Originally Posted by csnelson

My plans for my stock 99 GS400 are to put on 2011-2013 IS350 staggered chrome wheels. They are 5 spoke but with the low part between giving the split look. They are Front 18X8 45 offset & Rear 18X8.5 50 offset

I'm trying to keep the OEM look. MY two ideas were:

1. Front 245/40/18 & Rear 255/40/18. Negative: the O.D. is .3 inch different 25.7 front 26.0 rear. Positive: The front tire is a higher load carrying capacity in the 1600's. Original is 1521 for 16 inch 1477 for 17 inch.

2. Front 225/45/18 & Rear 255/40/18 Positive: the O.D. is identicle at 26.0 so the sidewalls should look extremely close to matched in height, which I want.
Negative: I'm nervous that the front tires load carrying capacity, that is in the 1300's being so much lower than stock and the actual width of the front tire will be less than stock, and that it is a GS with a V8 in front (heavier). I'm worried I wouldn't have good balance and to much understeer (push).

I was considering the Continental Extreme contact DW. Another size I would consider for the front would be the 235/45/18 but unfortunately they aren't made in that size.

Also planning on installing Eibach Pro Kit springs. 1 inch drop.

Ok what do you guys think? Thanks

Originally Posted by baddis es

you're still leaving plenty of space...sunken space...with the +42, definitely go with the +20 offset.

I'm running 19x9 +25 F (235/40/19) and 19x10 +25 R (275/35/19) and it is sitting very flush all around, I'm also on shaved rears and no mods up front.

Originally Posted by YaKuZa_GS

I would just do H&R 25mm bolt on type front and rear to avoid getting extended studs

Originally Posted by DWitis

Thanks for the advice and quick response. Just wondering would 25mm front & rear be too wide and poke out too much? Would it be more conservative to go 15mm front and 25mm rear?

Originally Posted by YaKuZa_GS

if your fenders are rolled and shaved already then the 25 will work both front and rear. But I would really advise against a 15mm just because you will need to have extended studs.. which is a bit of a headache for wheels like that. The thinnest H&R makes in a bolt on spacer for Lexus/Toyota is 20mm but you'll need to make sure your wheels have cavities

Originally Posted by DWitis

Cool, i will look into 25mm front and back. Also will need to make sure my wheels got enough cavaity clearance for the studs. Im running 225/40/18 tires, that shouldnt be a problem since im rolled and shaved? Thanks a bunch YaKuZa!

Originally Posted by YaKuZa_GS

If you run the 25mm spacer your wheels wont need cavities.. only for the 20mm you will need it. For the tire size it would work but ideally you should run a 245/40 or at least 235/40

Originally Posted by YaKuZa_GS

I would do the 225/45 and 255/40 combo. The OEM GS tires are a 94 load range whether you had 16" or 17". You are right though, the Conti DW in the front size is only a 91 load range. But there are many other summer tires which have a 95 load range such as

Michelin Pilot Super Sport (Best tire in my opinion)
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo

These 3 models are available in both 225/45 and 255/40 and are XL (Extra Load) so you should have no issues

As for the springs Eibach is not bad. If you want the lowest drop I recommend Tanabe DF210 or for a mild drop the Tanabe NF210

Originally Posted by clos430

What's up CL, I need some advice on what I can do with my set up.

I'm lowered on L-tuned lowering springs which lower the car 1.2 front .9 in the rear I'm running 20x9 ( 32 offset ) with a 245/35 tire, front and rear fenders are shaved.

Now heres my issue I recently upgraded to LS 400 calipers which means I had to use rca. I went with figs 17mm which equals out to .6 inch and means I'm lowered a total of approximately 1.8 inches in the front. I think the drop is perfect and I get no rubbing on normal driving but when I'm turning into a drive way with the steering turned all the way I can feel the tire catching the fender just a little. I don't wanna screw up my fenders so I'm wondering what are my options ?

Do I have to maybe change the tire size to a 225/35 or even get away with 245/30 ? I plan on getting coilovers soon but even with coilovers I would like to keep the front at the same height as now. Any suggestion ?

Originally Posted by SC4Paulo

You will need a lower profile tire or a thinner tire, depends what part of the tire is rubbing, I'm 215/35/19 and it rubs just above the tire, no damage at all to my fenders or tires though, but it does rub turning. before we can tell you what tire size to run I'd like to know what part of your tire will rub, you can get a shorter profile tire and a 225/35 will accomplish that.

I wouldn't worry too much about your rubbing though.