285/45x18 on 18/10 on GT 2008 lowered by 2"3 (rear) ?

[Latitude]

Hi everybody,

I have been the happy owner of a Mustang 2008 GT Convertible for 1 year and a half. It's lowered by 2.3 inches at the back and by 1.75 pouce at the front (Eibach Sportline). Just that gives 'her' a fantastic wild aggressive look!

Presently, I have my stock 235/55 x 17 tires on 4 wheels. I plan to ugrade them to 255/45x18 on 18x9 wheels at the front and 285/40x18 on 18x10 wheels at the rear (likely a bullitt or Torq-like model).

According to my 2"3 lowering at the back, I worry about rubbing or bottoming out with such tires/wheels at the back. Road are not that good in Quebec.

My question is : has somebody a similar mounting experience or specific knowledge about it? Since I plan to have those wheels delivered in Canada from the States, i can't afford to make a mistake (a $1000 mistake!).

Thanks in advance

Philippe aka Latitude

 

[DarkFireGT]

You should be fine. I think KoolDawg has a similar drop and is running a taller tire than that. Just make sure your rear end is centered, so the wheels will tuck (when hitting a bump) without catching on the fender.

 

['08GTcaRED]

A panhard bar is what will center it

 

[DarkFireGT]

Sorry, I assumed he knew that, which I shouldn't have done.

 

[Latitude]

Thanks Guys,

Does it mean the stock Panhard rod doesn't make it?

 

[Rob72]

Yes. Pick up an adjustable pan hard rod for about $150.

 

[DarkFireGT]

If you have the stock panhard still, and you've lowered that much, your rear end is definitely out of alignment. If you go out and measure from the fender to the wheel on both sides, you're probably about an inch or inch and a half off. You need to pick up an adjustable panhard bar if you're going to get wider wheels..

 

['08GTcaRED]

Surprised KD hasn't posted yet... or anyone else with the eibach sportlines for that matter...

Yes you will need an adjustable aftermarket panhard bar, the choice is yours since most suspension companies that have parts for our cars have them. When lowering you shift one side of the axle out from the fender usually and the bar lets you pull it back in under the wheelwell.

No prob Darkfire, I learned never to assume anything with anyone

 

[Latitude]

Thanks a lot DarkFire, 08GTcaRED and Rob,

You made me progress a lot in my suspension system understanding.
I also found that site, with good explanation and speaking illustrations : Late Model Mustang Suspension Basics.

And, according to its low price, nothing justifies I deprive myself of an adjustable Panhard bar.

Thanks again

PS: I just measured the difference between L and R sides; The gap between the tire and the fender (outside) is 2cm on the left side and 2,8 cm on the right side, that is almost a third of an inch.

Philippe

 

['08GTcaRED]

No prob Latitude. That is what we are here for! Glad you found some good info that helped