235/50/18

[jtugfestiva]

is anyone experiencing problems with rubbing with these size tires. I am about to purchace my fan blade 2007 ford mustang GT wheels with factory BFG 235-50-18 and wondering if this rub on the factory control arms?

[bbf2530]

is anyone experiencing problems with rubbing with these size tires. I am about to purchace my fan blade 2007 ford mustang GT wheels with factory BFG 235-50-18 and wondering if this rub on the factory control arms?

 

 

Hi jtug. :D Not certain if they will rub or not. What is certain is that wheel/tire size combo is not a recommended size for the Fusion.

 

The recommended tire size for the Fusion with an 18" wheel is 225/45-18. You could go to a 235/45-18 if you wish. But a 235/50-18 will be to large in diameter.

 

If you use this Tire Size Calculator, you will see why: LINK: Tire Size Calculator

 

A 235/50-18 wheel tire combo will be 1.3" larger than stock in overall diameter. Even if it doesn't rub (although it very well may), it will throw off your speedometer/odometer by almost 5%. That is far above the industry accepted standard of 3%.

 

Of course, it is your car and you are free to try it if you like. Just keep in mind that it is not within the recommended size guidelines.

 

Whatever you decide to do, good luck. :beerchug:

Edited November 11, 2010 by bbf2530

[jtugfestiva]

thanks for the reply the rim size is 18x8.5 do you think the 225/45/18 will fit on the 8.5 inch wheel??? im scared it might stretch it too much. Thanks alot!!

[fusionff]

You'd be better off getting 245/40/18 tires. That would fit on there fine, depending on the offset of the rim.

Edited November 11, 2010 by fusionff

[jtugfestiva]

245 wow thats pretty wide im probably sticking with the 225 45 18 cause there is enough meat on the tires to help with the roads we have here. We have huge pot holes and cant risk a bent rim. I think ford thought of that with the 225 45 18 that they used on the fusion sport. Im sticking with it. The rims BTW are from a mustang GT 2007 idk whats the offset but ford racing is telling me 50mm.

[danford1]

Ok, has anyone actually TRIED a 235/50/18 to see if it actually rubs?

 

One reason I ask is I worked as a designer for Ford, 29 years. When we designed tire clearance envelopes we always had tire chains on the tires. This made the tires higher and wider. The envelopes were designed using the tallest widest tires that particular came with. An Envelope is the physical size any part of the tire could be at any part of suspension travel and turning capability.

The 1.3" tall difference is about 5/8" higher off the rim (radius). Remember radius is half the diameter.

The 10mm difference in width is 5 mm per side or less than 1/4".

I am pretty sure they will fit.

I would like to hear from someone that actually TRIED 235/50/18 tires on their Fusion, not just someone thinking they won't fit.

 

Is there anyone here that works at or knows someone that works at a tire store and can check this out?

Another reason I would like to know as well as the original poster, is I'm thinking of doing the exact same think to my SEL Sport.

I was looking at these tires as they do everything well according to tire rack. I want smooth QUIET tires (not like the RS-A's I have) that give good winter traction. Check the surveys to see the ratings. All very high.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=35WR8ECDWS&tab=Sizes

 

Yeah I know they aren't cheap. The stock size 225/45/18 is cheaper but I want more rubber between the rim and the road. The 5/8" there would help the ride and help from smacking a rim on a pot hole.

 

I also want to buy one set of tires not summer tires and winter tires. Two sets would cost more of course....

 

Has anyone actually tried 235/50/18 tires on a Fusion?

 

Thank you.

Danford1

Edited November 20, 2010 by danford1

[2010SEL]

thanks for the reply the rim size is 18x8.5 do you think the 225/45/18 will fit on the 8.5 inch wheel??? im scared it might stretch it too much. Thanks alot!!

 

That will be fine. 7"-8.5" is the recommended wheel width for a 225/45-18 tire.

 

Bridgestone

Edited November 23, 2010 by 2010SEL

[jtugfestiva]

Thanks Danford for the reply,

 

I just recieved the ford mustang fan blade wheels which are 18x8.5 with the bfg Ta tires that are 235/50/18 they look great and they fit on the back but on the fronts the tires rub ever so gently on the control arms. Even with the car lowered from the jack i believe it still rubs. I guess thats why ford mustang and fast fords used the 225/45/18 on the 18x8.5 bullets wheels because they fit. Car with the fan blade wheels look great just like the 427 concept car for came out with. hope this helps.

[danford1]

I think you have a back spacing difference causing the tires to rub on the control arm.

Do you know what the back spacing is on the Mustang wheels?

 

You probably can get spacers to stop the tires from rubbing...

 

Danford1

[Aadam_Bomb]

I think you have a back spacing difference causing the tires to rub on the control arm.

Do you know what the back spacing is on the Mustang wheels?

 

You probably can get spacers to stop the tires from rubbing...

 

Danford1

 

 

i wish i could post pic this site wont let me me but i just very little rubbing as well and i have 225/35 R20 's on mine 2006 fusion sel with springs for the dropped but ride height ended up about the same lol

[jtugfestiva]

I think you have a back spacing difference causing the tires to rub on the control arm.

Do you know what the back spacing is on the Mustang wheels?

 

You probably can get spacers to stop the tires from rubbing...

 

Danford1

 

Danford thanks for the reply the backspacing is 6.295. But im not sure if adding a back spacer will help cause it might start to rub on the fenders. The tire i believe is just a little too big for the fusion. Tell me if you do it and tell me the route you go. Im having this problem also. I want to run them so bad but dont want to risk rubbing issues. Do you think its ok to run the car even if it rubs just a little??