Vampire3eb

Hey everyone,

I am in a bit of trouble and I am seeking all of your wisdom. Daddy-O's setup with the RX330 18" wheels on his RX300 inspired me to pick up some as well. I got a set of the silvers off eBay, because the price was too good to pass by. Little did I know what exactly I was getting into (financially more so).

I was wondering if it was at all possible to get by without the 25mm spacers that he used. I don't know much about cars. I did not realize how expensive spacers were. I was looking at some H&R's and they were a bit over $300!! I feel dumb for not doing more research and knowing how expensive this project was gonna be. Are there any other alternatives to 25mm spacers? Heck, I don't even know what spacers do! I am completely lost and confused. All of you guys' advice has never led me astray, so I'm very open to what you guys think.

Thanks and hope to hear from you soon,

Pat

On a brighter note, I got a set of "Daylight Demon Eyes" for my RX300. I will be letting you all know how that goes soon.

salimshah

I have not done this mod, and can only help de-mystify things.

The wheel wells can accomodate certain size (radius & width) of the wheel assembly (Rim + tire). The wheel assembly also moves inside the wheel well. (up and down as you go over bumps) and sideways for the front as you turn.

It was hard to understand if the radius is changing or not. !8" rims should get less taller (smaller sidewall) to keep the final radius the same. Minor size difference is Ok.

If the width is changing, then there is a possibility for the inside edge to rub against the wheel well. Since the outer side of the wheel well is open/exposed (that is how we take off or put on the wheel) the simple solution is to mount the wheel sticking out by using "spacer(s)".

Hope this helps.

Salim

d2gs3

iTrader: (4)

Wow, I did not realize that spacer is require in order to fit the RX330 rim to RX300. I am about to buy one set as well. Not only you need spacers, you may also need extended lugs as well. The reason I know is because I just fit a set of 20x9 Lowenhart with 37mm offset to my RX300. I need to buy spacers as well as extended lug (1/2" longer). It is quite hassle. The extended lugs was from a company called ARP. They do not make one for Lexus, so I need to buy one from GM. The thread are same, but they do not press fit like the OEM. I need to go through some modification in order to make it fit. I am happy with the way they are but my wife complain that they are a little bumpy for her (20"). So I plan to go back to 18" RX330 OEM. Now I need to change my plan again
BTW, you need spacer for the rear only, the front fit fine.
Salim, in this case, the rim rubbing the strut, not the wheel well.

DXC

$300 sounds reasonable to me but 25mm spacer OMG Guess how much burdon you will put on your car Just PM you. Hopefully you won't break down your car

d2gs3

iTrader: (4)

Are you sure it need 25mm? I thought 5mm should be good enough since the 18x7 with 35mm offset.

Vampire3eb

Daddy-O's setup used 25mm spacers and because I have no clue about these things I thought that was what I had to get in order to make things work.

So you're saying I only need spacers for the rear? 25 mm spacers will break my car!? That would kinda suck, now wouldn't it?

This experience shouldn't be this stressful! Oh well, all this trouble will be well worth it right?!

I got a quote from a local tire shop and they said they sold spacers for $5 a piece. Is this too good to be true? My wallet can definitely handly $20 for 4 of them instead of a whopping $300!

Salim, d2gs3, DXC --> Thanks for your replies! I am less confused b/c of you guys.

Pat

On another note, the headlight installation with the demon eyes came to a halt today. I have this local guy do some of my bodywork, and he said he needed to take off my front bumper to take my headlamps out! I saw from previous threads that you didn't have to do this, but he didn't want to break anything. He got the headlamp really loose but there were a few tabs on the bottom of the lamp that were preventing it from coming out. I will investigate this more later.

RX989

You DO NOT need spacers for the RX330 wheels. I had a set on with 235/60/18 and it fit perfectly. You cannot go over a 235 width though or thats where youll experience rubbing..

Vampire3eb

YES!!!! Thank you so much RX989!! Wow that takes a huge load off my shoulders. I shall post pics when my RX is happy and done.

YES!!!

-Pat

d2gs3

iTrader: (4)

Thank RX989 for confirm that. I read somewhere indicate also RX330 rim is 18x7 with 35mm offset which is a little wider than RX300 rim, but had the same offset.

salimshah

For folks who end up using spacers (more so for the ones using lug-bolt extention) what changes do you exoerience .. other than the appearance?

Salim

d2gs3

iTrader: (4)

Salim,
I an using 5mm spacers for the rear with my Lowenhart LD1 20x9 37mm offset. The front does not require any spacer with 20x9 same offset (37). The ride is very nice IMHO, very sporty, but comfortable. It is no longer too soft in my opinion (with 16" OEM).

DXC

20" Just curious, do you need to do fender rolling? How the car looks after you put the 20" - just couldn't imagine the picture. Is that too big when you look at it ??? Thanks in advance.

d2gs3

iTrader: (4)

DXC: No way it will ever need fender rolling. It had at least 5" clearance. Even 20" look small for that car.

DXC

Looks awsome