Initially I was going to say make sure the fender liners are clipped in place. Mine rub but I run 255/40's and those just barely rub and that's partially because I don't have my liners clipped into place so it's a non-issue. After seeing those pics I'd say...ugh

 

You should start taking off the front suspension and look for anything that is bent and replace. After that get the frame checked and if necessary pulled. I have had cars in the past that have been salvaged that have had the frame repaired and they have been great cars. Hopefully that car was a steal.. Good luck

 

That is exactly what I'm going to do. I have an appt. with alignment shop tomorrow. Spoke with him on the phone and described to him the situation. He can not understand how BOTH wheels appear to be back and have the same exact clearance with fender. He was looking at the front suspension/steering parts breakdown on his computer and said it looked extremely simple and could only be a couple things...but was still baffled. All we can do is start investigating which will be easier to do when the car is on the lift.

The car was an absolute steal. I'll do whatever necessary to get it straightened out because I'm already super attached to this machine! After all, its just a big hunk of metal... If its truly completely scrap/junk... I'll part it out and get another one. Thanks for your input!

 

just remember, "complete steal" is all a relative term. for a salvage vehicle, a normal price (for one in the same condition as a non-salvage title) would be about 3/4 the price, a complete steal would be closer to 1/2 the price

so, if you have more than ~15-16k into this car, just know that anything from here on out is money thrown out the window if you ever get rid of it

 

Well that makes me feel much better because I paid much less than 15k. Also I would like to update that the front tire diameter is less than 1/2" larger than rear tires... Closer to 1/4" which still isn't good but isn't nearly as bad. Taking to the shop at noon today. Will post update on what the issue ends up being! Thanks for everyone's input!

 

Anything over 2/32nds is an issue for AWD.

 

Whoa thats no good. Definitely get that on a frame rack and check all the geometry. Report back.

 

Wow that's not much... Please explain what issue I should be looking for. Transfer case? Will it make noise? Fail? Lock up? I don't understand with ACS system putting percentage to front on limited slip differentials how that small of a difference is the end of life of transfer case... So someone who is not on top of getting their tires rotated could have over 2/32" difference in tread depth and trash their transfer case? I'm not saying mine isn't trashed but it seems fine after driving 2200 miles. Was in snow last night and front end working just fine. No noises no issues so far... Either way its not getting driven anymore until frame is straight with 4 new rubbers..

 

Update!!!!! Lower frame rails are wrinkled and engine cradle crossmember is tweaked or has slid back. Right lower control arm has a slight twist. All parts can easily be replaced and it still might need to be pulled. Best Frame shop in town said its "not that bad" and they have straightened much worse with excellent results. Im feeling much better now

 

Just what I expected and it sounds like you are in good hands. Let us know how it turns out.

 

Its the speed of the tires. Smaller rolling diameter will be faster. So, if the difference in tire speeds between the front and rear gets to a point that the car thinks the wheels are slipping, it will compensate. This could induce premature wear on the clutch plates in the tc or differential. Not an expert, but this is what I'm thinking will happen.

I suspect this will only affect evos with the acd and not the 8's with the mechanical tc.

 

Your center differential is full time 50:50 split. The TC has clutch plates and ring gear in it. Plates the lock or unlock the front and rear from spinning together or not. Front end is controlled by the LSD.

Having two different rolling diameters strains the diff. Failure is from damages done. You may develop a whining sound. That will turn into grinding or lock up over time.

 

What happened with this?
Curious how hard the front has to impact something to push the whole front suspension back like that.

 

man my blind cousin could see that something is not right with those front tires, no normal car on this earth has wheels that are not centered in the wheel well, whoever re did that front end needs to be fired, hope it works out for you man, damn...smh

 

lol the acd pump is rubbing the tires. What did you pay for this car?