I just got my 18X9 Bullits installed and I need advise. My driver side rear wheel looks to be sticking out about 1/4" outside of the wheel well while the passenger side looks like it is inside. Here are the pics. Can you tell from the pics that I posted? And if so, what do you think the problem could be.
I bought the rims from LMPerformance.com They are the chrome bullits 18X9, +36mm offset, 6.42 in. backspacing.

The only thing I can think of is that one of the wheel I purchased has a different offset. I didn't notice this until I got home from the tire store, will be taking her back tomorrow but wanted to know your guys opinion. Thanks.

 

It might be the rear axle. You don't really notice it until the tires get close to the outside of the wheelwell, but the axle isn't centered 100% sometimes. It usually gets a little worse when you lower the car.

I'd double check that it's not the wrong offset on the rim first, maybe swap the rims around and see if it looks the same. If it's not the rim you may need a panhard bar to center the axle.

Scroll about half way down the page till you see "Tubular Panhard Rod"
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/2005Mustang.htm

 

Thanks FireDragon,
If the problem is the axle, shouldn't I just be able to take that in for warranty work? Or is this something I simply must need to fix with aftermarket parts.

Thank you for the link, at least I know what I need to do. First I will check the offset and go from there. I will let you know what happens.
-Manny

 

I'm betting its the axle. Notice the front rims are fine. Is the car lowered??

 

The car is not lowered. And after talking to LMPerformance, it is impossible that I got the wrong offset since they only sell the wheels I got from them in one size.

Will this be an easy fix? Also I don't feel anything different driving. No vibrations or any weird stuff.

Thanks for helping.

 

Its the arms/links to the axle, see it quite often w/ Jeeps... although only when a control arm or trackbar are out of whack. :scratch:

 

Like the guys said above Manny, you'll need an adjustable Panhard Bar, the factory one won't move. Mine was off too, the panhard bar fixed the problem. It's no abnormal for the factory to be off a little bit and the wider wheels/tires exagerate it. And like everyone else (including me), the axle is biased to the driver's side.

Mark

 

Thanks Mark,
Excuse my ignorance, but, when I buy the panhard rod, is this something someone from like a Firestone shop would be able to do or do I take it to the dealership?

Thanks again for your help.
-Manny

 

Mine is the same way and like everyone else said it's just more noticable with your new wheels.
The panhard bar is very easy to put on. If you have jack stands you can do it yourself. Yes, Firestone or someone like that can do it. If you do take it to the dealership, I'd be interested in their response. Keep us informed, please.

 

I agree it is the panhard bar. And while I also agree that they are quite easy to install, maybe he should check with the dealer first on the issue. After all, if the dealer will warranty the cost of a replacement adjustable panhard bar, wouldn't it be worth it to ask? My local dealer installs Steeda camber adjustment kits under warranty on vehicles that have not been lowered and won't align properly.

 

Just anyone have a picture of the panhard bar from underneath?

 

ask and ye shall receive. it's the lower one with the adjuster just to the right of where the right exhaust pipe crosses over it. BMR panhard rods are the shiznits.

 

another possiblility that no one brought up is that we all had a little too much of that Corona in the first picture Manny posted up. the test for that is if you look at the Corona box and it looks out of focus, then you had one too many also.

 

I am never without any Corona.

I am taking the car to the dealership on Friday, I will post here what I find out on whether they will warranty the cost to replace the panhard bar.

Thanks to everyone for helping out.

-Manny

 

I was at the dealer having the strut TSB taken care of and asked if they'd take a look at the rear. The mechanic loosened the passenger side of the panhard bar and had another guy push it over and hold it with a crow bar while he tightened it. He had to put a LOT of pressure on it (the crow bar was bending) while he held it in place. It definitely helped. It's still not PERFECT, but it's better than it was.

Here's a pic of where he loosened the bolt and put the crow bar. (no that's not my car. I just used the pic posted above)

 

Manny, what was the final result? Did everything work out ok?

Sam

 

I actually took her on Friday, but the shop did not get a chance to look at her. Why? Stupid traffic here in Seattle. Shop was closed by the time I got there. But I will bring her in this Saturday as I have to pick up my seat belt extenders. I will find out then.

-Manny

 

I had a chance to take her to the dealership today. And they have agreed to replace the panhard rod with an adjustable one under warranty. I was really happy to hear them say that.

-Manny

 

Direct Quote from Scott Hoag, Pres. of MRT and former Bullitt and Mach 1 program manager.....

A: Lowering your car alone will not "require" that you change your panhard bar to an adjstable one. The issue becomes more concerning when you add wider tires/wheels to your car, this change will likely push the tire out side of the wheel lip on the drivers side and will be very obvious that the left side is set differently than the right.


The whole Q & A is on the home page. I think I'll be investing in an adjustable panhard bar even though I don't notice too much of a difference with my 18's.

J.

 

Glad I saw this post! I have been looking at 18s for a bit and will be buying them soon. Guess I will need to add this to the list.