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Fitting 18 inch wheels & lowering springs

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Lladnyk, Mar 13, 2020.

  1. Lladnyk

    Lladnyk Member

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    So my tires only have a few thousand miles left on them, so I figured now is the time to get bigger rims!

    I'm fairly certain I'll be going with these Enkei Wheels, and I want to go with 18 inches as well as drop the car with some Tanabe DF210 Springs. Bolt pattern I believe is 5x100, but as far as width and offset, I'm pretty uncertain. Seems they have 8 in, 8.5in, and 9.5in, and the offsets are either 38mm or 45mm. My main priority is to fit these wheels in without rubbing, if possible, without rolling the fenders. I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of the ride quality. After all this, I'd prefer to have the wheels flush with the fenders and to not have a tire too narrow for the rim.

    I've done a bit of research already but the whole thing is a bit overwhelming and I could really use some advice from those who've fit 18 inch wheels before dropping this much cash.
     
  2. Nopho4u

    Nopho4u Senior Member

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    18x8.5 45 offset (215/40/18 tire)nankang ns25
    Roll fenders(it's no big deal)
    Springs are good

    Then you'll be good to go.


    Pictured is 18x8.5 35 offset. Since the ones you want aren't offer in 38 offset id recommend either a 5mm slip on spacer or a 10mm spacer with extended studs
     

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    #2 Nopho4u, Mar 13, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2020
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  3. Lladnyk

    Lladnyk Member

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    Thank you this is exactly what I needed to see. Do you think I could get away with not using spacers? Since it's only a 1 cm difference, I can live with it as long as it doesn't rub.
     
  4. Nopho4u

    Nopho4u Senior Member

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    It won't be flush without it but it will be a big improvement from stockstill still
     
  5. Lladnyk

    Lladnyk Member

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    215/40/18 tires seem like a stretch, anyone have any luck fitting 235’s?
     
  6. Nopho4u

    Nopho4u Senior Member

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    Too big and fat. Causes clearance problem and is ugly.


    Trust me
     
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  7. Lladnyk

    Lladnyk Member

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    Alright little update: Tanabe springs are sitting in the garage and I just got the fenders rolled, front and back. Last thing I have to decide on is tire size. I'd like to do 225/40/18 but if I have to I'll go with 215/40/18. Can anyone confirm fitment of 225s or confirm that they do rub with rolled fenders?
     
  8. Nopho4u

    Nopho4u Senior Member

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    Go 215 trust me
     
  9. Nopho4u

    Nopho4u Senior Member

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  10. Sloth.Power.Prius

    Sloth.Power.Prius Active Member

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  11. kimseongjae

    kimseongjae Junior Member

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    18x8, 45 Offset, 225/40x18, Stock springs:
     

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  12. Nopho4u

    Nopho4u Senior Member

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    Tires too big and wheels too skinny
     
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  13. Itsmevince

    Itsmevince New Member

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    Hi Guys,
    I wanted to see if anyone could help me figure out what I need to make these wheels I want to work. I just lowered my Gen 3 with KYB struts/shocks and TRD springs. I want to get the 2019 Toyota GT86 TRD 18" wheels. They are 18x7.5 with 48 offset. I plan to run 215/40/18 tires. I have been reading countless posts with people using FRS wheels and Toyota Corolla wheels with 17x7 setup along with hub spacers and hub rings. I couldn't find too many on OEM Toyota 18" rims. I know I will most likely need hub spacers to convert 54.1 to 56.1 or just get thin 5x100 5mm spacers and rings to bring 56.1 to 54.1. In one post, I read that someone tried putting these special OEM Toyota rims and the 5mm spacers weren't enough. Then I also read that if you buy a certain spacer over a certain mm, then you have to extend the lugs. I have read so many different setups and I just wanted to know if someone that has extreme knowledge or experience in making this work. Thanks in advance!
     
  14. kimseongjae

    kimseongjae Junior Member

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    I like the choice of going with 215/40x18. .2in. smaller in dia. from the stock. But should be fine. closer to stock dia. than the 215/45x17. This tire size will result in about 2 lbs. of weight saving compared to 225/40x18. (.3in. narrower tread, .1in. larger dia., 2 lbs heavier).
    As for a tire choice, I found General G-Max, RS is one of the lightest tires for its size. The tire spec. on their website is correct. Not correct on any other site. Incl. Tirerack and Americas Tire. The tire is good enough for Prius and much better than the stock 15".
    As for the wheels, it really depends on your budget. 1. You can spend $500-700 per wheel and go for the lightest forged wheel that will get you pretty close to stock mpg. 2. Go for middle range- spend about $200 per wheel for a flow forged wheel at about 21 lbs. ea. with a reduction of about 20-25% MPG. I believe FRS wheels are around 25-28 lbs. each and you will really get hit with MPG loss. The best thing about the set up is the solid stable ride and handling. I had no choice but to go with 40 offset with 18x8 wheel and a 225 tire. I plan to lower the car with a RSR springs and add 5mm. spacers in the rear. Given the choice, 35 offset would have been better and still would have been fine lowering the about 1". You see the stance above before lowering the car.

    With 215 tire, 48 offset would be too conservative and will not sit flush. I would look for 35 offset and forget the spacers. That will sit you pretty flush.
     
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  15. kimseongjae

    kimseongjae Junior Member

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    TRD wheels are not necessarily forged wheels. Any Toyota forged wheels should be light weight. Also, Prius Prime GS in Japan is fitted with forged 18s. 225/40x18.
    If you purchase a set of wheels from TireRack, The wheels come with a set of lug nuts, pre-installed hub ring adapters on the wheel to your 54.1mm., If you purchase a set of TPMS, They will pre-install the TPMS on the wheels for you as well with no problem with a car reading the new TPMS. It was convenient and easy.
     
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  16. Itsmevince

    Itsmevince New Member

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    I am debating if I should go with 225/40/18 or 215/45/18. I read posts and am pulled in the middle. I just dont want to rub if i do go with either. Thats why i wanted to play it safe with 215/40/18. I am leaning towards 215/45/18 since there seems to be more avaliability with that size. Thanks for the prior info! I may be picking up the wheels tomorrow and will have to order the tpms sensors.
     
  17. kimseongjae

    kimseongjae Junior Member

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    215/45x18 will be too large (25.6") compared to the oem 25" diameter. I would stick to 215/40x18. (24.8") 0.2in small than oem. You will not rub between 30-50 offset. I would go with 215/40x18 at 35 offset for flush with a 215 tire. Lightest wheel as possible with a General G-Max RS or AS tire.
     
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  18. kimseongjae

    kimseongjae Junior Member

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    Well, lightest wheel depending on your budget.

    My car is a daily driver. So, my setup is a balanced taking into budget, comfort, handling, weight/ mpg, and stance.
    I could have even gone with 19" wheel set up. However, I would have ended up spending more money, ride and mpg at the expense of stance.

    With my setup, currently getting around 68 mpg. all around with a normal (non-Prius) driving style.
     
    #18 kimseongjae, Apr 26, 2020
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2020
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  19. pree_us

    pree_us Member

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    Which wheels are these?
     
  20. Itsmevince

    Itsmevince New Member

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    2019 Toyota 86 TRD 18”

    I only took this pic because I haven’t washed it yet.
     

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    #20 Itsmevince, May 13, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: May 13, 2020
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