Mk3 Front Rim Tire Replacement

[scott554]

I have a Mk3 and wanted to see if anyone has addressed this issue. Just returned from TCC where we ran about 680 great miles. The only issue I had was the front tires rubbing on the fender due to the roads. I would like to correct if possible. I'm wanting to see if just ordering new front rims going in 1/2 to 1 inch on the back space has been done. The rims are American racing and the tires I'm running are 245/45 ZR 17s. My tolerances are tight with the new Wilwood calipers to rim as you can see in the pics. I will say not sure of rim size as there were included when purchased unfinished. thoughts197927197928197930 or suggestions?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Which spindles do you have? 1996 and later set the wheel & tire farther out than Fox, 1994/1995 SN95 or FFR spindles.

Jeff

[scott554]

Which spindles do you have? 1996 and later set the wheel & tire farther out than Fox, 1994/1995 SN95 or FFR spindles.

Jeff

I don't want to lie I had a Lone Star previous, so FF is new to me. I took couple pics.
197933197934197935197936

[rich grsc]

Sn94

[Jeff Kleiner]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=197935&d=1712514685

The dogleg in the steering arm indicates that they are the preferred width 1994/1995 spindles which pretty much points to rim offset being the source of your issue.

Jeff

[CraigS]

Finding matching wheels w/ more backspace and enough clearance for the calipers will not be easy or inexpensive so try a few free and easy things first;
1- More negative camber. Yes it will wear the inside of the tire but you will still get 10,000 miles at least so not a terrible expense. I ran a bit > than -3.0deg on mine for 15 years for autocrossing.
2- A little more ride height. 3/8 would help and not be terribly noticeable. If you need more, then raise the rear also just for the visual
3- Looks like double adjustable shocks so crank in 2-3 clicks more compression damping. Turn the steering wheel as far as it will go. Reach in behind which ever tire has the front pointing outward and turn the knob. Steering all the other way to do the other side. You may be surprised how stiff you can make the front w/o a terrible effect on ride. The rear is much different.

[weendoggy]

I run the straight arm spindle on my MKI with -2.5° camber and use a 245/40x17 which is a lower profile and doesn't rub. My front track tires are 245/45x17 and they will rub a bit on heavy cornering, but not intrusive. I would do what Craig suggests a bit and if able, get correct offset rims if that's what you want. Depending on what your camber is now, it doesn't look like you have much negative setting.

[scott554]

I run the straight arm spindle on my MKI with -2.5° camber and use a 245/40x17 which is a lower profile and doesn't rub. My front track tires are 245/45x17 and they will rub a bit on heavy cornering, but not intrusive. I would do what Craig suggests a bit and if able, get correct offset rims if that's what you want. Depending on what your camber is now, it doesn't look like you have much negative setting.

Thanks all for the info I will do some tweaking this weekend.