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Topic: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...? (Read 2468 times) previous topic - next topic

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Is 1/8" between the tire and a coil-over spring enough clearance?  I've had this coil-over kit for a few years and it didn't fit with my 17x9's.  Now that I have SN95 spindles, my measurements seem to tell me I'll have 1/8" (maybe a tiny more) clearance and, since I'm tearing it all apart to put fox stang a-arms on anyway, I want to put the coil-overs on!  What do you all think?
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats


1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #2
1/8" is pretty close, but i have seen it work. now that doesnt mean the tire never rubs the spring either :hick:

it may be possible to get a spring with a shorter free length to move the spring totally above the tire, giving you more room to work with. what rate and length are your current springs?
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #3
ok, well.. this is bad, but i don't remember the rate...  it was about 4 years ago and the tool sold me a fox mustang "street" kit, granatelli (which didn't fit with my wheels even though he said it would and the rear STILL doesn't work with my shocks even though he said it would!).

the front springs are 12" uncompressed...
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #4
Quote from: booksix;174924
ok, well.. this is bad, but i don't remember the rate...  it was about 4 years ago and the tool sold me a fox mustang "street" kit, granatelli (which didn't fit with my wheels even though he said it would and the rear STILL doesn't work with my shocks even though he said it would!).

Have I ever mentioned that Granatelli is a massive douche bag?

Consider it mentioned.

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #5
Honestly, I didn't read the link, but I wasn't really asking for opinions.  It's the only kit I could afford at the time because of a sale and it's what I have...  end of story.  So, while I'm sure you're just trying to let everyone know you had a bad experience (and usually I totally appreciate that), I don't need anyone trashing the parts I'm trying to put on my car.  I'm just here asking for help...
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #6
Quote from: booksix;174938
Honestly, I didn't read the link, but I wasn't really asking for opinions.  It's the only kit I could afford at the time because of a sale and it's what I have...  end of story.  So, while I'm sure you're just trying to let everyone know you had a bad experience, I don't need anyone trashing the parts I'm try to put on my car.  I'm just here asking for help...
I wasn't asking your opinion. Granatelli sucks. Period.

Having said that, your thread isn't the place to discuss it. Sorry.



I would install the kit and check. 1/8" might be enough clearance depending on what is near what. Is the trouble spot the wheel and collar, wheel and spring, tire and collar, tire and spring?

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #7
1/8" spacer?
One 88

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #8
I really wouldn't run a front spacer. There is a very little amount of play with the mounting bolts for the strut to spindle mount. You may be able to loosen them and push the top of the strut some while you tighten it. Here is a pic of how close mine is:


1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #9
Jim is that in the wheel or against the tire.hard to tell on the pic.
by the way lookin good.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #10
Is that the clearance with the suspension unloaded or when it's at static load? If unloaded you may be ok. but that's still too close for my comfort. Under hard cornering the sidewall may flex enough to rub.

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #11
I was just trying to show booksix that mine is very close too. That pic is with no motor in the car. It is close, but the pic makes it look really close. I am actually looking for some 17x8's to help the issue.
Jim

1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #12
It will be fine the wheel/tire to strut clearance doesn't move unless you run a tall tire thats low on air..
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1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?

Reply #13
Sorry guys... here's the update.  Got everything in and I have more like 1/4" of clearance. 

Also, I just have to say, 1/8" spacer?  LOL...  I just spent hours swapping a-arms to bring the wheels IN!!  Anyway, I'll try to post pics and details on the setup in case anyone needs info to do the same.
1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
'89 5.0 w/ ported intakes, Mallory Adjustable FPR, BBK shorties and H with 2.5" Flows, 130 amp 3G, 89 Mustang comp/wiring, Aluminum radiator w/ elec fan, T5 trans, King Cobra clutch, 3.55 gears, 13" Cobra brakes (front), Wilwood prop valve, Mustang A-arms, Front Coil-overs, MM CC plates, Silver 17x9 R's, 03 Cobra IRS, Aluminum DS, 2002 Mustang dash/console etc..., custom leather seats