17 or 18 inch rims on 2nd gen TA???

[JimV]

I’ve upgraded my brakes and need at least a 17” rim to clear the calipers. I’ve noticed some TA’s with 17’s that look like there’s too much space in the wheel well. So I thought of doing 18” rims which have a lot more tire size choices. Anyone have some advise on this? A photo with tire, wheel and backspace info would be incredibly helpful. Thanks ,Jim

[Wallington]

Since they are often close to same diameter tyres, the wheel well space is not related to rim size, you still have to deal with rear suspension to get to a height you like. But you are possibly correct of tyre choice in 18", also depends if you have an eye on a rim type and what size it is.

[scarebird]

Remember that the bearings here are really small.

[71455formula]

Have you done any suspension work? Such as lowering. I'm running 17s with a 1.25 inch lower ride height. Has nice gap that looks right.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ao4gOu62KgFHjflowWBMPu3ptVpZMQ06/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KiGrifVNCs9_johenWuRko8HcoxMXKx4/view?usp=drivesdk

[highway star]

Remember that the bearings here are really small.

Elaborate on this statement

[JJ 109]

18s now

Want to go up to 20 rear 19 front.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3JMGzvvCSQD1cZ1L6

[scarebird]

Remember that the bearings here are really small.

Elaborate on this statement

Note the size of the bearing packs for modern cars with sealed hubs, then examine the stock bearings your TA has...

[highway star]

Remember that the bearings here are really small.

Elaborate on this statement

Note the size of the bearing packs for modern cars with sealed hubs, then examine the stock bearings your TA has...

Ok, so the wheel bearings are smaller. What does that have to do with the op going with a larger wheel?
With larger wheels, the revs per mile will be lower. Smaller bearings may be a detriment if there is a gross change in wheel offset, eh?

[scarebird]

no, side loads are more of an issue - look up K factor.

[JimV]

The original 10 bolt has been beefed up to larger axles, a true-trak diff and welded on ford bearing ends(ford 9”). I hope that’s beefy enough for the street😉. The suspension is a complete “PTFB” pro tour f body comp suspension.  Still runs on leafs and coils so adjusting ride height is not as easy as coil overs. I just don’t want the 17’s to look too small or the 18 looking too big. Quite the conundrum 😅

[Wallington]

18s now
Want to go up to 20 rear 19 front.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3JMGzvvCSQD1cZ1L6

Looks great as is, wouldn't go larger without the front jumping up and down with da homies

[Jack]

18s now
Want to go up to 20 rear 19 front.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3JMGzvvCSQD1cZ1L6

Looks great as is, wouldn't go larger without the front jumping up and down with da homies

X2, I don't think anything bigger looks good on a second gen. Actually I miss my original wheels (14s rally) with white lettering.

[71455formula]

I believe 17s are a good balance with a bigger rim without being too much. Just my opinion.

[Formula8]

I just went through this and for me it came down to selecting a wheel which looked appropriate for the car.  That wheel for me was the Year One Honeycomb which only the 17" version fit within my budget.  I could not find an 18" wheel that maintained the look I wanted for the car, otherwise it would be a no brainer to go for the far greater variety of tires and sizes you can get in 18".

 

[scarebird]

I have 17" Bandit U109's on the Lemans - I am afraid to try them on the TA because they may not come off!!!   

[nas t eh]

255/50/17 will fill the wheel well without having to lower the car so much, many including me went 255/45/17 front and 285/40/17 in the rear, and I find it is too short, you have to lower the car so much to make it look right that you scrape the bottom (especially headers) on everything. I’m buying 255/50/17 front and 275/50/17 rear next time.

Nitto 555 G2 is available in those sizes and a very good tire for the price.

[Wallington]

Sounds like good sizes, I'd perhaps also go 50 series next time although my 40/45 series haven't even been installed yet. I still like the rears to be slightly wider than the fronts, not just for the old school look but to bring the tyre to fender edge the same amount as the front has a wider track and can be more obvious with some sizes when used all-round. R17 is also my limit on these, it took time to grow on me also, but I also want to see some sidewall and if possible, RWL too!