Wheel Max

[Big House]

Got a question...I called Wheelmaxx to get a little info on the wheels I am looking to buy, and the salesman tells me that the offset on our wheels are 20 - 25mm. Didn't argue, but he told me that I would have to sign a release if I wanted to order the wheels for my car. I am still going to buy from them, but I am glad to know we have those that know what we really have. My hats off to the men and women that have paved the way for those of us that are new to this game.

Big House

[Petrograde]

hmmm,... well, that salesman was clearly full of crap...

they want you to sign a release?? why? what size wheels are you trying to buy?




edit:
check this out.... Group A Wheels (http://www.groupawheels.com/rohwheels.html)

the Adrenalins, Furys, and Drift R's will fit our MM's. The like the Comp. Black Drift R's :up: Those will be going on my MM sometime in the future.

[MENINBLK]

RUN, don't walk, FROM WHEEL MAX !!!!

Honestly, Wheel Max sells crap.
I purchased a set of 17" wheels when I had my Contour.
One of the wheels came bent, and I don't mean bent out of shape.
It was literally bent out of round and out of center.
You couldn't see it until you put the wheel on the car
and spun it.

I tried to have the wheel balanced because I didn't know it was bent.
When I took it to a tire dealer that had a Hunter RoadForce machine
they could not balance it and showed me that the wheel was bent.
I had them write me a letter to the condition of the tire and the wheel
and what they found, and that is was a MANUFACTURE DEFECT.

I then called WHEEL MAX and spoke with the OWNER.
He claimed he would send me paperwork to return the wheel/tire to him.
I asked him to just send me a replacement wheel, I would pay to have
the tire mounted from wheel to wheel, and then send the
DEFECTIVE WHEEL back to him for credit.
It made sense to both of us, instead of shipping a tire 2 ways.

So I fronted the money for the replacement wheel.
I got wheel and did the exchange.
I CALLED WHEEL MAX FOR WEEKS AND NEVER GOT ANY AUTHORIZATION
TO RETURN THE DEFECTIVE WHEEL.

After 3 months of getting no where, I sold the wheels and tires
to recup what I could and sold the defective wheel for scrap aluminum.

STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM WHEEL MAX AS YOU CAN.

There are PLENTY of reputable wheel shops that will give you
the consideration and respect you deserve.

[Big House]

Petro,


I took a look at the black Drift R's but they just don't say classy power as such as our cars say. I want a performance look with a touch of class to it.

Black,

How long ago was that? Because on their website the issure the fitment grantee similiar to the tire Rack's

House

[AzMarauder]

hmmm,... well, that salesman was clearly full of crap...

they want you to sign a release?? why? what size wheels are you trying to buy?




edit:
check this out.... Group A Wheels (http://www.groupawheels.com/rohwheels.html)

the Adrenalins, Furys, and Drift R's will fit our MM's. The like the Comp. Black Drift R's :up: Those will be going on my MM sometime in the future.
What is the offset for the drifts? I don't think there is anything that worries me more than contemplating changing rims and getting something that sticks out ! The last thing I want is to have my MM look like all the Dodge trucks running around with their tires stuck out!

[AzMarauder]

hmmm,... well, that salesman was clearly full of crap...

they want you to sign a release?? why? what size wheels are you trying to buy?




edit:
check this out.... Group A Wheels (http://www.groupawheels.com/rohwheels.html)

the Adrenalins, Furys, and Drift R's will fit our MM's. The like the Comp. Black Drift R's :up: Those will be going on my MM sometime in the future.
Petrograde,

I fired a note off to Group A. They have a shop in Chandler Arizona. (about 3 hours from me) I asked for the details concerning offset and if they would be willing to do a trial mounting on my MM! If they say yes I will take Darth Rauder up there and have them slap a couple on it and see what it looks like!

Do you think we can stuff 18x10s under the back?

[MENINBLK]

Black,

How long ago was that? Because on their website the issure the fitment grantee similiar to the tire Rack's

House

This was 2 years ago.
They had a fitment guarantee then also.
They just aren't customer oriented as Tirerack is.

Cy (Tirerack) will make sure that you are completely satisfied.
He even made sure that I received everything and I was satisfied.
I never had any customer service from Wheel Max
that came remotely close to my Tirerack experience.

[Petrograde]

Petrograde,

I fired a note off to Group A. They have a shop in Chandler Arizona. (about 3 hours from me) I asked for the details concerning offset and if they would be willing to do a trial mounting on my MM! If they say yes I will take Darth Rauder up there and have them slap a couple on it and see what it looks like!

Do you think we can stuff 18x10s under the back?

SWEET! :up: :bow:

pleeeease post some pics! I've been looking at these rims for almost 2 years.

I'm not sure about 18x10's... I was thinking 18x8's up front,.. and 18x9's in the back.

If memory serves,.. I think the offset was +48mm? It's been awhile since I talked to them,.. but I remember it was only a few mm difference from our stock rims.

Can't wait to see 'em !!!!!!!!! :D

[AzMarauder]

SWEET! :up: :bow:

pleeeease post some pics! I've been looking at these rims for almost 2 years.

I'm not sure about 18x10's... I was thinking 18x8's up front,.. and 18x9's in the back.

If memory serves,.. I think the offset was +48mm? It's been awhile since I talked to them,.. but I remember it was only a few mm difference from our stock rims.

Can't wait to see 'em !!!!!!!!! :DOk... I just spoke with them. They have 18 x 8, 18 x 9, and 18 x 10.
The off set for the 8, and 9 at 49mm. (looking good eh?) The 10 was less... but now I forget if it was 40mm. They are supposed to call me back so I will ask about that.

They will do a test fit for me.... Rims, picked up, mounted and balanced with my tires 8's and 9's $1058.60.

I will get more information when they call back. My goal is to go do the test fit a week from today (next Saturday 23 Jul). I'll keep you up to date.

[AzMarauder]

Update....

Spoke to Jeff on the phone.....
He sure can rattle all the different specs.

I believe he said .... 18 x 8 49mm offset. They can be had in the black.
18 x 9 has a 40mm offset. They do not come in the black (yet). He said he could order them built in the black... but that would be a 5 to 6 week proposition.

The 18 x 10s come in a 30mm offset.

(all these rims come in smaller offsets but I just listened for the offset that was closest to our 50mm)

He said "some guy" in Phoenix had tried to put the drifters on a brake modified MM and they wouldn't clear his calipers. However on stock brakes it shouldn't be an issue.

FWIW the drifters come in 19s as well.

In any event. I am on for next Saturday to take Darth Rauder up there.... and we will do fitting. I don't know if the rims will be black.... but they will be drifters. So this will be a sizing event. The actual look... well... we'll have to photoshop it I guess.

Anyone got a spare rear KDW that I can borrow. :rolleyes: I will have them dismount my spare tire for use as a sizing tool for the front.... I'd rather not have to dismount one of my rear tires unless I have to!

[Big House]

I got a friend in Texas checking on that same A.Z.A. wheel in black witha a 2" chrome lip. He knows a thing or two about our cars and what can work for us. I am almost hell bent on a sweet set of mesh wheels. Anyone else interested I will let you know.


House

[AzMarauder]

More Update

These are the current sizes they said they could have......but he said he could order them to be made with different offsets.

"ROH Drift R Competition Black is offered in a 18x8 5x4.5 bolt pattern +25mm offset and +40mm offset, we offer the in addition a 18x8 Magnesium Silver at a +49mm offset.

We offer a 18x9 Competition Black in a +24mm offset & +35mm offset

We offer a 18x10 Competition Black in a +24mm offset, +35mm offset and +45mm offset."

[sailsmen]

Thanks, what is the construction? Cast, forged?

[AzMarauder]

Sails... I dunno....




Thanks, what is the construction? Cast, forged?

[Joe Walsh]

Update....

Spoke to Jeff on the phone.....
He sure can rattle all the different specs.

I believe he said .... 18 x 8 49mm offset. They can be had in the black.
18 x 9 has a 40mm offset. They do not come in the black (yet). He said he could order them built in the black... but that would be a 5 to 6 week proposition.

The 18 x 10s come in a 30mm offset.

(all these rims come in smaller offsets but I just listened for the offset that was closest to our 50mm)

He said "some guy" in Phoenix had tried to put the drifters on a brake modified MM and they wouldn't clear his calipers. However on stock brakes it shouldn't be an issue.
FWIW the drifters come in 19s as well.



Yes, 18 x 8 Drift 'R' rims are +49mm offset....OEM rims are +50mm.

That "guy" was Todd from TCE...I was working with Todd on determining if his Big Brake kit (13" rotors with 6 piston willwoods) would clear the Drift 'R' Rims.
They will, just barely. I talked to Jeff at Group A and he let Todd stop by with a brake mock-up to test it on a 18 x 8 Drift 'R'.

BTW, I WAS going to buy a set of the Competition Black Drift 'R' 18 x 8" rims but....NOT ANYMORE! :mad:

My complaint stems mainly from ROH and Group A's New York office. I was willing to put deposit money down 8 months ago to assure I get a set of the new Competition Black Drift 'R' 18 x 8 rims.
I was told that they could not do that and that I would have to wait to see what ROH shipped over from Australia..!!?? WTF???
I called Group A's New York office frequently to keep updated on the shipments from ROH's Australian factory, but never got any returned phone calls as they had promised.
When the shipment did arrive, I found out that they only got +40mm 18 x 8 Competition Black Drift 'R' rims in. :mad2:
I asked if I could ORDER a set of +49mm rims and was told 'NO', they only get "what ROH ships over"....
So, The heck with ROH and Group 'A', I'm not giving them one penny. IMHO they both need to learn how to conduct a business. :down:

P.S. Did you ask Group 'A' IF they have any +49mm 18 x 8 Competition Black Drift 'R's in stock???? Maybe they will be on the next boat from Australia...

P.P.S. I'm working on a new set of Black 18 x 8" rims and will have more information when available... :D

[AzMarauder]

Yes, 18 x 8 Drift 'R' rims are +49mm offset....OEM rims are +50mm.

That "guy" was Todd from TCE...I was working with Todd on determining if his Big Brake kit (13" rotors with 6 piston willwoods) would clear the Drift 'R' Rims.
They will, just barely. I talked to Jeff at Group A and he let Todd stop by with a brake mock-up to test it on a 18 x 8 Drift 'R'.

BTW, I WAS going to buy a set of the Competition Black Drift 'R' 18 x 8" rims but....NOT ANYMORE! :mad:

My complaint stems mainly from ROH and Group A's New York office. I was willing to put deposit money down 8 months ago to assure I get a set of the new Competition Black Drift 'R' 18 x 8 rims.
I was told that they could not do that and that I would have to wait to see what ROH shipped over from Australia..!!?? WTF???
I called Group A's New York office frequently to keep updated on the shipments from ROH's Australian factory, but never got any returned phone calls as they had promised.
When the shipment did arrive, I found out that they only got +40mm 18 x 8 Competition Black Drift 'R' rims in. :mad2:
I asked if I could ORDER a set of +49mm rims and was told 'NO', they only get "what ROH ships over"....
So, ***** ROH and Group 'A', I'm not giving them one penny. IMHO they both need to learn how to conduct a business. :down:

P.S. Did you ask Group 'A' IF they have any +49mm 18 x 8 Competition Black Drift 'R's in stock???? Maybe they will be on the next boat from Australia...

P.P.S. I'm working on a new set of Black 18 x 8" rims and will have more information when available... :D
Joe,

You didn't hold anything back there did you? :eek:

Jeff didn't indicate that it would be a problem for him to get the blacks in the 49mm offset. Just have to wait a month or two. In any event, I figured I didn't have anything to lose to go up there and try on some rims.... and perhaps the information etc. would useful to the membership here. I would really like to do the Steeda Rims but the offset is wrong on them. Again, I do NOT want my tires sticking out of the wheel wells. :shake:

[Joe Walsh]

Joe,

You didn't hold anything back there did you? :eek:

Jeff didn't indicate that it would be a problem for him to get the blacks in the 49mm offset. Just have to wait a month or two. In any event, I figured I didn't have anything to lose to go up there and try on some rims.... and perhaps the information etc. would useful to the membership here. I would really like to do the Steeda Rims but the offset is wrong on them. Again, I do NOT want my tires sticking out of the wheel wells. :shake:

That's what they kept telling me 8 months ago.... :(

I hope that you have better luck than I did. The members will appreciate your efforts and info on the ROH Drift 'R' rims...

BTW, A +40mm 18 x 8 rim will fit the rear wheelwell without any problems, but I'm not sure if it will stick out too far on the front wheelwell.

(especially if you move up to a P255-45ZR18 tire in the front.)

[GreekGod]

As you reach age 50 and up you find you reach the curmudgeon stage of life where you can no longer suffer fools. This is a seldom explained phenomenon that occurs frequently as our brains age and explains "not holding back" rants followed by feelings of remorse and shame:shake: and then pity for the uninformed/ignorant fools. AzMarauder please let me know if you find any 18x8 BLACK wheels!
Joe,

You didn't hold anything back there did you? :eek:

Jeff didn't indicate that it would be a problem for him to get the blacks in the 49mm offset. Just have to wait a month or two. In any event, I figured I didn't have anything to lose to go up there and try on some rims.... and perhaps the information etc. would useful to the membership here. I would really like to do the Steeda Rims but the offset is wrong on them. Again, I do NOT want my tires sticking out of the wheel wells. :shake:

[AzMarauder]

That's what they kept telling me 8 months ago.... :(

I hope that you have better luck than I did. The members will appreciate your efforts and info on the ROH Drift 'R' rims...

BTW, A +40mm 18 x 8 rim will fit the rear wheelwell without any problems, but I'm not sure if it will stick out too far on the front wheelwell.

(especially if you move up to a P255-45ZR18 tire in the front.)
Joe,

How sensitive are these cars to keeping the tires the same height or relationship to each other? I don't have the tracton control on my 300A.... but what about the ABS?

Also... how easy is it to adjust the speedo with a tune? I have an Xcal... and I know it can adapt for the gears... but it the program adaptable enough that I can deal with the tire height plus the gears to keep it accurate?

I don't know what will happen when I get there.... we will see. Thanks for your input.

[Big House]

Joe,

Sergnt Mac and I have talked a great deal about what and what not to put on. I am going to give Wheel Maxx a shot with the Staggered set up of their A.Z.A.'s 18 x 8.5 up front with 245/45's and 18 x 9.5 in the rear wrapped in 255/45's. I checked with tire rack for the offset ranges for the wheels they offer and the lowest they went was +41mm. The wheels I am looking at are +40mm so I think we are good there. And because I trust their measures from past purchases I think all will be well. I will let you know when I get the wheels in.

Also I looked at the drifts also, but they just don't fit the look of the Marauder. But in any event lets us know about the black wheels you are working on.

Big House

[AzMarauder]

See this link...

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=275636&posted=1#post275636

Started a new thread for the ROH test fit discussion.

[AzMarauder]

As you reach age 50 and up you find you reach the curmudgeon stage of life where you can no longer suffer fools. This is a seldom explained phenomenon that occurs frequently as our brains age and explains "not holding back" rants followed by feelings of remorse and shame:shake: and then pity for the uninformed/ignorant fools. AzMarauder please let me know if you find any 18x8 BLACK wheels!
They make the black ROH Drifts... just the current offerings in an 18" rim are the wrong offset. See... http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=275636&posted=1#post275636

It is explained there.

[GreekGod]

Thanks for pics and info-nice work effort. I have two unpolished OEM spare wheels, one came with the car new in the trunk with the 235/ tire mounted and the other I purchased from my local Ford dealer for around $250 if I remember correctly. Not a bad price for a OEM forged wheel. My plan 'B' is to buy two more and have them powdercoated (either gloss or flat black) locally for about $40 each. I seems it may be another year or two before the 18 inchers get more available and start catching on. I feel the best look for me would be 18x8 'D' hole stock-car type. Guess I better buy four chunks of aluminum and start wittlin'!
They make the black ROH Drifts... just the current offerings in an 18" rim are the wrong offset. See... http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=275636&posted=1#post275636

It is explained there.

[AzMarauder]

Thanks for pics and info-nice work effort. I have two unpolished OEM spare wheels, one came with the car new in the trunk with the 235/ tire mounted and the other I purchased from my local Ford dealer for around $250 if I remember correctly. Not a bad price for a OEM forged wheel. My plan 'B' is to buy two more and have them powdercoated (either gloss or flat black) locally for about $40 each. I seems it may be another year or two before the 18 inchers get more available and start catching on. I feel the best look for me would be 18x8 'D' hole stock-car type. Guess I better buy four chunks of aluminum and start wittlin'!
The only thing I am not sure of is if going to the black will bee too much. The car is subdued as it is... and the shiney rims are its only real external "bling".

There are two other black rims out there that I've seen.... the Kazera (check Tire Rack) and Steeda (check Steeda.com) but they aren't anywhere near out offset. These Drifts are the first aftermarket rims I've seen at such a high offset.

[GreekGod]

The Kazera has too much bling for me with the machined rim! I prefer stealth to match my Michigan Militia/sniper personality.
The only thing I am not sure of is if going to the black will bee too much. The car is subdued as it is... and the shiney rims are its only real external "bling".

There are two other black rims out there that I've seen.... the Kazera (check Tire Rack) and Steeda (check Steeda.com) but they aren't anywhere near out offset. These Drifts are the first aftermarket rims I've seen at such a high offset.

[SergntMac]

The only thing I am not sure of is if going to the black will bee too much. The car is subdued as it is... and the shiney rims are its only real external "bling".

There are two other black rims out there that I've seen.... the Kazera (check Tire Rack) and Steeda (check Steeda.com) but they aren't anywhere near out offset. These Drifts are the first aftermarket rims I've seen at such a high offset. Our member CruzTaker has a very tasteful treatment of the MM polished wheel, with a gloss black powdercoated center and spoke, and polished lip. I like them a lot with the chrome lug nuts and godshead center cap, and they retain the high reflectiveness you speak of from the OEM wheel at distance.

Powercoating four "spares" in black, with a polished lip will have a likewise visual effect from a distance, but the unpolished sections of the "spare" wheel will look unfinished and dull upclose, IMHO. Moreover, when I looked into this myself two years ago, I encountered problems with clearcoating the polished lip. Powdercoaters will lie to you about clearcoating the finished wheel correctly, and in six months, when the unprotected lip oxidizes, they will blame it on corrosive brake dust. Been here, done this.

The Steeda "Ultralite" wheel offering for the '05 Mustang is also very attractive to me (www.steeda.com) and it's a tad more refined. The lip is very clean and square, and the offset at 41mm will fit the MM nicely, with a slightly bolder stance left to right. Remember "wide track Pontiacs"?

18X8 in front with 255/45 shoes, and 18X9 with 285 or 295/45 shoes in back. This combo will fit perfectly, no rub anywhere. Our MM "rake" is retained, and our MM lug nuts will work too. The only thing I cannot predict, is if our MM/godshead center cap will fit these wheels.

Just my .02c, carry on...

[Big House]

Gents,

In past convo's I asked your opinions on rear fitments. I have my eye set on a 18 x 8 with a 35 mm offset. I will be going with the stock wheel height due to the upcoming eibach drop. Do you think I will have any fitment issues.

House

[AzMarauder]

Gents,

In past convo's I asked your opinions on rear fitments. I have my eye set on a 18 x 8 with a 35 mm offset. I will be going with the stock wheel height due to the upcoming eibach drop. Do you think I will have any fitment issues.

House
House,

Check this link...

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=275636&posted=1#post275636

The third post in that thread.... there are pictures of an 18 x 9 35mm offset on the rear of the car.
It JUST about makes it... judgement call. So my guess is an 18 x 8 35mm offset would work in back.

[Big House]

AZ,

I am good on the rears, it is the fronts that are my concern now.



House,

Check this link...

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=275636&posted=1#post275636

The third post in that thread.... there are pictures of an 18 x 9 35mm offset on the rear of the car.
It JUST about makes it... judgement call. So my guess is an 18 x 8 35mm offset would work in back.

[AzMarauder]

AZ,

I am good on the rears, it is the fronts that are my concern now.
Well some folks have used rims that are 18 x 8 35mm infront... but I am not sure how. I looked at the 18 x 8 40mm Comp Black and thought they stuck out too much. At least for my tastes they did. I like my tires tucked under the car where they belong.

If you have your rear rims... are you going to be able to find front ones that match?

[Big House]

That is what I am working on. The wheels i am looking at come only in the 35mm offset for the 18x 8. I may have to go back on the hunt if I can't get those to fit.




Well some folks have used rims that are 18 x 8 35mm infront... but I am not sure how. I looked at the 18 x 8 40mm Comp Black and thought they stuck out too much. At least for my tastes they did. I like my tires tucked under the car where they belong.

If you have your rear rims... are you going to be able to find front ones that match?

[GreekGod]

Seems like I read somewhere (blueovalnews?) that the 2006 Mustang will have the Marauder wheels as an option! Picked up a Aug. 2005 'FORD BUILDER' magazine today (volume 1 number 3) published by Buckaroo Communications and the (page 3) full page add by Weld Racing shows their FORGE-STAR and TECH-STAR wheels with the shallow dish. The FORGE-STAR in the add is mounted on a new Mustang. It also says 'ALL NEW FOR 2005' 'up to 11 inch widths' '17-18-19-20 inch diameters' '30% lighter than cast wheels' so it looks like our MM's are soon going to have a greatly expanded choice of wheels with the popularity of the new 'stang AND the likely common interchange.