Front Wheel Size with Knuckles

[derass]

What size front wheels, width and offset specifically, are you all using with modified knuckles?

Please list any related mods such as; lock stops, tension rods, sway bar and LCAs.

For the record, I have searched and posted in both the wheel fitment and roll center threads, and did not get any feedback. I thought we could start compiling some info here.

I am using 17x9 +20, 235/40R17, MA Motorsports Knuckles, S13 +40mm LCAs with no lock stops, OE sway bar and Megan Tension Rods. This combination rubs the tension rod pretty badly and I am convinced that in some situations, it slows the front end down causing spin-outs.

I am going to try spacers to get to 17x9 -15. If that does not work, I will drop to 17x8.

The sizes I have seen that the owners say work are:
16x9 -32
17x8 +5

[badbob2121]

You could always get High Angle tension rods as well. A few companies make them, and give around an inch of extra clearance.

[sleepyS14se]

^ are these tension rods you refer to the ones with the offset looking front where it bolts into the tension rod bracket.

[ryandriftingfat]

I'm running 17x9 +17 w/ 215/45's on 1.5" extended LCA's, knuckles and 1 rack spacer.

OEM sway, CS tension rods, no stops. Rubs nowhere, lock to lock.

[DILLONDILLONDILLON!]

I am also interested in this dilemma. I am running all PBM suspension up front stock sway bars with the pbm bump stops still installed but at their shortest length. The rim i am running is a 17x9+12 with a 215/40/17 tire.It puts me at ease that the pbm flca has the tension rod planted more inboard for extra clearance . Havent got the vehicle on the ground yet. but i should shortly. When i do i will update you guys on the situation to see if this combination works.

[bmxer882x]

I'm running 17x9 +17 w/ 215/45's on 1.5" extended LCA's, knuckles and 1 rack spacer.

OEM sway, CS tension rods, no stops. Rubs nowhere, lock to lock.

What fenders are you running and s13 or 14? I'm curious as if stock+ a heavy pull would work. With a very similar setup (only want to extend it 1 inch)

[ryandriftingfat]

What fenders are you running and s13 or 14? I'm curious as if stock+ a heavy pull would work. With a very similar setup (only want to extend it 1 inch)

S13. You need either wide fenders or mount the metal fenders farther out. Unless you want like 10 degrees of camber.

[bmxer882x]

I'm only running 8's up front with a +22 offset. Hoping I can get away with a heavy pull. If not I'll look into fenders. What about the rear? Does it look funny with the front out farther? As I don't like looking completely ghetto altho I may just get a set of spacers to even it out.

By the way sorry op for threadjacking

[ryandriftingfat]

With that wheel you're more likely to have rubbing issues but the fender will be easier to fit.

Looks... it's up to you. It doesn't look weird but it's pretty obvious what's going on. I think it makes the car more stable and reactive sliding but that's a touch thing... ymmv.

[bmxer882x]

Rubbing on the frame I assume? I don't see how I would if your not. As my rims are an inch narrower and only 5mm closer from the lip.

[slideways2004]

With knuckles, you have to run 0 or negative offset for it to not rub.

Also, those offset tension rods help, but I would space out the wheels first.

My last setup was 17x9 -10. Not even close to rubbing.

[WindyCity]

you guys arent rubbing because you are all on 17's. 18's are when you have problems because the wheel/tire is tall enough then to hit the curvature of the wheel well. i used to rub with a 9.5j +12 w/25mm spacer.

225/40/18

-4 deg camber. stock caster.

[dluevanos01]

With knuckles, you have to run 0 or negative offset for it to not rub.

Also, those offset tension rods help, but I would space out the wheels first.

My last setup was 17x9 -10. Not even close to rubbing.

Not necessary true, I have pbm ver 1 knucles (weld drop extesion for tir rod) and extended LCAs, and I'm currently runing a 17 x 10j +18 and there is no rubbing(It slightly rubs on the fender liner but if I remove it it will not rub). When I had spacers (20mm), thus making my wheels 10j -2, it would rub in the front wheel well and not allow me to go to full lock.

OP, I have a slight pull and at 3.5-4 degrees of camber.

you guys arent rubbing because you are all on 17's. 18's are when you have problems because the wheel/tire is tall enough then to hit the curvature of the wheel well. i used to rub with a 9.5j +12 w/25mm spacer.

225/40/18

-4 deg camber. stock caster.

I eventually plan to go to 18s since that's the only size they make the wheels I want, and I'm tempted to try a 35 profile sidewall. Althoug it's very small roads aren't that bad where I live so it should not be an issue.

Compared to my 245/40 that I have on 17s, a 245/35 in 18 would be about 6mm(3.5mm on each side) shorter than my current set up. so no rubing is expected.

Running a 245/40 on an 18 inch wheel, will be about 17mm(8.6 mm on each side) taller than the current set up that I have. This will definitely will rub on the wheel wells.

[derass]

You could always get High Angle tension rods as well. A few companies make them, and give around an inch of extra clearance.

The front sway bar is only a few mm behind the tension rods. If you use high angle TC's, the sway bar becomes the limiting factor. If I was willing to run without, I would get the Maverick TC's.

I am also interested in this dilemma. I am running all PBM suspension up front stock sway bars with the pbm bump stops still installed but at their shortest length. The rim i am running is a 17x9+12 with a 215/40/17 tire.It puts me at ease that the pbm flca has the tension rod planted more inboard for extra clearance . Havent got the vehicle on the ground yet. but i should shortly. When i do i will update you guys on the situation to see if this combination works.

The PBM LCAs are good because you can dial in the exact length you need to clear the frame, avoiding excessive camber. The relocated TC mount at the LCA is good, but could be better if they offset the mount at the TC bracket. You have the adjustable lock stop to prevent rubbing, but with the correct wheel size you can extract maximum angle from a knuckle setup.

With knuckles, you have to run 0 or negative offset for it to not rub.

Also, those offset tension rods help, but I would space out the wheels first.

My last setup was 17x9 -10. Not even close to rubbing.

This is good info, thank you.

you guys arent rubbing because you are all on 17's. 18's are when you have problems because the wheel/tire is tall enough then to hit the curvature of the wheel well. i used to rub with a 9.5j +12 w/25mm spacer.

225/40/18

-4 deg camber. stock caster.

That makes 2 reasons that 18's are not ideal on the front of a drift car. First, you require addition LCA length, and therefore camber, to clear the frame due to the larger outer diameter. Second, the rubbing in the wheel well.

Not necessary true, I have pbm ver 1 knucles (weld drop extesion for tir rod) and extended LCAs, and I'm currently runing a 17 x 10j +18 and there is no rubbing(It slightly rubs on the fender liner but if I remove it it will not rub). When I had spacers (20mm), thus making my wheels 10j -2, it would rub in the front wheel well and not allow me to go to full lock.

OP, I have a slight pull and at 3.5-4 degrees of camber.

I did not consider this, 17x9 -15 would be the same outboard distance as 10j -2, and will likely rub the wheel well the same way. Hopefully I can make some clearance with a sledgehammer.

I have looked closely, and my 17x9 +20 does not rub the wheel well at full lock, only then tension rod. It looks like by solving one problem, you create another.

[aled]

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1379854_574803552583529_1800244110_n.jpg

Here is my setup. It gets ridiculous.

Wheel/Tire Setup:
17x9.5+18
15mm Spacer
235/40/17

Tension Rod:
Driftworks

Knuckle:
Driftworks Geomaster

Fender:
Origin 20mm

Alignment:
-3.5 degrees Camber

[DILLONDILLONDILLON!]

Derass: yeah so far ive mounted the rims up without tires on and checked full lock and nothing seemed to rub or touch. the rim is about 3mm away from the coil. pretty close but just clears it. i should have the wheels mounted on the car tomorrow so i can see what kinda adjustments i need to make once the suspenison is fully compressed. but so far i can say the pbm stuff is great quality parts. the tires i went with were nitto neogen 215/40/zr17 all corners.

[xBtony]

I'm running 18x9.5 +13 with a 215/35 SeriousBadass knuckles, extended S14 flca PBM extended tie rods and Kazama tension rods and I don't hit anything.

[Luvs2slide]

Please don't forget to add what car your setup is in...this makes a big difference as s14s generally have more clearance than s13s.

[Matej]

There are way too many variables to make it possible to say what wheel sizes will not rub on anything. It is dependent on your knuckle, FLCA, tension rod, tie rod, camber, ride height, and pretty much the entire front suspension and chassis setup.
Just as you posted, the sizes you have seen are 17x8 +5 and 16x9 -32, which are so contradictory that one may as well conclude that you can run almost any size, as long as you set up your car to make it work.