Cobra R's without spacers?

[Hans500]

I have a 96' XLT V8, AWD, and I am running Cobra R wheels.

But I have to put a 1/4" spacer in the front, I have heard of steering limiters, that limit the steering so the wheels don't rub at full turning lock. Then you don't need spacers.

Has anybody done this?

 

[Cdexplorer]

Well, first off, I have the samw truck you have..and the same wheels I've had the wheels for a year now and haven't used spacers at all. The tires rub at 100% full turn but as long as I don't turn the wheel all the way I have no problem. The shop that put them on for me jacked the front of the truck up and put one front wheel on with a spacer and one without. After turning the wheel and seeing the degree of rubbing they suggested going without the spacers. It's really no big deal. I have heard of the steering limiter you mentioned. I can't find it now but I'll keep my eyes open for it. Good luck!

 

[CobraXP]

I have run Cobra R's for over 3 years without using the spacers. Granted if I cut it all the way and hear the power steering whine, it rubs then, but haven't had any problems without them...

The first set of them I ran was not R's, but the 17x8's with the black center piece and Cobra in them (same as the SVT wheels). Those I had to run spacers on the front, leave off the dust caps, and grind on the center of the inside of the emblems to make them snap on. Never could get them to balance right because of the spacers...

 

[X24]

What size tires are you guys running? You are talking about TIRE rub not RIM rub, right? What does the tire rub on? Is it hard on the steering pump when you have really wide tires? I never turn the wheels when I am not moving but I'm talking about moving slow like in a parking lot or something. Thanks.

 

[CobraXP]

I am running BF Goodrich Comp T/A HR4 - 255/60/17. I am talking about the tire rubbing, not my rim.

 

[X24]

I plan on getting 275/55 scorpion zeros. Anyone using those without spacers?

 

[93BLUEXLT]

Cobra

Ive got the Cobra Rs on my 93, and Im not using the spacers at all and i dont have any problems with tire rub, if that helps..

Andy

 

[Cdexplorer]

I'm running Bridgestone Dueler HP's 275/55/17. The only rubbing I experience with the Cobra's are the TIRES rubbing. The Bridgestones are a little cheaper than the scorpions and I liked the tread better as well They are an excellent tire in all conditions I've been in.

 

[X24]

Im pretty sure the bridgestone duelers are a unidirectional tire. Are the scorpion zeros unidirectional?
I running low on cash so I need to buy a set that will last long with regular rotation.

 

[FrankRizzo]

Originally posted by CobraXP
I have run Cobra R's for over 3 years without using the spacers. Granted if I cut it all the way and hear the power steering whine, it rubs then, but haven't had any problems without them...

The first set of them I ran was not R's, but the 17x8's with the black center piece and Cobra in them (same as the SVT wheels). Those I had to run spacers on the front, leave off the dust caps, and grind on the center of the inside of the emblems to make them snap on. Never could get them to balance right because of the spacers...

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!

I don't feel so bad now!

I have a brand new 17 X 8 SVT rim in my garage because EE said "we use them all the time". Chuckleheads!


I'll probably have 4 Deuler H/P's 275/55/17's with about 10k on them for sale real soon. I don't know - the shipping would probably raise the deal high enough to make it not worth it unless you are out here in the southern left coast...

Also, I had 2 ea. 3/16" spacers machined here locally, but by the time I would ship them, I be into the same rip off zone as EE.

 

[X24]

question about spacers. EE says that you only need 3/16" spacers to run with 275/55 on cobra R's. 3/16" is not a lot, so I'm assuming that these are just flat metal with 5 holes in it not the ones that have a totally different set of studs, right? I could probably have someone make them for me but if they are not made perfectly will I get vibration?

 

[CobraXP]

I never got the spacers centered to where they wouldn't vibrate. Most uncomfortable ride I ever had.

FrankRizzo - if you know someone in a tire shop, or hop shop, put the wheels in there and give them $50 to sell them for you. Or tell them what you want for them, and anything they get over they can have. My best friend works for Ford Dealer here - I put them in the parts office. 2 hours later a kid bought them for his Mustang. Easy way to get rid of them. Don't put the tires on them - they will sell faster.

 

[FrankRizzo]

I only bought ONE - because it did not sound right. Glad I did.

That's why I had the spacers made at a machine shop (vibrations). I think the EE ones are machined, not cast also.

XP: BTW,
When you bought the blower, did they mention how many were left?

(I wish they'd just sell the rest of them so I can stop thinking about it!)

 

[CobraXP]

Rizzo - I talked to John yesterday - they had 4 left...

 

[Ben99]

When my X was lowered 2" the inside of the RIM lip would rub the rear side of the control arm when the steering was turned to the locks. The tire would also rub the sway bar. So, i added the 3/16" spacers. I did notice some vibration w/ the spacers, because I couldn't ever get them exactly centered on the hub. They are just a flat piece of metal w/ holes cut in it, not the adapters that have the studs in them. I had 275/50VR17 Nitto 450's on 17x9 Cobra R's. Now I've raised my truck back up, and have 265/70R17 Goodyear Wranglers on there and haven't had any problems rubbing (still have the spacers in).

 

[X24]

I think I read somewhere that the e-brake lines needed to be tied back if you run cobra R's. Is this true?

 

[CobraXP]

Now that you mention it, I think I did pull the e-brake line back andtie it closer to the frame on the rear...

My front tires will scrub the frame if turned all the way, but nothing other than that. I have the torsions turned down about and inch - No blocks or anything though...

 

[X24]

I have the front lowered about 2.5". Does anyone know anything that will happen with that much drop?

 

[james t]

i am lowered 2" and like Ben99, my WHEELs rubbed the inside of the lower control arm. i dont have spacers. all i did was grind off a part of the lip of the lower control arm where they were rubbing. no rub at all now, and i can turn lock to lock. this prob. would not be an option if you wanted to put your X back stock to sell it, though.

 

[X24]

does anyone have a pic of the part you are talking about grinding off?