17 Inch Front wheels?

[tstickff]

What would be the advantage or disadvantage to a 17 inch front wheel? I like the look but not sure about the facts.

Thanks!
Tim

[Eric Merryfield]

Originally Posted by tstickff

What would be the advantage or disadvantage to a 17 inch front wheel? I like the look but not sure about the facts.

Thanks!
Tim

Can't see any advantage in them myself. They weigh more, cost more, tires cost more, tires weigh more, have less size options, etc. But, if its needed to clear huge street style disc brakes, then you don't have a choice. Don't know if the rims could be stronger due to bigger diameter, have to think about that.

They do look nice though, I know when I tried a 29 inch tire on the dakota for RT reasons it changed the look quite a bit, and they scrubbed(too tall_ so I traded them to my lil red for a beer to be named later.

Eric

[Tom Goldman]

I recently had a discussion with a customer about this as well.
There is no doubt certain newer cars might look good with them on ,the bottom line remains as to what diameter tire does your car require, and what will happen with less sidewall .
A typical older Stocker with a 27" tire would be like going from a 78 aspect ratio to a 60 , not too drastic a change . ....Going down to a 25" like a lot of 4th gen F bodies use ,the sidewall will be getting like a rubber band
I think the front shocks and suspension will be worked harder on compression since there is less sidewall to compress when the car comes down after the launch.
I've watched some slo- mo video's of front suspensions coming back to the track after a wheelstand , the amount of sidewall compression is almost shocking.