Ok. originally I had some 195/60R15 wheels and tires and I just moved up and bought some 215/45R17 wheels and tires. I am having some rubbing problems on taking corners (I know, I COULD slow down, but who wants to do that?!?) and wanted to know if a new suspension kit would help that much. Some one told me to lower my car but I would just think it would rub on the tires more cause they stick out near the fender in the rear. Also, it would be stupid to JUST buy struts and not also springs right?? I have a 96 Impreza L 4dr w/ 167K miles so I know that I am due for some new suspension. Thanks in advance for the help



Cody

 

roll the fenders, that will solve the rubbing problems

 

I thought about that but I'm not sure how good that would look.

 

there really isn't even a visual difference when you roll the fenders

 

Correct, if done right you won't even notice I rolled the fenders on my 2001 RS and you couldn't notice....

 

From Those pics you should have no trouble. Where is the rubbing? Front or rear? Stock suspension?

 

By 'roll' you mean??? I know it sounds stupid but I know there is a little lip that could be bent upward. Yes it is the stock suspension and the rubbing is only in the rear. I tried some coil spacers but they really didn't help. I was thinking of getting some KYB GR-2, AGX, or Koni struts but I have no idea what springs to bundle with them I am tight on money since I just bought the wheels. Any suggestions??
Thanks,
Cody

 

stiffer springs might help too. from the pic it looks like theres more then enough room for those tires.

 

My guess is your wheel has the incorrect offset for its width and size. On the GC8 chassis a 17 X 7 should be on a 53ET, 17 X 7.5 is usually 48ET but higher, like 50 or 53ET is even better.

Here's Mike's take on offset: http://www.spdusa.com/steering.htm

in lieu of getting new wheels, fender rolling is your solution. Stiffer springs/struts is not, IMO, a legitimate solution. Its a bandaid at best. A super stiff setup will only keep your suspension from compressing and your wheel tire from rubbing. What good is that? If you get in a situation where you actually use the suspension travel, you will still rub. Rolling the fenders, basically folding in the inner lip, will give your wheel more clearance and allow its fully range of suspension travel.

 

I looked up the specs on my wheels and they are a 17x7.5 with a 38 offset. I have already put about 250 miles on 'em. So what is the easiest way to 'roll' the fenders...just with a mallot or what???
Thanks,
Cody

 

I used a hammer if you have a rubber mallet that might be better less chance of messing up paint. It seems it might be because of your offset but if it is not rubbing to bad just roll the fenders and it should be better...

 

I'll try that this weekend and see if it helps. If not, then I will just have to drive like a grandma 'round corners and maybe some better suspension will help.
Did you heat it up or just pound away at the fender??
Cody

 

Your car looks good with those wheels but your offset is way off. Why dont you sell those wheels on e-bay and get some wheels that are made for your car? Your not only prematurely wearing your wheel bearings, I would think your also degradeing your cars handeling. Those wheels look nice but there are nice wheels that are made for your car.

Good luck.

 

I wonder if Les Schwabs will take them back. They should have checked on the offset for my car anyways right? So I ended up spending $1088.00 total after lug nuts, mounting, and balancing these new babies. Can you guys find me some sweet wheels and tires that are roughly going to be the same size as my old wheels overall so I don't have to lower my car?? They were 195/60R15. I used that tire caculator to check it.
Thanks in advance,
Cody