Pros/Cons of Upgrading to Larger Wheels
Nav712
03-24-2009, 07:23 PM
Hey all, I'm new here but I had a quick question. I have a 2002 Lincoln Town Car and I'm proceeding to add various upgrades to it (Sub, Tints, etc.) I am considering upgrading to larger rims strictly because they look sweeeeet. However, I've been doing research and I have seen various things about how larger rims can affect ride quality, handling, acceleration, etc. My question is this: What exactly will change if I put larger rims on my car? I currently have 16" wheels and I'm thinking of changing to 18-20". As I'm sure you're all aware of, the best thing about the TC is the ride, so if making this change will compromise ride quality, then I don't think I will even consider it. Thanks a lot guys!
4x4junkie
08-15-2011, 09:34 PM
ride quality is normally affected by increasing tire size, rim and tire size, performance, steering and stability in cornering.. if your considering changing rim size, but not the overall tire size this can help stability in cornering, however consider this, the larger rim reduces the sidewall height of a tire, the sidewall flexes and absorbs percussions of the road as well as flexes in cornering, this reduction of sidewall flex can help performance when cornering, however will normally cause bumps to be felt more while driving down the road becasue of the loss of ability to give in the tire it will apply more force to rim, tie rods, shocks, springs, and steering components.
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