tirider

I have a question for those who have 20 X 10 rears and 20 X 8.5 or 9 fronts on a GS430 or 300. I'm planning on using 245/35/20 in the front and 275/30/20 in the rear and I have not decided on 8.5 or 9 inch fronts. Will I have rubbing problems with this set-up -or- if I lower the car 1 inch or so? I currently have Lowenhart BR5's in 19 X 9.5 and 19 X 8.5 with 245/35/19 and 275/30/19's with L Tune shocks and springs ( lowered about 1 inch ) on a 2002 GS430, and no rubbing problems. I'm getting a new 2004 GS430 and I'm contemplating the wheel/tire size and the suspension set-up, and I've been warned by the dealer I might have a problem with the 20's and the lowered suspension. Any insight/experience is greatly appreciated.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

if you only lower the car by 1", and as long as you get the right offset on the wheels, yuo are good, to go, no major rubbing. the only time you rub would be when you turn the steering wheel full hard, it will rub the sides of the wheel wells, no biggie

tirider

Romini,

Thanks for your reply. I've read through a few of your posts in the suspension section and I have another question for you. Noticed you are running 20's, so I would like your opinion on the fronts - should I go with an 8.5 width in the front? My rim dealer suggested the 20 X 9 ( rims - Lowenhart BR5 ) to go with the 20 X 10 in the rear. Also the Lexus dealer service people actually were concerned about rub in the rear with the 20 X 10 and lowered suspension, and did not mention the fronts as a problem. Now the Lexus people were concerned with the rear combo when two adults were in the rear seats - something that will not happen very often with my car. I'm seriously considering the Tein CS coilovers as my suspension choice based on your excellent review ( so lets assume that will be my suspension in this case ) and would appreciate your educated opinion on this subject.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

actually, i put up a pretty comprehensive faq article at the top of this forum (wheels and tires), go take a look and i give all the offset numbers and sizes that i think are "appropriate" and good for the GS. you will also see some potential rubbing problems like what i have with my 20s. i think it will give you a much better idea

and to answer your question, having 8.5 or 9 in the front doesn't really matter much to me. with the 9 and you put 245 tires, itwill stretch more so it will give you a bit more clearance, but of course the rims would be more expensive. offset for 9 in the front would be more critical of course. for the rear, as long as the offset is within the range, i see ZERO problem with 10 in the back. bottom line is you can fit 11 in the back with the right offset, so you have plenty of room to play with

D2-AUTOSPORT

When I was ordering my wheels I chose to stay away from the 9" front because I wanted to clear my fenders (I have a aggresive lowering) and clear big brakes.

If you go with 9" you will have to have the offset that is perfect for that fittiment, no wiggle room. GSIntensive has either Ltuned or HR springs and a 20x9 and I think he rubs a little bit.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's true, with 9 you have to be very careful on the offset. tturbopimp had 20x9 that clears stoptech (will also clear all big brakes) and he had no problem last time i asked him. but then hre is custom offset. off the shelf stuff it's hard to get

tirider

Thanks guys for the info, this will help me make an educated decision ( armed with correct offsets and your experience ).

rominl

iTrader: (4)

you welcome just make sure you take your time and make sure everything is good. it's big money for wheels, so you wanna do it right