I recently ordered a new set of wheels/tires for my 94 FD from Tirerack. According to their database the set should fit fine - 18x8.5 - 235/40 front and 18x9.5 - 265/35 on the rear. The rear fits fine.

When I turn about halfway to stop the front outside part of the tread rubs the plastic wheel-well about halfway in on both sides. The tech from tirerack suggested that my front springs might be shot.

Front offset on the wheel is +38.

Any opinions or suggestions from the experts? I'm fine with ordering new springs but if there are any other things I should check first please let me know.

Also, has anyone tried fitting Eibach or RB springs with this setup? If I'm going to replace the springs anyway, I'd prefer to upgrade (plus they cost less than stock).

Thanks in advance.

 

First, a 235/40-18 has a larger than stock diameter plus you are running an offset much wider out than stock (which is +50 if I'm not mistaken)

I imagine the combination of those two things would contribute to your problem.

 

read this thread

https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-20/fd-wheel-tire-sizing-416251/

 

I'm running the same tire widths as you with +45 offset front and rear with only occasional VERY light rubs on extremely hard compressions. Offset seems to be your problem (IMO).

 

I did read that before I ordered - thanks though.

I did notice before I ordered that the spreadsheet differs from what tirerack recommended. The SS says 245/35 on 18s but tirerack recommended 235/40. However, I figured tirerack knew what they were talking about (maybe that was stupid of me).

Let me rephrase the question I guess: Is tirerack's database incorrect and the spreadsheet is correct? Or might something be wrong with my car that is causing this?

 

If you're rubbing the plastic liner, a different offset won't help the situation. The tire height is the problem here, the front wheelwells do not seem to like anything over a 25" overall diameter, ecspecially if lowered(sagging factory springs). I would try the eibach springs with new upper mounts, chances are you upper mounts have simply detiorated enough to drop the car into trouble. If that doesn't help, a 35 series tire will do the trick. Whatever you do, make sure to not wear through the wiring harness on the drivers side!

Fwiw my front wheels have an overall diameter of 25.1" and rub the plastics on the drivers side under hard cornering or tight turns. I have coilovers, but my car is far from being "slammed" (~25.4" to top of fenderwell).