TwincH

I just got some used Fittipaldi Force 18x8.5 +35 offset wheels for my 1998 GS400. I was advised that 245/45R18 tires would rub on the fender well. I have done a search and there seems to be a number of you folks running 245/45R18 tires. I live in Houston and there's always construction here and lots of potholes. I know that 245/40R18 would be a better fit, but I'm wanting to go with the 45 to get just a bit more sidewall.

Rubbing anyone?

thanks,
Michael

Neo

iTrader: (3)

It depends on the drop. +35 is pretty aggressive. I think it would actually stick out of the fender well a little. With the 45 series tires, you actually won't need much of a drop to rub. Even with the 40 series, if you are dropped low enough, you'll rub too. In this case, it is more the offsets then the tires (although the 45 series will contribute).

The other thing to note is that with the 45 series, your overall outside diameter is not bigger than spec and you may have rubbing when doing full wheel turns. Again, the lower you are, the worse it will be.

Although many here run 245/40/18, they are not running with less agressive offsets than +35.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

couple of problems to look at here. 35 is quite an aggressive setup. it's still good though, it's not past fender yet. i have 32 for that matter, and i am still ok. so if i am ok, you are good.

now 245/40/18 is the perfect tire for the rim, spec size, good. you will actually have less rubbing with this setup coz' of the overall diameter and geometry. with 245/45, the overall diameter is just like 20s, and you will have more rubbing. rubbing front and back when full turn that's one thing for sure, but you will also hit the top of the wheel well, where 245/40 you won't have that problem

btw, neo, you mean 245/45/18 is NOW out of spec

Neo

iTrader: (3)

Thanks. Sometimes I type too fast and don't have time to proof.

TwincH

Thanks for the helpful replies guys. I plan to leave the suspension all stock so I will not be lowering the car. I am guessing that 245/45/18 will still rub on a full turn of the steering?

I want the extra sidewall that the 45s give over the 40s, but if it's going to rub bad, I'm going to have to stick with the 40 series tires.
Now I'm looking for a good set of tires. So many brands to choose from!
thanks again,
Michael

rominl

iTrader: (4)

when you are doing full turns, you will still rub, it would be very slightly though, plus you gotta be moving slow otherwise you lose control of the car anyway. so that's ok

rubbing the top, if you are not lowering the car at all, i think it's ok

rominl

iTrader: (4)

on the tires you might want to avoid square tires too. brands like nitto, perelli, yoko those are very square, you tends to rub more

tires like the bridgestone, dunlop, they are more rounded, giving you a tad more clearance