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Old Mar 5, 2007 | 08:21 PM
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15" wheels

I remember reading on the internet that if you grind the caliper down a little bit you can fit 15" wheels, without making the caliper weak. I was wondering this because i wanted to get new wheels with my new tires, and 15" wheels and tires are cheaper. I looked it up and it would probably be about $100 cheaper. But before i do grind down the calipers, i wanted to know if its going to make them really weak?
 
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Old Mar 5, 2007 | 08:29 PM
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I wouldn't muck with something that is a pretty important part of your safety. Compromising your ability to stop isn't worth the money saved. The beefier brakes are probably because of the added weight from the last model F150.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2007 | 08:08 AM
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Just to save $100.00 sounds a little goofy, no offense intended. It will throw off ratio and ride different. I wouldn't do it. I'm sure you will hear from others.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2007 | 04:13 PM
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if the goal is to save money, keep you original wheels and buy new tires. small tires will make the speedo off, also faster motor RPM at a given highway speed. You will probalby use up the $100. in extra gas money over a few years.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2007 | 07:54 PM
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Stupid idea.... brakes can save your life...Just for a 100 bucks... is your life really worth it?
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 01:55 PM
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yeah after i thought about it more it wasnt really that much of a difference. Thanks for all of your insight you guys.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 02:00 PM
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just wondering if my disks are one piece with the hub? i was going to get my disks resurfaced (warped) but when i went to take the disk off it wouldnt come off, i hope i dont have rusted on disks, cause ive heard that it is very difficult to take them off. I have a 1998 f-150 regcab long bed, 2wd 5.4l that has a little over 200,000 miles
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 02:03 PM
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now, this just sounds silly....your totally nuts if you plan on grinding down your calibers ....the one thing that stops you....if you want new / nicer wheels save your money and get something that is going to fit correctly....or just leave it along but please do not grind the calibers down to fit 15" wheels....thats just stupid...


they will come off...just take a hammer and hit them a little ...just rusted fast....thats all....
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 02:09 PM
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well i realize that now, i said that like 5 min before you posted, ill just save my money and get the wheels i want in 16"
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 02:11 PM
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well i hope the disks come off that easily ive read that some people have had to cut there disk off to get it off, because the tolerance between the hub and disk is so close rust gets in there and seizes it up
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 02:20 PM
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Very rarely will you need to remove the disc with a torch or cutoff wheel. Take the rear wheels off and put the truck on jackstands. Enage the parking brake and hold the brake pedal with your foot. Put it in reverse and give it a little gas and it will probably loosen up. If it's the fronts on a 4x4 you can do the same thing, just be more careful
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 02:29 PM
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Its the front rotors on a 2wd
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 03:24 PM
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The front rotors on a 2wd don't separate from the hubs. You have to remove the wheel bearing nut on the end of the spindle and they come off as one piece.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2007 | 06:35 PM
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Also, I don't know if you could even find 15" wheels with a 5x135mm bolt pattern. Wise choice staying with 16".
 
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Old Mar 8, 2007 | 08:18 AM
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They are out there. Many Lightnings run them because there is a better selection of slicks in 15".
 
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