Need help with OEM DS2 8.5x17 set-up

[m3f_Grimm5698]

So im planning on running 8.5"x17" ds2 oem rims all around with 245/40/17 tires. I test fit the pair i have in the rear on the front and they make contact with the strut, so i used the 15mm spacers im using with the other bbs rims i currently run up front and with the ds2 8.5 + 15mm spacers i get about 3-4mm between the strut and inner side of the wheel, im thinking if i run it like that there might be contact if i hit a speed bump but not sure. Should i upgrade to 17mm even 20mm spacers upfront? and if i do would i have to add spacers to the rear so all 4 wheels run parallel? Anyone else running ds2 8.5x17 all around? Also I do have coilovers and the car is lowered very little maybe 1" from stock or less. Any help or info is appreciated, thanks.

[m3f_fiveightan_7e37700daf]

The wheel and strut are both rigidly mounted to the spindle. That 3-4mm relationship will not change when going over a speed bump. More accurately, it won't change notably. There is some flex involved, and there is some ballooning of the tire under loads. But 3-4mm is enough clearance on the inside. Outer edge clearance *does* matter when you're talking about suspension travel.


With regard to running rear spacers, there's a 15mm difference between the front and rear track width in stock form. With your 15mm spacers, you have evened that out, but added another 15mm of width from the wider wheels. You don't have 15mm of space in the rear without rolling the fenders. You can go with a 5mm spacer back there if you want to even the track width out a bit, but it's not necessary.

[m3f_Grimm5698]

Thanks for the quick reply, I forgot to mention I do have a slight fender roll so the wheels don't contact the fender its all good on that side, good to hear rear spacers aren't too necessary.

[m3f_aeronaut_a45ef47b73]

I've run as little as ~2mm space between the wheel/tire and the strut, very spirited driving, and no issues of rubbing. (I even checked this by painting the strut area where rubbing might occur with white paint, and no rubbing discovered.)


I might question if that same clearance were between the tire/wheel and a strut SPRING/helperspring, then could the spring and wheel/tire flex enough to make contact? But I'm just postulating as I don't know if any c/o's are designed that way.

[m3f_Dr. DC2_4382cbb9b0]

Hmm, what suspension does your car have?


I know clearance all depends on the suspension and wheel/tire combo. I'm running square 17x8.5 LTW with Toyo Proxes 245/40 with Groundcontrol coilovers bringing the car down just over an inch in the front. I have a pencil's gap between the front strut's adjustable collar and tire. Your suspension could very well be significantly different, but maybe raising your car up could buy you some additional space?

[m3f_aeronaut_a45ef47b73]

Didn't mean to imply I was looking for more space. I had ~2mm clearance (which worked fine) when I was running strut shims on the stock strucks for added camber. I now have camber plates and removed the shims, so plenty of clearance.

[m3f_fiveightan_7e37700daf]

Thanks for the quick reply, I forgot to mention I do have a slight fender roll so the wheels don't contact the fender its all good on that side, good to hear rear spacers aren't too necessary.

If you have a roll in the rear, you can probably squeeze a bit more spacer in there. Plan on 5mm with stock rear quarters. Fitting more depends on how aggressive the roll is, and what tires and camber you're running. There's not a lot of room in the back. 8 to 10mm (or more) is possible, but it's really on a case to case basis.


The car will theoretically have "less" grip in the back with the slightly more narrow track width. I actually misspoke when I said 15mm difference. It's 12.7mm (1/2" extra front wheel width). Though alignment specs can easily trump the effects of 1/2" track width, so it's all relative.


Aesthetically, the 1/2" probably won't make a difference to you. I've seen guys running 20mm spacers up front with stock rears, and I think that looks silly. But due to the way the fender arches are cut, you don't notice it from every angle. Mechanically, it's not necessary to even them out. My front is 8mm wider than the rear and the car handles very well.

[m3f_Grimm5698]

So i picked up a set of staggered ds2 wheels for $150 locally! the guy even threw in the lugs and a set of wheel locks. Pic.1



Clearance with 8.5 ds2 and 15mm spacer - pic.2



Clearance with 7.5 ds2 and 15mm spacer - pic.3



Fender clears good! - pic.4



Now just got to figure out what spacers to run in the rear so everything is balanced out



Also im gonna be getting some michelin super sports hopefully they clear, i've heard

they run wider 245 is like a 255 or something like that.

[m3f_Bmw3fan_868b8144bf]

dang, dude, $150 for all four ds2's ?!



i had planned to run a square setup with 8.5 ds2's as you did and specifically bought the Turner 12.5 mm spacers for that purpose so you are good with what you have done now it seems.

[m3f_Richardspe_ff9fba485e]

I wouldn't worry about a spacer...

[m3f_blatant_5aad2d9be8]

I'm running square ds2s with stock struts (koni inserts) and nitto nt03 255/40 tires. Had to run ~5mm spacer to clear the housing.

Nice pickup !

[m3f_Grimm5698]

Finally got my car back from the body shop, and installed my DS2's w/ PSS, they fit perfect with the 15mm spacer upfront, no spacer in rear, clearance is perfect! And the PSS tires are awesome!,Nice ride quality and grip.



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[m3f_Turbo_Bandit]

I'm running square set on mine on bilsteins and h&r sport springs. Running 5mm on all 4 corners. Had to roll the rear as they would rub under significant compression of suspension or if I had passengers in the rear