I just bought rims from OE Wheels on ebay. 4 new 17 x 8 / 9" Morxchn Mustang Cobra style rivet deep dish wheels. The offset on the 17x8 is 15mm and the 17x9 20mm. The problem is I took the car intop Goodyear and they say they will not fit. I called OE and they said if the car is stock and it is they will fit no problem with 245/40 in front and 275/40 in back. Does anyone know if this will work for sure. I currently have pony rims and the 245/50's are rubbing the shocks. And the front I believe has 225/50 and they rub the inside of the wheel well. Please help! Thank you!!!!!
Posts: 2716
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
I had an '85 GT and ran 245/40/17"s at all four corners on 2" drop with zero rubbing (I do not recall the off-set). What did Goodyear say was the problem with new rims? It could be that they are just seeing that they are 17"s and the car originally came with 15"s and are concerned about liablilty. If memory serves, the off-set is probably fine. Seems to me, and this was 13 years ago, the off-set of my original rims was +22mm. So your new rims are probably OK in that respect.
As to why your CURRENT tires rub, I don't know. A friend is running Pony rims on an '83 and has no issues with 225/50's.
Confirm the back-spacing between the current wheels and new ones, and do the math. Look closely at your current set-up and let me know where tires are rubbing in front and in back.
I took a look at the front tires 225/50 and turned the wheel all the way and don't see it rubbing, however I can see where it may have rubbed at some point at the rear lower part of the wheel well. As for the rear the tire is 245/50 and rubs on the middle part of the shock and that I can see on the tire when removed. Would Dunn tire be a better place to go? Thanks.
Posts: 2716
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
I think the existing issue with rear tires is off-set. Go ***HERE*** and may help understand, if you are unclear. It will also give you dimensions to check for going wider on future wheels.
My '85 GT came stock with 225/60/15"s and were 1/2" smaller diameter than the 245/40/17"s I was running (1/4" less clearance around wheel than stock), so am certain off-set is the problem there. It probably only hits when axle is articulated when going up a steep driveway at an angle, for instance. As for fronts, you say it has evidence of rubbing, but is it just light marks on inner plastic inside? Does it hit the fender and have cuts on tires? This may be an issue with improper castor as well. If you plan on getting wider wheels, this may become a larger rubbing issue but sizes you propose should NOT be an issue with lower profile tires, such as 40 series with proper castor/camber.
Thanks for the info I am going to have to look at it closer to understand better.
The front shows rubbing on the inside of the wheel well low on metal. It does not rub on the fender at all. From what I can see I would have be turning pretty hard to get it to rub. There is plenty of clearance around the fenders because car is not lowered at this time. Thanks again.
Ok, Now I am even more confused. I went to Dunn Tire and they weren't all that helpful. They test fitted the rims and said the tires would rub for sure because the tires I have on now are rubbing. I tried to explain there was a different offset and they just gave me a blank look. I stopped at a Ford dealer and they couldn't tell me what would fit either, they don't deal with after market rims. I am going to check a local custom shop and see if they can help. I really want these rims to work. Does anyone else have any suggestions? Please Help!!!!!!
Posts: 2716
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
The question becomes, what is the difference between the off-set of the Pony rims and the new ones? Do these two things for me:
1. Remove one of your front wheels and measure the back-spacing of rim and compare to the NEW wheels. What is the difference between the two? 2. Do the same thing with back wheels. What is the difference between the two?
If your NEW wheel has LESS back spacing, the tire will be farther out than your existing ones. Depending on where tires are rubbing, this will improve or worsen the issue.
Ok Jazzer, Here is the plan. I talked with a guy from a local custom shop and he seemed to think they should fit ok. He is little concerned the 17x9 may rub the cross strut, but is going to mount tires on and see how they fit. Tires should be in next week and I will follow up with you on how it all turns out. Thanks for all your help.
Printable Version
Will 17x8(15mm) and 17x9(20mm) fit an 84 GT - 
