new front struts = slight rub when turning.. what's the best fix?

[Eikon]

I've got a S13. I've got Volk GT-P 18x8 front +31 and 18x9 rear +43

The front tires are 235 40 18's.

The new suspension is KYB AGX.

They were tight, but no rub on the stock suspension setup.. but with the new KYB AGX struts, I get a some rub when I turn.

So, I'm wondering what the best fix is for this?5mm spacers, or a little thiner tires??

The rear tires are actually the very same 235-40's... purchase before receiving the wheels that I thought were all 18x8's.. imagine my surprise when I got a pair of 18x9's. Here's a pic of the two wheel sizes with the same tire size..



So.. it does look a bit strange to have the rear tires pulled a bit and the fronts very square...



So.. what should I do?? small spacer on the fronts... or all around?? OR..Swap to 215 or maybe 225 size tires in the front to keep the tire fitment consistant. Perfect tire size for 8" wheels is usually 235 right? And for 9" wheels.. 255's?

Thanks for the help!

[AmoebAssassin]

Where are you rubbing?

If you're rubbing tire, drop to a 215/45 in the front. If you're rubbing wheel, just add a small spacer.

[Eikon]

I'm not sure yet where I am rubbing.. I'll put it up on a pair of tire ramps and see if I can get underneath and check it out.

Will 215's on 8" wheels harm cornering or performance at all? It will certainly look stretched a bit.. but I'm warming up to that look.. I used to think stretched tires looked terrible.. but now I'm starting to like it a bit more.

Thanks!

[Eikon]

Hmmm..

Got a chance to inspect it a little bit last night... looks like I'm not actually rubbing on the struts or tires... I turned the wheels fully and I can still slide a shop rag between the gap..

I am however rubbing on the wire harness on the driver side wheel well. In addition, I'm rubbing on the fender guards or liners or whatever those are called...

I was trying to find a spot up in the fender to zip tie the wire harness up higher, but I'm not having any luck.. any ideas?

I'll probably rip out the fender guard on the passenger side as well..

Any other tips?

[AZhitman]

STOP.

Do NOT remove the fenderwell plastic.

Take it out on the L side, and get that harness re-routed ASAP or you're in for some bad days.

It's not hard, just get the wheel and wheelwell trim out of the way. You'll also want to hammer the pinchweld flat up in the wheelwell.

Use a bunch of zipties and pull that harness up tight - it'll go up about an inch. Might need to get creative, drill a couple holes... Worked on mine.

[Eikon]

hey.. thanks boss!

I drove it once around the block.. heard the noise and put it back in the garage.. so I know I haven't harmed the wiring at all yet. I'm hoping I can get the wires out of the way without having to reroute the whole thing inside the engine bay..

Keep the fenderwall plastic huh... ok. I'll have to get creative and see what I can do to push it back out of the way of the tires.. might only rub a little bit on the tightest turns.. so that's less of a concern for me.

Today should be our first 70* day of the year.. I really need to get this car out of the garage for a while!!!

[AmoebAssassin]

The wiring is loomed and can take a fair bit of abuse before it fails. I drove mine for about 8 months before the tire wore through the loom, I relocated it a couple weeks ago when i settled my car to it's new ride height.

The fender liners can be removed and thrown away, but be prepared for noisy rocks in your fenders, and a dirtier engine bay. It's just a fact of life with a low car.

[AZhitman]

I am SLAMMED and still have my liners. It just takes some creative adjustments.

[Dano]

I couldn't fit my liners back in if my life depended on it, lol. I don't know how many people, including myself have had to pull up or reroute the harness. I'm about to run it over the shock tower this time, I wanna go lower.

-Dan

[nismofly]

if you dont have blingin engine bay like gregs just pull your liners, mash the seam, and relocate the harness

might as well get it all done in case you get coilovers later so you can lower more