[sparticus56]

I currently have a 96' mustang 3.8 with 17 X 7" inch rims-225/45/17 tires all the way around...I know, I made the beginners mistake of ordering rims/tires too small for the car...the rear rims seem to be pushed in 2-3" into the frame of the car due to the body style of this year of mustang which seems to "bubble out" toward the back end. Looking at the car, the wheel wells are not filled out and the back end rims/tires are pushed in too far...that being said, I am looking at purchasing a new set of rims (18 X 9" in the front & 18 X 10" in the back) will these rims solve the problem as far as filling out the wheel wells, and in the rear end having the rims/tires being flush with the body of the car? I know these rims/tires will take up 25.3" in diameter, and looking at the rear end, there will still be space in the wheel wells...I am also looking at 2 different lowering spring sets...both are good quality, but one offers a 1.2" drop in the front, and 1" drop in the rear-will this be enough? The other set offers a 1.9" drop in the front and 1.7" drop in the rear-but recommends camber/caster plates be used (I'm not looking to spend an extra $100+ for the plates, are they necessary?) I know I've thrown alot at you guys with this one, but I've been wanting to correct these problems, especially since I have to look at my ride everyday and be satisfied...this round I want to do it the right way, but without breaking the bank...Thanks for your help!

[GTRaptor]

When selecting wheels, the width is important but also the offset (the wheel offset is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel). So you better ask and test-try before buying.

With the correct offset a 10" wheel will fill the gap almost completely.

About the springs, my suggestion is not to lower more than 1.5, so go with the 1.2 drop. Doesnt seem like much, but i think ride quqlity is more important than looks. If you lower to much the ride quality will suffer, it affects suspension geometry and also suspension travel. The more you lower the harsher the ride and the more unpredictable it becomes, unless you spend another sum with corrective parts such as CC plates, bumpsteer kits, etc.

[kscoyote]

Originally Posted by GTRaptor

When selecting wheels, the width is important but also the offset (the wheel offset is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel). So you better ask and test-try before buying.

With the correct offset a 10" wheel will fill the gap almost completely.

About the springs, my suggestion is not to lower more than 1.5, so go with the 1.2 drop. Doesnt seem like much, but i think ride quqlity is more important than looks. If you lower to much the ride quality will suffer, it affects suspension geometry and also suspension travel. The more you lower the harsher the ride and the more unpredictable it becomes, unless you spend another sum with corrective parts such as CC plates, bumpsteer kits, etc.

That and going too big on tires and wheels will sap all the torque out of the car due to rotational mass.

I wouldn't go any larger than 17X8 (16x8 is better to keep the pep in the step) and if you want to fill out the fenderwells, Eibach makes good lightweight spacers.

The rotational mass is added at the hub instead of the outside of the wheels. Much better for acceleration and handling.