I have decided on these rims. The problem is they are 18x7 with 42 offset. They require 215/35/18 tires. Can this be done on the 3.2TL? I don't want a huge gap in between the tire and well. I will drop even .50 with h&r springs to compensate. Can it be done? Also could someone explain shaving the fender to me?

 

The rims should be OK but the tires will not work. You need to get at least 225-40-18. You are loosing too much diameter on the wheel and this will throw you speed obdmeter off. with +42 offset and 7" width, you might not have to shave/trim the fender. I have 235-40-18 on 18x7.5 +42 offset and it works fine with minor trim to the rear fender.

When I say trimming the fender or shaving the fender, it mean that you are cutting the edge of fender so when you go over dips or bumps, your tire will be tucked under the fender. The lower offset means that you rims & wheels will stick out more which can cause rubbing between the top of the tire to the fender.

If you take your car to shops that sell rims, they should have a machine that can shave/trim the fenders.

I hope this helps.

 

SSK,
You have been a great help. I am going to give them a try!

Thanks,
Jeff

 

Are you saying that you cut the metal on the fender?? Why not roll it instead?

 

From what I know, it seems like they trim the metal part of the rear fender too but it was VERY VERY minor. They trimed mostly the pastic part in the wheel well which connects to the rear bumper. It was done very very clean and I am very very satisfied with the work they did. I really did not see what they did to it exactly because they took the car to the back but when my brother saw the car, he asked me where it trimmed it after looking at the wheel well. He could not tell.

 

Sounds like they did a good job. On a precautionary note: If they did indeed cut metal, make sure the raw exposed edges were covered with primer or some sealer. Leaving it exposed will definitely lead to rust and corrosion.

 

Lawaia,


Thanks for your advice

 

Anytime ssk