Clearance issues with big brakes

[D's GN]

Hey guys, anybody have clearance issues with a bolt on kit such as Baer or Willwood which pushes the spindle approx. 1/2" to the outside fender, tire scrubb issues?

The reason I ask is when ordering a set of 7" wide by 4" backspace wheels for the front and lower the car 2.5+ inches I know it will not rub, if I add the big brakes later I may run into serious rubbing issues, should I order rims with an extra 1/4-1/2" BS to be safe?

 

[Chuck Leeper]

My $.02..

Some "big brakes" require wheels that are of a larger diameter, IE: 17". I'd be sure that's not the issue w/ the new brakes. [Unless you want an excuse to get new wheels.]
Also, adding B/S can move the tires so far into the wheel well, that they will drag on the inner fender, when turning. This will become a more serious problem, with the car being lowered as far as you say you are going.

 

[Silver Fox]

Hey guys, anybody have clearance issues with a bolt on kit such as Baer or Willwood which pushes the spindle approx. 1/2" to the outside fender, tire scrubb issues?

The reason I ask is when ordering a set of 7" wide by 4" backspace wheels for the front and lower the car 2.5+ inches I know it will not rub, if I add the big brakes later I may run into serious rubbing issues, should I order rims with an extra 1/4-1/2" BS to be safe?

Here is a situation I have with lowering, big brakes, and big rims on the front of the car.

I have 8.5 inch rims (4.32 inches of backspacing and 245/45/17s) with the Stage 2 suspension kit from SC&C. I believe my stock saggy springs are the biggest problem as the front dropped about 1.5 inches with the Stage 2 kit and saggy springs. However, the Baer brakes added 1/8 inch to the track...and only the very outer edge of my tires rub. If they were another 1/8 inch inwards, they would not rub.

I don't think with a seven inch rim you will have a problem, other than it may look really small tucked in on a lowered car (IMO).

If I had to order baer brakes again, I would order the S/S series which let you run a 15 inch rim. With the brakes I have, I am stuck to a seventeen inch rim. It would be nice to throw some 15 inch big and skinnies on every now and then for a different look. However, with the track system, I have to run big rims.

Chuck brought up all very valid concerns for you too. If I had to do it again, I would run 8 inch wide fronts with 4.5 backspacing and I would not have any problems. Since I do not want to buy two more Simmons wheels, I will put replacement springs on the car and bring the front end height up some more.