Cobra R's without spacers?

[Stomper]

Got my tires mounted on the 18" Cobras today!

Here's a pic of the rear straight on so you can see how far the rear tire/wheel sticks out.

 

[X24]

Looks good! I'd go with 1.25" spacers. Oh, lower it too!

 

[Stomper]

Hey Chris! Yea, sounds like a good compromise to go with the 1.25" spacers.

Oh and I'm a little embarrased to admit this especially the way the truck looks in the pics, but I already lowered the front end a little over an inch! Left the rears at the stock height just because it looks level with the front only lowered. See I have the single rear leaf spring and it already had a little ass-sag, so I figured I'd leave that alone.

Don't wanna get off track on this thread, but you think I should lower the rear a little bit and take 'er down in the front equally as much. Lowering the rear is easy on my truck cause I just move 2 of the 4 blocks under the spring to over the spring. Prolly get 1/2" or so.

Anybody else?

 

[X24]

Yeah, I would probably go 3/4".

 

[james t]

go 1" spacers in front, and 1.5" in the back. ever noticed how the front track is wider than the rear? this annoys me, and if i were to get spacers, i would do it to help get rid of this.

 

[Stomper]

HA!! Portable tire disposal unit! HAHAHA!!!

The wheelbase length in the front and the rear should be the same. I'm kinda wary about putting different sized spacers on the front and the rear, because it may affect the 4x4 when turning. And, the rear tires just look 'sucked in' because the fender flares stick out more in the rear.

YEA I HATE IT TOO! #@)($*&@#%)(@*#%&@%#

 

[james t]

no, its not cuz of the flares. it is because the front is actually wider than the rear. it is that way on all of them, just like the 94-98 mustangs. mine has no flares, and i can see it plain as day. different size spacers will not affect anything with your 4wd, or AWD for that matter.

when you lower it 2" like mine and others here, it makes the front track even wider, due to the fact the A arms are "swung out" more. (i cant explain it right, just imagine it in your head.)

 

[Stomper]

SO TRUE!!!! Damn, I'm a mechanical engineer and didn't even think of that. What a dummy!

Anyways I know exactly what you are saying, can picture it, and it makes sense. Thanks!

James t, did you have any problem lowering your ride 2"? I have lowered the front ONLY on mine about 1-1/4" and have the Edelbrock IAS lowered shocks and the rubber bumpers installed. But, I left the rears at stock ride height with Edelbrock standard ride IAS shocks. I'm very happy with the new wheel tire combo, but there is ALOT of space between the tires and wheel wells.

 

[Big Poppa]

What size are your new tires?
I'd vote for wider spacers in the rear than in the front.

 

[02XSport]

I also agree with the wider spacers in the back. I have a '02 sport and it is even more apparent on mine because of the way the fenders are. Once I get new wheels, I will then decide whether I am going to get spacers.

I wish this thread was around about a week ago when I bought my '03 cobra wheels thinking they would fit without rubbing, oh well, I've sold them already and I'm looking again.

Stomper,

Thanks for sharing your story with the rest of us guys and showing pics, it will help a lot of people in the future.

 

[james t]

Stomper- no problems lowering here. i backed the adjuster bolts out of the front, and slapped some 2" blocks in the rear. ive got the Edelbrocks too, and i love them.

 

[Stomper]

Okay Guys, here's the scoop.

Over the weekend I took all kinds of measurements with a set of 16x7 0 offset stock rims on and the new set of 18x9 24mm offset cobra wheels.

I barely have rubbing on the sway bar at full lock with the cobra's with 275-55-18 tires on 'em. 1" spacers with lugs will definitely put me in the clear.

So I have two choices that keep my track fairly close:

1- Go with 1" in the front and 1.25" in the rear. That will put the rear track 1/4" wider than the front and life will be good.

2- Or, go with 1.25" in the front and 1.5" in the rear. The front tires will stick out from the fenders, but the rear fender flares will be filled nicely, aaaand I'll have a wider track overall.

I really don't want to go 1" in the front and 1.5" in the rear, because I'd like the tires to track pretty close from front to back.

Looking for some feedback to help me decide. I'd like to order the spacers from performance wheel today, so that I can get them sooner than later! Lay it on me dudes, cause I'm excited to get going! Thanks!!!

 

[Stomper]

I stole this picture from one of Rick's threads, but this is what the spacers from performance wheel and tire look like. They aren't just cheapo spacers, they are pretty heavy duty with their own lugs.

 

[james t]

if i was gonna do it, id go with the 1" and 1.25". i just dont like wheels sticking out any on a sport truck, and this will be just enough to have them sit even with the flares.

 

[Stomper]

I value your opinion.....done deal.....just ordered 'em!


I will be posting some after pics, and a little write-up on how everything goes in about 2 weeks. THANKS FOR THE HELP ALL!

 

[Stomper]

YO, just got my spacers today from Performance Wheel. They look exactly like the ones in the picture I have posted above, except I have 2 - 1" and 2 - 1.25" for the front and rear respectively.

I plan on putting everything together on Saturday, but am debating how to treat the spacers. Aluminum does get a tarnished type of corrosion over time and that'll look like crap.....especially after all the money spent on them.

Should I:

1- Paint them with Silver Caliper Paint Kit I got for my ratty calipers and rotor hats?

2- Pay $46 at our local machine shop to get them clear anodized?

3- Your suggestions?

I'm thinking since I already have the caliper paint kit, I'd just do that. Everything will match and I don't have to buy anymore stuff/services.

 

[rokke17]

Stomper
Those are some nice looking spacers, why not spend the 50 bucks and get them anodized.
Do it right the first time, and you wont have to worry about it later
Just my 2 cents

Chris

 

[Stomper]

Hey Guys, check out this thread. Offer ends Monday night at midnight.

Dead Link Removed

 

[Stomper]

Too Busy!

Sorry Guys,

I am still going to post pictures and a little report when I get my new 18" Cobra R's with Michelin Xterrains put on with the new spacers. I decided to purchase new aftermarket rotors all the way around and they haven't come in yet. One of these weekends when I'm not buried with work or other responsibilites, I'll get all the work done.

Note on the spacers from Performance Wheel and Tire: They do fit very well and the machining work is top notch, BUT they kind-of use a standard size outside diameter, so they are larger diameter than the front rotors and just about right to mate up with the rear rotors. Before I install them, I am going to turn the spacers on lathe 1" smaller for the ones going on the front tires.

OH, another little tidbit.....because I haven't got the new Michelins on, I've been running 275-60-16 Pirelli Scorpion Zeros in some of the worst winter weather, and driving a little more cautious and using 4 wheel drive, they aren't that bad!

Catch you later

 

[X24]

Re: Too Busy!

Originally posted by Stomper
OH, another little tidbit.....because I haven't got the new Michelins on, I've been running 275-60-16 Pirelli Scorpion Zeros in some of the worst winter weather, and driving a little more cautious and using 4 wheel drive, they aren't that bad!

I still think that my Pirelli Scorpion Zeros would do better in the snow than my schitty goodyears. I can hardly even spin the Pirellis in the rain.