice should work. Carefully check
> all the wheels for the ET. Maybe the set is mixed! If you want send some
> pics and I'll try to help you out. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Aaron
> Sent: Saturday, December 5, 2015 6:13 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: New weels rubbing control arm
> 
> Well, it's a completely stock Carat which sits a bit lower than other vans.
> I didn't get to see the rubbing since the shop didn't put them on. I'll try
> to put them on this evening and see what it looks like.
> 
> I was a bit surprised. From reading it seemed most 215/60/16 would fit
> without clearance issues and that size has a nice stable sounding 99 load
> rating.
> 
> 
>>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 2:33 PM, T3 Technique <christopher@t3technique.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> As was mentioned, you definitely don't want spacers with an ET23 
>> wheel. They already stick out too far. If your suspension is stock, 
>> you should have plenty of clearance. Something is amiss here.
>> If the suspension was modified with lift springs and you are running 
>> the upper ball joint spacers, that could account for the clearance issue.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Christopher
>> www.t3technique.com
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On 
>> Behalf Of Aaron
>> Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2015 1:49 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: New weels rubbing control arm
>> 
>> I confirmed they are the correct ET23 offset. I'll mount them up and 
>> try to figure out the correct spacers needed.
>> 
>> Does anyone have suggestions on vendors with spacers and how to 
>> determine the correct spacer thickness?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 10:31 AM, Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Most are stamped on the back with # of holes, BCD and ET.
>>> 
>>> Stephen
>>> 
>>> mobile
>>> 
>>>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 11:55 AM, Aaron <a.robinson.lists@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> I was wondering the same. Does anyone know if the wheels show the
> offset?
>>>> 
>>>>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 8:48 AM, vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@cox.net> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> That tire/wheel combo should clear. I wonder if you were sent ET37
>> wheels by mistake?
>>>>> 
>>>>> ET37 fits Syncros so vendors sell wheels with both ET setups.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Mark
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Aaron wrote:
>>>>>> It's time to replace tires and ordered some Nokian tires and some 
>>>>>> of
>> the 16" euro-look alloy wheels. The tire place just called and said 
>> the front wheels are hitting the upper control arms.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> The wheels are the 16x7.5 ET 23 ones that seem to be popular with 
>>>>>> many
>> list vendors. The tires 215/60/16 (26.2"). It's a 91 carat with stock 
>> suspension.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I wasn't expecting to run into issues. Is that to be expected and 
>>>>>> in
>> either case is there a remedy?
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Thanks!
>>>>>> Aaron
>>