Staggering conservatively...Help!
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Mi
Staggering conservatively...Help!
I just picked up a gem '03 ls430 with 24K miles... I've finally decided on a set of wheels. 20"x8.5 fronts with 10" rears. I plan on adding the Tanabe NF Springs to lower it an inch. My goal is a clean, agressive look that's kinda flush. The tire size that's recommended is 245/35 in front and 275/30 in back. The offsets that are available for the wheels are 30/35/40 for the front and 35/40/43 for rear. Hoping to get some help from you LS owners with experience, considering I'll be ordering this online and want it to be right the first time... (not thrilled on the idea of rolling or shaving)
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Mi
Thanks for the response, but I know those offsets I provided are within range for our cars... but having the choice when I order them, which should I choose? And, do the tire sizes seem appropriate that I mentioned above?
i think the tire size sounds good. a lot of people are running that. As far as offset, I would go with 30 in the front and 35 in the rear.
Since the fronts are 8.5 you're gonna want the lowest offset you can go as 8.5 is kindaaa sorta narrow. Most people go for 9 up front. rear I would go 35. Also for resale in the future they are more attractive options for others to buy
Since the fronts are 8.5 you're gonna want the lowest offset you can go as 8.5 is kindaaa sorta narrow. Most people go for 9 up front. rear I would go 35. Also for resale in the future they are more attractive options for others to buy
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 13
From: McAllen, TX
I had the same setup with either 35mm or 38mm (can't remember but I'm pretty sure it's 38) offset in front and 37mm offset in back. I wouldn't go with 30 in the rear, you will rub the fender. With the 275 on my rear 37mm offset, the tire was really close to the fender. I've changed my tires to 255/35 in front and 285/30 in back since I'm not a fan of the stretched look, and I've shaved the rear fender lip,which is something I've regretted. I love the bigger tires, just wish the offset was different on my rears. The 275 will be a little stretched on that rear 10" wheel.
Last edited by ancdmd; Oct 18, 2014 at 05:25 PM.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 13
From: McAllen, TX
In case anyone is curious and as a follow up to the above pics, I've done a little measuring of my wheels, best I could with a tape measure with them on the car. It appears my offsets are as I remember I had ordered them, 40mm (not 37mm) for the rear and 38mm for the front. Tires are Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3, 255/35 in front and 285/30 in rear.
Even though the wheels are spec'd at 8.5" in front and 10" in back, they actually measure wider to the outer lip. Best I could estimate is that they are about 9.5" and 11" respectively. I measured the distance from the outer lip to the hub mating surface to do my computations.
I also have the shorter camber rods installed in the rear to upright the tire and give it less negative camber, saving the tire from premature inner tread wear. Without these rods I'm sure I could have saved myself from having to do at least some of the shaving/rolling that was necessary to fit these tires.
Even though the wheels are spec'd at 8.5" in front and 10" in back, they actually measure wider to the outer lip. Best I could estimate is that they are about 9.5" and 11" respectively. I measured the distance from the outer lip to the hub mating surface to do my computations.
I also have the shorter camber rods installed in the rear to upright the tire and give it less negative camber, saving the tire from premature inner tread wear. Without these rods I'm sure I could have saved myself from having to do at least some of the shaving/rolling that was necessary to fit these tires.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Mi
Thanks again, a lot of good info there... I went to order the package at element wheels, and they put me back on the fence about the wider tires (285/30 rears and 255/35 fronts). The service rep was the "lexus specialist" supposedly, and said there have been complaints of rubbing with that combo. Also taking in consideration the 1" drop from the springs. AAAARGH!!! This has become way too difficult.... can anyone out there vouch for that tire set-up with Tanabe NF springs, or do I need to just settle for the 275/30 & 245/35 combo?
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Mi
Nooo (hanging my head).... I'm just a little hesitant because your car has air suspension, and mine will be on lowering springs, and a little difference could potentially cause more rubbing. Do those pics u posted have the wider tires or the originals?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 13
From: McAllen, TX
The pics I posted in this thread have the wide tires. It shouldn't make a difference whether you have air or springs, unless the spring assembly is wider than the air shock, which could then cause an interference problem on the inside. I'm surprised nobody else has any input here with experience with their own car. Were you settled on the 40mm front wheel offset and 43 for the rear? You certainly won't rub the outside of the front with a 40mm offset, and I'm fairly certain you'll be ok in the back also, especially with the stock camber bars. Maybe he's talking about it rubbing on the inside?
Last edited by ancdmd; Oct 29, 2014 at 07:56 PM.