I've got a 04 wrx sedan dropped 35mm(1.4") front and 20mm(.8") rear. Spring and struts. Will I have rubbing issues with 245/45? They'll be paired with a set of 17x8 wheels. Also, how low can I go if at all without rubbing or rolling the fenders.

Thanks

 

It depends on the offset of the wheel, physical width of the tire and your rear camber settings. I have a 02 WRX Sedan with 225/45/17 so3's that are mounted on wheels with a +48 mm offset, SPT springs that lower the rear 1.2” and the camber in the rear is set to -1. My tires will rub the rear fenders if I have 400ish lbs in the back seat and I go over a speed bump or when I push the car very hard on a clover leaf.

Subydude runs 245/40/17's on his car but who knows what he's done to the suspension and fenders http://www.subydude.com/mods/detailsdoc.php?3053.

 

I have a set of Torques, so they're +48. I don't ever have anything in my car except a full tank of gas every now and then, so I don't think I should have any problems. If I do, it should be pretty minimal. You have 45 series, so your tires are taller, I'm looking at 40s. Shorter, but the 245 makes it wider. I don't think it'll rub upwards on the fender.. but rather on the side is what I'm thinking might happen.

If anybody else has feedback, please don't hesitate to post.

 

Actually the aspect ratio (series) is a percentage of the width so a 245/45/17 (the size you originally listed) would have an od of 652.3mm and that is +20.4mm over the oe tire. So a 245/40/17 would be taller than a 225/40/17. A 245/40/17 would have an od of 627.8 (-4.1mm) and you are correct, my tires are 6.5 mm larger in od than yours but I still think the extra width will cause your tires to rub as much or more than mine. Width plays a role just like offset, lower positive offsets can cause rubbing on the fenders and higher positive offsets can cause rubbing on the struts. We have the same offset but your tires will be sticking out toward the fenders more than mine.

BTW, I think when Subydude recommends 235/40/17 he is recommending that for a car that hasn’t been lowered. If I were you I'd give him a call and see what he thinks.

Your car is a sedan right?

Good luck