Geometry & Clearance

A wheel that clears the fender and suspension while parked may still rub when the suspension compresses or the steering turns. Static clearance is only a snapshot: the wheel and ti...

Start with the reference wheel After a brake upgrade, a wheel that used to fit is a useful reference–but it is not proof that the wheel still clears the brakes. A larger rotor can ...

Start with the wheel that was on the vehicle After installing adjustable suspension arms, reassess fitment rather than assuming the previous wheel position still works. Depending o...

Start with a reference that already fits The best basis for a fender-rub prediction is the wheel and tire currently on the vehicle. Record their width, offset, tire size, and the s...

Changing alignment can alter tire clearance even though wheel width and offset stay the same. Camber mainly changes where the tire sits across its height: more negative camber move...

Aggressive offset and spacers can increase the bending moment on a wheel bearing by moving the tire’s load line farther from the hub. But offset alone does not tell you whether a s...

A wheel can have the correct diameter and still hit the brake caliper. Diameter describes the wheel’s nominal size, not the shape of its spokes or the space between the spokes and ...

A wheel that clears the suspension and fender with the steering straight ahead can still rub when the steering reaches full lock. At full lock, the front wheel is no longer aligned...

A lift changes available body and suspension clearance, but it does not automatically make every wheel and tire combination fit. The wheel still mounts at the same hub face, and it...

Mud-Terrain Tires: Why Nominal Size Does Not Tell the Whole Clearance Story A mud-terrain tire marked 35×12.50R17 is not a guarantee that it will occupy exactly 35 inches of height...