Slashing my Rear Tires - 2002 Roush Level II

[agencyfinder]

Bought my car new in 11/2001. Last January I replaced the original Argent wheels with 4 - Anthracite FR500's from Stage 3 Motorsports. At the rear I run 18x10 with BFG 295/35ZR's. For more than a year, everything was fine. Then, about 60 days ago, the fender lip started slashing & slicing the outside outer rubber on both sides. Typically, 180 degrees or less. Argent offset was 41 mm; new wheels are 24 mm (stick out farther).

Car has about 75,000 highway miles. Have the springs sagged enough to allow contact? What can I do to the fender opening - as in cut it back or roll it up? Or replace the springs? Pinion snubber still in place. One or two track laps and I'd be on the rims ... help!

These photos show the new wheels; then one of the original Argent wheels.

[01roushstg1]

you can always roll the fenders can you take a pic of your rear end where the contact is

[agencyfinder]

The contact is at the very top of the wheel opening. I placed wood blocks under one rear wheel last night to boost that side up - it looks like I may have to cut about 3/8" away about 4" left and right of top-dead-center. On rolling - I've been told to use a ballpeen hammer, etc. But concerned doing that may ripple or dimple the exterior sheet metal. I do have some photos - need to figure out how to post them!

[mln385]

The issue is your offset and the 10 inch rims.

Have you looked is your rear fenderwell already rolled from Roush?

[agencyfinder]

The car has always had 10" rims on the back. I do realize the offset is greater than the original. No - the fenderwell has not been modified; that's what I apparfently will have to do. So - how does one "roll" that flange without damaging or needing to repaint? And, since everything was fine for more than a year, might the springs have sagged just enough to now allow contact? Can I hear from anyone who has modified their fenderwells ...

[agencyfinder]

Probelm solved! At Google, search for "fender rolling." Have no fear, there's a tool (buy it at $249 or rent for $80 all-inclusive) that does a superb job! Surprised that no one here knew - but now you can go a bit larger if you wish! Check out: http://tom.actionfit.com/fenderolling.html or
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/tools/fenderlip.jsp

[rheacerdave]

Baseball bat- wooden.
Need 2 people. One to hold bat between tire and fender and other to push car slowly forward and backward. These tools are a tad more precise.
75,000 your springs might have sagged, but your shocks/ struts are probably gone as well. (doesn't look that low in pics). Shocks don't hold car up, but they do damp movement. You might just have more movement now after 75,000. I wouldn't replace springs without new shocks/ struts, too.