17" wheels on 87 gt? re-alignment needed?

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btsclan

Member

Feb 22, 2004

64

0

6

Seattle, WA

Jul 24, 2008

#1

• Jul 24, 2008

• #1

I have a question, I have been thinking of upgrading to 17" cobra 4 lug rims but not sure if it is a direct swap. Would I need to get the car aligned? Would the car ride the same as with 15" stock rims?

Basicly, if I buy them can I just put them on and not worry about anything an drive as normal or do I need to tune anything or adjust anything?

 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician

Aug 8, 2003

8,016

1,613

194

NJ

Jul 24, 2008

#2

• Jul 24, 2008

• #2

A $60 alignment would be worth it for peace of mind. 17 inch tires aren't cheap, and an alignment is good insurance.
Not 100% necessary, but these cars should be aligned once a year anyway if you drive it alot.

Any time i put new tires on the front of anything, it gets an alignment.

 

NIKwoaC

中國製造

15 Year Member

Oct 31, 2006

5,525

943

214

Chengdu Province

Jul 24, 2008

#3

• Jul 24, 2008

• #3

I agree, its just good practice to get an alignment after anything like that. Other than that, the only change in ride you may notice is the shorter sidewall tires might give a little less and produce a rougher ride. But I don't think it will be an issue. Just make sure you use "+2" sizing when choosing tires.

 

2BADSTANGS

Member

Jun 19, 2008

385

1

18

Colorado

Jul 25, 2008

#4

• Jul 25, 2008

• #4

Should bolt up as far as I know, I have Cobra R knock-off 17's on my '93 gt with 255/40 ZR17 tires and they barely, barely rub when I crank the wheel all the way. I have never herd them rub over bumps. I know the '93 Cobras came factory with 17's, but am not sure if ford did anything special to accomidate them.