Looking for lower profile stuts

[myotis1134]

Ladies,

So I finally got the right tires for my wheels, and they fit like a champ up front. They rub in the back however, and my rear struts are to blame.

I'm pretty sure I got monroes all around the last time struts were serviced, and looking over the selection on shosource, it appears as though the KYBs might take up a tad less space in the lower spring seat area (no pic on the site, but I looked around)...

I haven't seen the shosource coilovers for a while, but I'd be willing to make my own if they'll get me the clearance I need to fit these tires. I'd rather not do spacers - especially with the already present shortage in wheel stud real estate - although I'm currently working on that issue, so spacers aren't completely off the table.

I've a horrible suspicion that I got too much offset when I selected these wheels (+45), and now I'm scrambling to make it all work out.

Anyways here's where I'm hitting in the back


If anyone can tell me if the KYBs or coilovers will make the difference, or has any advice - I will appreciate it.

p.s. Sorry about the title - I usually look my shit over before posting...

 

[Irish Pride]

What size tire are you using? +45 is right at the sweet spot for offset in my opinion. Shouldn't be any problem using a 225 or 235 tire. A 1/4 spacer is probably going to be your best option depending on the tire you have.

-Chad

 

[myotis1134]

I got nitto motivos at 235/45 r18. Options are limited at 235...

You’re probably right about the spacers - 1/4” would most likely be perfect? But there’s still the matter of wheel stud length. I’m addressing that in another post, and will need to have them custom made since the knurl diameter is a unicorn size.

Do you recommend anyone for spacers? I’ve had bad luck lately with spacers and hub centric rings - everything I’ve purchased has abysmal tolerances.

 

[black92]

Is your tire hitting the spring perch, or the 2" housing?
Have you tried to raise the strut assembly in the knuckle? Then cut a dead spring coil to adjust your ride height.
Coilovers may help the perch clearance. Use of short springs can get the perch above the tire. Watch for coil bind with to short of spring. (This method worked for me)

 

[myotis1134]

The tire contacts the spring perch I believe. My strut terminology isn't up to *****, but it's the reverse-umbrella piece the bottom of the spring rests on.

Raising the entire strut 1.5 - 2 inches would most likely solve the problem, but when comparing the front and rear spring perches - the fronts damn near 90s out from the strut body, while the rears do something like a 45 degree reverse-umbrella thing. That's ******** - isn't there a rear strut that does the virtual-90 degree thing?

 

[myotis1134]

@black92 - How do I measure the spring - under tension I assume? How much of that spring can I lose before things start getting dicy?

I'm looking into coilovers now, but they are at least a month or 2 down the road and I hate to drive on my stock rims all summer...

 

[black92]

Coilover spring manufactures will advertise spring height when compressed.
You need to calculate your total travel, and determine if your spring height allows enough travel.
8-10" spring heights work best on SHO's