Front tires rubbing location

[MB750]

Where do they typically rub?

I ask because now that I've got my 255's installed they get really close to the F-panel on each side, but they don't physically make contact with anything. Lock to lock, nothing but net.

Since I've had that wheel debacle I was thinking about going to a 225 tire on an 8" wheel but since my current 255's don't rub I want to make sure I'm not missing something.

[Rdone585]

It's entirely possible the only rub you might experience would be if your cornering hard on the track, or manage to find one of those notorious pot/sink holes FL is famous for (lived in Pinellas Co, and N Tampa for combined 27 yrs).

[Sdonnel]

In addition to tire rubbing, I noticed my front sway bar drifting to one side while looking to see if my tires had rubbed the F panel. I re-centered the sway bar and put some stops on it for any future lateral movement. Food for thought.

[MB750]

Just for reference, here's my clearance:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=187781&d=1690283638

That's full lock, 255/40R18 tire.

[MB750]

It's entirely possible the only rub you might experience would be if your cornering hard on the track, or manage to find one of those notorious pot/sink holes FL is famous for (lived in Pinellas Co, and N Tampa for combined 27 yrs).

Wesley Chapel over here. Not sure when you left but from what all the locals have told me WC used to be nothing but cow pastures back in the day. We moved here in 2018 and it was certainly developing. In the last 5 years it's gone gangbusters.

FYI, I'm a long time WI native. Spent about 1/3 of my life all over the state, most recently Sheboygan for 8 years, left in 2015.

[CaptB]

FFR metal has the F panels that give you more room. May be too late for you but you might try them.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Didn't realize that you had a separate post on the subjuct. I just posted this on your build thread.


Don't make more of this than necessary Matt. 245/45 will kiss the F panels...as will 255/40 and 275/40 but we're talking only when you are at pretty much full lock. I run 275/40-17 on the front of mine without rack limiters and can't remember the last time I felt them touch. It's just not an issue in everyday use unless your everyday use involves lots of parallel parking in tight spaces or making about a 10 point turnaround inside your garage (which I have done :D). Ride height and alignment will change the tire to panel interface by a little but again, it's really not an issue and not something that I'd let dictate a decision on tire size. If it really concerns you just snap a couple of rack limiters on it.

Jeff

[MB750]

Didn't realize that you had a separate post on the subjuct. I just posted this on your build thread.

Thanks for your feedback Jeff. I figured a separate thread would get more traffic.

[Waterman]

My build is basically complete and paperwork submitted to NYS DMV for review and VIN/registration. However I was not happy with the way the factory front inner fenders/elephant ears came out. The back panels fit close to the body so rubber bulb sealed quite well, not so with the front. 1/2" gap in several places, both sides. So I ordered the Mk 4 Wheel Well Liner Kit from VRaptor SpeedWorks, especially since I painted the body inside, no bed liner. Rear liners went in nice and no rubbing with 315 tires. THE issue was my front 275/40/17 tires were just kissing the std F-panel prior to the plastic liners and now were rubbing quite badly. Problem now solved. Removed elephant ears, lessened the F-panel angle with channel locks, re-attached panels so that outer end was attached 2" back vs near fender lip. For the plastic liner I strategically placed a screw/nylon lock nut close to the seam in the elephant ear, about 10" up and pulled tight to the factory ear. Now the tire only just touches the plastic panel at full lock and I like the way liners look AND protect. I may add rack limiter at some point but as others have said only an issue in low speed parking lot maneuvers.213302