kngdaka

Okay, I used the search function and didn't get a 100% answer to my question.

First: I know when I upgrade to the OEM polished 18inch bullitt wheels, there will be very little distance between the brake caliper and the rim

Second: Chance of tire rub when I have the wheels at full crank.

Third: I plan on running my stock rims/tires because they are great for winter during the winter. Stock rims are 16inches.


So: If I get the 18 inch polished bullitts, with 1/4 inch wheel spacers all around, that should combat any chance of brake/wheel rub, correct? Is this safe to do? (I'll probably drive 6000-7000 miles a year on this setup) Steering stops will prevent tire/wheel well rub.

This way in the winter I can just take off the spacers and run the stockers on stock brakes. Yes i can upgrade to GT brakes, but right now I'd rather not. I just bought the tires for the 16 inchers last year for alot of money, so i'd rather get my use out of them. I also just installed new brakes all the way around in the past 6 months, so I'd rather use those as well.

thanks

157dB

Just get the proper steering stops and be done with those nasty spacers.
The gap is very workable and no problems for a year now...

Note: For vehicles with 16" wheels from the factory:
-installing 17" x 8" wheels, use steering stop 4R3Z-3932-BA
-Installing 18" x 8.5" or 18" x 9.5" wheels, use steering stop 6R3Z-3932-CA

Sancho805

didnt know there was an issue with OEM's. i'm assuming the GT's differ to accomodate the OEM 18's?

157dB

Uh, yea with larger GT brake rotors and larger GT brake caliper brackets
that dont have a clearance issue like the V6 caliper brackets.
And the factory installed steering stops....
The V6 has the tightest turning radius of the S197s.

laterider

157, is there a noticable difference in the gap size between installing the 17x8 and 18x8.5's? I was looking at getting some 17" take offs myself, but I had no idea of this issue. Just curious if one size has a larger gap over the other...

azrael_nite

No problem here too.

Ford 18" polished bullitts with stock v6 rotors and calipers. Fit is pretty tight but it does clear.

Sublime00

I'm doing the same thing with 18's in the summer and 16's in the winter. 18's are VERY close to the caliper but don't hit. Turning is another story, and after a few rubs, you're going to want the stops installed. Brings the 'full crank' confidence back. Spacers weren't needed for the install, fyi.

157dB

Well I gots pics of all three.
16s, 17s, and 18s.

I had 17s for a while and the gap is
pretty big but not as big as
16s and not as small as 18s.

Straight from FORD:

Note: For vehicles with 16" wheels from the factory:
-installing 17" x 8" wheels, use steering stop 4R3Z-3932-BA
-Installing 18" x 8.5" or 18" x 9.5" wheels, use steering stop 6R3Z-3932-CA
For vehicles with 17" wheels from the factory:
-installing 18" x 8.5" or 18" x 9.5" wheels, use steering stop 6R3Z-3932-CA

Sancho805

my 17's have given me ZERO problems thus far (except that now i'm pretty used to them and now i want 18's ). originally came with the 16's.

laterider

Thanks 157!!! I have #1, and want to move to #2, then probably #3. Ha! I keep seeing ebay 17" take-offs with tires for cheap, but have hesitated - price is good, but shipping sucks + they don't actually put pictures of the rim set they would ship you. But I do want the ford rims, so I'm gonna pull the trigger soon if the old lady stops spending $$$.