Survey-Tire Sizes with 18 inch rims

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lseguy

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I was running 255-45-18's, which I had replaced today. with the stock Sport suspension (2002 V8 LSE) I had some slight rubbing issues over the past two years in the fenderwells, but nothing major.

Wanting a slightly more comfortable ride, I opted for replacement tires of a 245 width. It didnt hit me until AFTER I had the tires installed...that I had ordered them in a 40 aspect ratio. Which means..my ride will actually be slightly more HARSH with the lower sidewall. DOH!

Oh well..I can deal with that..but this ALSO means that I now have almost an inch MORE of wheelwell gap, due to the shorter sidewall. DOh DOH!

Instead of dealing with the hassle of having these tires dismounted, replacement tires installed, then sending BACK the 245 40's to tirerack.com..I figured I will just keep these on and look into a set of Eibach lowering springs, to drop the car down that inch.

And at 72k miles, might as well do the shocks with the springs.

Questions: Those of you with lowered LS's and 18 inch rims..what size tire are you running?
Those of you with STOCK suspensioned LS's and 18 inch rims..what tire size are you running?


Those of you with the Eibach kits that drop the car 1 inch...after long term use, how is the ride quality?
 
I know you asked the lowered people with 18's but I have 19's and a 1.75" drop and I still think its not enough. The 1" with 18's may be still too high up.
You can easily do 255 in the back, I have 245 on my front, thats about as wide as I can go with my offset.

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Ron,

I have the Eibach's on my LSE and have the 245/40-18 size tires. I had rubbing problems with the 245/45-18 tires. However, I don't have rubbing with the 40 series tires which I love. To be honest I can not tell the difference between the two. You definitely need to get the Eibach's. The gap in the fender well is perfect in my opinion. I'll try and get some pictures when it stops raining.
 
Thanks guys. Actually..it's great to "hear" from you two guys..because you two have (In my opinion) my top two Fav LS's on this site.

Ken: Thats EXACTLY what I was looking to hear. If i recall from the other threads, you went with the stock sport shocks and Eibach Pro Kit? Did you let the dealer do an alignment afterwards? Any specific specs for that alignment?

Thinking about ordering the Eibach's and getting them installed early next week if possible.
 
I have the Eibach springs and run a 245/45-18 wheel & tire combo without any problems. After about 9 months with this set up the ride quality is a bit firmer than stock, but not harsh or uncomfortable.

I installed the springs myself and then had my favorite suspension shop do the alignment. They were able to get the front camber set at -0.50 deg. and the rear camber set at -1.50 deg. which is within factory specs at each corner.

We're glad we did it.

LS6.jpg
 
By the way..got that from LSE bumper painted and installed last weekend. Thanks!
 
Great to hear the LSE bumper worked out. As for the alignment, my alignment specialist guy here in town installed the springs. I send him business so he cuts me a good deal on installs. However, he was able to get the front aligned good and the rear was like -1.25 on the right and around -1.50 on the left. I just keep my tires rotated at every oil change and have not seen any adverse tire wear.
 
T_Man said:
LS6.jpg
Click to expand...
Tony,

Your LS is looking sweet. I loved the chromed out CDC wheels. Too bad I sold the set of 18" CDC wheels I had. I was going to chrome those like you did.
 
Thanks Kenny.... remember that my first LS was a Midnight Gray 2001, so I've got a thing for your's too.
:D
 
The Vivid Red is very unique on a LS, Ive never seen one in person yet. T_mans car is awesome!! I also wish I had a midnight grey instead of my silver. The silver is kinda plain and common. Both of you guys have awesome rides!!!
 
Monsoon was here (Maryland) yesterday. Let me clean her up good tomorrow and snap some pics. I'll post them then.
 
Going with Ken's suggestion/his setup. Eibach springs should be here Monday afternoon..local Advance AutoParts guy was able to get them for me for $275 plus tax. Could have gotten them cheaper online, but I wanted them by Monday. My lincoln dealer parts guy was able to get my the Stock Sport Shocks at $68 each, and they should be in Sat afternoon, or Monday at the latest. Have an appt set at my trusty Ford dealership for an install of all the above on Tuesday..$250 was the quote. She will be all set for a highway trip to North Carolina early Thursday morning.
 
Hello, I am running 225/45/18 in front and 245/40/18 in rear. With the eibach springs. Using the stock shocks (not the sport). The ride is great and i only have to watch out for steep driveways and speed bumps in the street and parking lots. Also you will have to watch the curbs and parking lot stops. Sorry tried to load pictures but was told file was to big.
 
LEOV5 get some pics up of your car!! It looks sweet in the thumbnail/avatar, whatever its called.
 
As requested, a few pics.

2002 LSE V8..purchased brand new on 12/31/2002 at 6pm. (Absolute best time to get multiple dealers to compete against one another for best sale price). Currently has 72k miles. Paint and body still in perfect condition. Runs and performs flawlessly.

New Lskoncepts.com Front Bumper Cover. I need to get a razor blade and trim a couple pieces of flashing from the inside lower portion.
32212352192.jpg



Headrest Monitors. DVD Player's Remote IR module can be seen at lower portion of rear center console.
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Front Shot
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New 245-40 18" Sumitomo HTR+ Tires. Stock Sport Suspension. Rear Drivers side. Def need those Eibachs on there to reduce some of that wheelwell gap.
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Drivers Front Side. More unsightly Gap.
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Full Shot
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Sorry about that..I'll try again. And why are we not allowed do edit posts beyond a certain time?

Click on each pic for larger view.











 
Ron,

The LSE is looking good. I like the orange Lincoln emblems you have on the wheels. I wonder who you got those from? ;)
 
Nice looking LSE lseguy!!

Now when you drop it, it will look even better to get rid of that fender gap.
 
02v8sport,

Hey thanks for the compliment. I tried to download photos, but Gallery says that they are too big. I have to give T MAN alot of credit for the pictures. He took them for the upcoming 07 LSSOC.com calender.
 
Thanks guys. Picked up the stock sport shocks from the dealer today (man..talk about feeling like a waste..even at 72k, my original shocks STILL feel perfect) and the Eibach springs arrived today as well. Appointment set for 8:00am at the Ford dealer for the install. I'm going to ask them if I can drive it around for a few miles after the install to settle the suspension a bit, then bring it right back for the alignment.
 
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