Tires: larger wheels on mitsubishi eclipse, mitsubishi eclipse, wheels and tires

Question
I own a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder - Turbo.  I would like to put bigger wheels and tires on it.  I was told by a local tire dealer that this was not possible because of the struts.  Please explain what that means and how can I get around this problem?

Answer
Dan,

I can't tell you specifics about your vehicle, but I can talk in generalities.

There are generally 3 limiting factors when it comes to installing tires that are larger than original - the outer fender edge, the strut, and the frame.

The strut limits how much larger in diameter you can go because of the spring perch.  It also limits how much further in the tire can sit.

The outer fender edge limits how much further out the tire can sit.

The frame also limits how much further in the tire can sit.

The only way to get around the problem is to deal with each of these in its own way - Use coil overs instead of a strut (but you still have the problem of how far in you can go), notch the frame (lots of work), and flare the fender (the easiest of the 3 to do, but still lots of work).

These are the type of things you ought to discuss with a body shop.

Hope this helps.



Hope this helps.