hutchwilco Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 hey fellas, I just got myself an 88 ford econovan LWB which had (i think factory) 14inch rims. needless to say they looked shithouse, I just picked up some old steel (i think landcruiser) mags that are 16inch. I've put them on, and they "fit", but I'm a little worried about the clearance in the front wheel wells, they're definitely a little close - my question is: how close is too close? the clearance from the top of the tire to the well rim is only about 40mm, clearance at the 3 o'clock position is only about 15 mm. I'd ask a pro, but everything is closed and damnit, new years public holiday day on monday! I'm heading out on a two week roadtrip in the van so wanna get a go-no go by Monday. Any advice would be appreciated. I'll go test drive it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 Too close is when it rubs. There is not really such a thing as too close. 15mm is close enough to a mile in wheel fitment terms lol If it rubs, hit the place where it rubs with a hammer. Increase size of hammer until it no longer rubs. If it rubs chassis / some important suspension component... I would just reduce steering lock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizzl Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 Too close is when it rubs.There is not really such a thing as too close. 15mm is close enough to a mile in wheel fitment terms lol If it rubs, hit the place where it rubs with a hammer. Increase size of hammer until it no longer rubs. If it rubs chassis / some important suspension component... I would just reduce steering lock. you sound very wise, i would take his advice.. guys chuck 18s on them...most only rub on the front guard lips, thats were a hammer really helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTERUS Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 I had the same problem with my van, more negative camber solved it hitting the lip and smaller tyre solved the top clearance problem. Untill i lowered it more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchwilco Posted January 3, 2010 Author Share Posted January 3, 2010 Ok sweet so a bunch of you agree- I'm being a pussy. I don't make a habit outta putting big wheels on cars but this van just looked stupid with oreos for wheels. I'm still a tad concerned that the travel in suspension means my tyres will hit the body when I hit a bump (it's loaded with camping/bed stuff) at 120km/hr and shred the tyre and leave me in the paddock upside down. I'm not that keen on panel beating a space for the wheel, but it seems the only thing it hits is the plastic mud guard... these wheels I have are 225/75/R16s so remember they're not low prof... they're 16inch rims with big tyres... am I still being a nancy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTERUS Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 Holy massive fucking tyres batman, get some the same rolling diameter as the 14's that were on there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizzl Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 shite theyr bigger than what i have on my 4x4!!! i wouldnt run anything bigger or wider than a 215/50/16 tbh... youd get away with 225/55s on the rear, but id only run up to a 215 on the front of a van.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QCADTA Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 hows the new gearing treatin ya with the ballons as long as its not a sharp edge cuttin ya tyres ya can still get good mileage out of minor bounce scuffage. got a pic for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchwilco Posted January 3, 2010 Author Share Posted January 3, 2010 ha yeah ok I guess the size of the wheel is an important piece of info... here's photos, although they looked mint on there, I've taken them off for now cos I don't want dramas for this trip... think I'll clean them up and sell them once I get back... anyone in Welly keen? cheers for the feedback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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