Suspension help

[Mcbrad]

I want to start off by saying hello... cause I'm new on here.

Now to my problem:

I own a 2003 GT four door

I received a set of 20" rims with 235/35 tires. I put them on the car and the tires clear the fenders no problem, but the top of the REAR tires rub against the bottom of the spring seat on the struts.

I'm trying to find a easy way of extending the rear strut at least 1/4".

Is it possible to use rear struts from a Gran Prix? The Gran Prix strut has a dist of 8" from mounting bracket to spring seat, whereas I only have 6 1/4" on my current struts.

What about using SE rear struts? I know one of the differences between GT & SE is suspension, would an SE strut give me more clearance?

What about front struts on the rear? I don't have a rubbing issue up front, just in the rear.


I have read all of the other posts I could find on here about 20" rims. These are not a straight bolt on (which is what I've read), what did other people do? Are all the cars with 20" SE's? (different suspension?) I know I could just go with a lower profile tire, but I want to stay with the 35, I think that is low enough.

I'm know my way around a car, but I have never really done custom suspension work before. Is there something I am totally missing? Keep in mind I don't have a crap load of cash to throw at this, so hydraulics aren't really an option.

[ancona46]

if its 1/4 of clearance u need buy a set of 1/4 wheels spacers

[Mcbrad]

Alright... I found out some info for future reference...

First off, you cannot use Gran Prix struts on a GA.
Second, the SE struts are not a different height.

Finally, when you put 20" rims with 235/35 on a GA you have a couple choices:

1. You can let the tires rub for around 30 miles until the rubbing stops (No Thanks)

2. You can put a custom suspension on (hydros, air ride) BIG $$$$

3. You can fix the problem the old fashioned way BFH!!!

I called a couple of rim shops today and asked them if there was a part I needed to squeeze the big b!tc#es under my car. They told me that they run into this problem with 20"s on GA and 22" on Montes. They take a BIG F-ing Hammer and hit the spring seat back away from the tire about 1/4" and the problem is solved. Since the spring seat never moves, once it isn't touching the tire it never will.

I figured I should let others know, since I can't be the only person to run into this. I really didn't like the idea of driving around on brand new tires for 30+ miles rubbing. Also I have seen some debate about part swapping between models, so I figured you might like to know about the GP struts being a no-no.

[GtAudioFreak]

I dunno about bashing the spring seat either, if your talking about the part I think you are. If you cock that spring at an angle or something then that could be bad. Ill have to look later at my suspension to see what you are talking about. Why dont you post a pic up of your ride so i can see what the 20's look like.

[03graystone]

yeah i wanna see the 20s also. i answered u on myspace also.

[thegrimone]

Reading the OP I was hoping for a BFH to be used and there it was. A 1/4 inch is nothing, smack away. You will not hurt the spring unless you hit it by mistake, so you might want to use a punch or other chunk of steel to keep your BFH away from the spring and give your self more room to swing.

[Mcbrad]

Well... I don't have a garage where I'm living so I can't get a pic of the strut to point out what I'm talking about, but I will psot some pics after Thurs if you guys want.

For now I do have a pic of the car with the rims on it. Please ignore the stupid decal on the back. My dad stuck those on there while I was putting the tires on, I am peeling it off.

http://img2.putfile.com/main/7/20514561592.jpg

[gobraves00]

thos are 20's?they dont look it.looks good though, i was just expecting them to take up you wheel well alot more

[Mcbrad]

I was surprised about the space in the wheel wells too. They really fit nice, there is no rubbing in the front even when turning as sharp as possible. Just the stupid spring seat on the rear struts.

I'll give an update on what happens Thurs, when I try to put them back on.

[GtAudioFreak]

I like them, they would look hot on my car :) haha. I wonder if theyd fit on a lowered car like mine.

[GtAudioFreak]

Oh yea and welcome since you are new here. Where in Ohio are you at? I go to Toledo every once in a while.

[ancona46]

bag it and u wont have spring seats anymore!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c292/ancona46/progress/feb2007028.jpg

[Mcbrad]

Everything went really well. The BFH and I fixed the problem in no time. Here are a few pics:

... well maybe not, right now putfile is f-ing up... I'll try again Saturday

Oh yea and welcome since you are new here. Where in Ohio are you at? I go to Toledo every once in a while.

Thanks. I live in the Springfield/Dayton area

bag it and u wont have spring seats anymore!

I would like to, but isn't that about $2k. I don't have that kinda cash to throw at the problem right now.

[Mcbrad]

Here we go...

This is the strut & tire before:
http://img2.putfile.com/main/7/20716412172.jpg

This is the tool I used:
http://img2.putfile.com/main/7/20716410830.jpg

This is the strut & tire after:
http://img2.putfile.com/main/7/20716410758.jpg

And here is the rear tire completed:
http://img2.putfile.com/main/7/20716404365.jpg

Apparently when in doubt just use a BFH!!

[cardude007617]

damn get bigger brakes cuz the stockers look kinda funky

[Mcbrad]

that is the next thing on my list now....

I was surprised at the change in braking power!!! There is a little difference in the acceleration, but there is a deffinant change in the brakes. I think my best bet is a double piston caliper up front.

[cardude007617]

like how so? did it get worse or improve?

[DomestikDemon]

stock brakes are made for a 16 inch wheel with medium profile tires on it...hes got 20s and and to retain the factory OD, the tires would be way too thin....so there for the brakes now have less torque over the wheels