Rear End Wheel Clearance Question MK 4

[GregOwen]

I have a MK4 recently delivered roadster with a 3 link upgrade and an 79-93 8.8" rear end. Also has the 5 lug conversion and Cobra disc brake conversion using the factory five caliper axle mount brackets.

Right now I am fitting the rear end using the new lower control arms and brackets.

The problem I have is with wheel clearance. I have the factory five 17 x 10.5" rear wheels shod with P315/35ZR -17 Sumitomo HTR Z Tires. There is less than 1/2 inch gap between the wheel / tire and the lower control arm bracket mounted to the factory rear axle mount bracket.

Has anyone faced this problem before? First thought was to put wheel spacers on but is there enough cover over the wheel arch to keep the tires under there?

Worst case option would be to try to source different offset wheels which would not really want to do for obvious reasons.

Any help gratefully appreciated

[Jeff Kleiner]

...There is less than 1/2 inch gap between the wheel / tire and the lower control arm bracket mounted to the factory rear axle mount bracket...

You do not have a problem. The wheel/tire is mounted to the axle as is the bracket---their relationship to one another will not change as the axle moves.

Carry on!

Jeff

[dforthof]

Agreed, you do not have a problem, mine is the same. Ride with confidence!

[GregOwen]

I stand corrected and feel much happier with the reassurance of you guys.

My hat off to you both good sirs.

[CraigS]

To further set your mind at ease search for a thread about a tire sidewall being scraped by the 3 link bracket here an on the other forum. The OP had 15 inch tires and an older style axle bracket which have apparently been redesigned since. The short answer is that you are fine w/ the 17 inch wheels.