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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: eyb on February 04, 2009, 01:37:21 AM

Title: AR-136 16x7 American Wheels
Post by: eyb on February 04, 2009, 01:37:21 AM

I am about to sell my Sidekick and removed the 16x7 AR 136 American Racing aluminum wheels installed. I tried it on my GV but unfortunately, the calipers rub on the inside of the wheels.  A friend said that carefully and tediously grinding the caliper is a usual practice for GV using aftermarket wheels. Is this advisable? Some say using a 1" aluminum spacer with built-in stub bolts is the right way.

I am confused as to what route to take.

Title: Re: AR-136 16x7 American Wheels
Post by: olija on February 04, 2009, 10:49:23 PM

I think if you grind the calipers down with some discretion you won't have a problem. I wouldn't grind them down much less than 1/2" to be safe. There is no price on safety...$100 for a pair of wheel spacers isn't going to kill you like a failed brake caliper.

Title: Re: AR-136 16x7 American Wheels
Post by: 2K1USGV on February 05, 2009, 09:12:39 AM

Shaving your calipers is silly, expecially since you will need to shave quite a bit to get these to fit. You can convert to vitara rotor/caliper or go with the 1" spacers.

Title: Re: AR-136 16x7 American Wheels
Post by: toofaroffroad on February 05, 2009, 03:00:07 PM

Dude, just get some 1" wheel spacers and call it a day.

Title: Re: AR-136 16x7 American Wheels
Post by: eyb on February 05, 2009, 06:25:10 PM

Thanks for all the inputs, I do like the option of swapping the Sidekick rotors/calipers with the GV to fit the AR wheels, but on the aspect of reliability/stopping power?  A 1600 rotor/caliper installed on a V6 engine might have safety and reliability issues.

As for the 1" spacers, my concern is the stress on the CV/axles joints, as for the shaving of the calipers, does anybody know how much grinding would be "enough" (in mm or inches)?

Title: Re: AR-136 16x7 American Wheels
Post by: olija on February 05, 2009, 10:31:08 PM

I would just go with the spacer if I was you. Downgrading your brakes and then upsizing your tires seems like a double negative to me. The spacer isn't going to have any effect on your CV axles...it will put more wear and tear on your ball joints and wheel bearings though.

Title: Re: AR-136 16x7 American Wheels
Post by: eyb on September 08, 2009, 04:40:48 AM

I had a 1" T6 spacer made and it fit the AR wheels (16" x 7") just fine with no rubbing on the calipers