So I just installed my TSW KW v2 coilovers this weekend, and while I am still dialing in the ride height...I'm not going to go super low, probably in the ballpark of a 1.5" drop...but I am getting some rubbing already. So it looks like I am going to need some spacers.

I'm running R111 Black Star Bullets (7x17 et48) wrapped in 215/45R17 Continental ExtremeContact DWs (and my winter setup is R84 XLites (6.5x16 et48) in 205/50R16 Michelin X-Ice Xi3s.

My question, to those running similar setups...am I going to be able to get away with an 8mm spacer? Or Will I need to bump up to 12 or 15mm spacers?

 

You need to find out where the rubbing is happening.

If it's the struts, you only need to space it out enough to get some clearance - 5mm or so.

If you are rubbing the fender, spacers will make it worse. In that case, an alignment is needed.

 

5mm may do the trick, but like he^ said, you need to find out where you're rubbing first.

 

Yeah, I suppose I should have mentioned where I was rubbing...I was posting at 2:30am, gimme a break. Lol.

The inside wall/shoulder of the front tires are rubbing on the coilovers. I've read that ~4mm distance is acceptable there, so I imagine I need more than a 5mm spacer. Since I won't be "slamming" her all the way down, I was thinking 8mm should be good.

 

my kw v3 with swift 60mm springs rubbed with stock wheels, I was surprised as I thought they were a direct fit.

I went with a 10mm spacer in front, and 4 or 5 in back I forget. To use a 10mm you have to shave the hub a bit or go up to a 12 or down to a 8

 

Which OEM wheels did you have mounted with the rubbing issues? And what tire size?

Also, with the 10mm spacer, how much room did you have between the coilover and the tire?

 

ohh hang on this is 2nd gen forum, mine is a first gen

I'm using one of the jcw option wheels but not the GP one, 10mm spacer gave me a few mm room and no rub on outside

 

Your ride height won't effect rubbing on the shock body. You need try to space the wheel out and see how much it takes to get it not to touch. Then we can get you the right spacers as every wheel and tire combo is different so there is no cookie cutter size for it.

 

if I raise my ride height another half inch my adjusters will clear my tires, or if I remove my helper springs.

I dont want to do that, so I use spacers

 

With an 8mm spacer, there is about 1.5-2mm to spare. Not ideal, but it'll do for for now. I'll end up getting a set of 12mm spacers in the near future, which should do the trick perfectly.