when are spacers needed

[omar85]

i've noticed people with borbet type a's 16x9 et15 i think usually say that they are running a 3mm or 5mm spacer. why is there a need for a spacer, becuase of the caliper or the suspession?

also, I am trying to pick up a set of 15x9 -6 with a rim depth of 107mm. they are the same size all around. will i need a spacer anywhere?

thanks.

[shiboujin]

spacers won't help you clear calipers. Well theoretically yes but that would look dumb.

Spacers help you clear things like your strut tubes or keep you from hitting your sway bar/frame at full lock.

some people use them to get more "hella flush"

I run 25mm spacers in the front because I hit the frame without them. Well I still hit the frame but not as bad anymore.

[omar85]

well what size/offset do u run up front.

[shiboujin]

up front is 17x8 running 225/45/17 But I'm Et-5 after a 25mm spacer and I still rub. But thats from the over sized tires and tie rod spacers.

[NC325iC]

spacers won't help you clear calipers. Well theoretically yes but that would look dumb.

what you say is only 50% true. they wont help you clear calipers radially (ie if your wheel hoop hits the calipers you are F'ed)

however if your caliper is hitting on the inside of the face of the wheel then spacers help to clear the calipers yes.

[omar85]

o so u rub tire??? thats fine i will have on 205/50/15 so ill have alot less tire then you

it would suck to rub the caliper, i don't now with my sportmax but i don't know with these new wheels until i get them i guess. unless there is a specific rim depth for a 9 inch wide wheel that causes it but i doubt anyone has ever calculated that.

[ck_taft325is]

I think you'll be fine. Lock to lock you may tap a bit. I think you'll have more issues with tiring rubbing on your fender really. I have pulled and flared fenders, which helped me clear 15x9's et -5 when I mounted my buddies tires for kicks about a week ago. It was still quite tight though. I wouldn't want to roll around like that particularly.