Because when you're measuring [correctly] for lowering or lifted applications. You measure from the center of the hub to the fender lip, not from the ground to the fender lip. So with saying that.

i.g. A plus3 for the example I'll use my old truck wheel & tire combo going from stock Ranger wheels and tire sizes (14") to OEM Explorer wheels in a 17" variety loaded with Falken Azenis RT615-K's [wicked-ass tire btw]




Now I am going to admit it is not only going to be a bit of a challenge to wrap yours and other peoples minds not familiar with how Plus sizing works but explaining it to make sense without taking a multitude of tires and wheels and actually literally measuring each change to prove it.

However, the rim size will add or subtract for that matter height without changing aspect ratio of the tire at all or by much. In the example show above you'll note that the inner circle between the tires showing the aspect ratio of the Wheel and the tires is. That distance between the center of your hub or the axle and the rim of the wheel are what change the dimensional height. Remember, the overall tire diameter is the same or withing a 2-3% which is acceptable from up to a 5% change. Sadly, I am having a hard time trying to explain this right. I will contact someone I think can explain this better in a way that I can relay it again tomorrow too.

When I did a Plus2 on my 95 Escort hatchie. I again went from a 185/70/14 to a 205/45/16. I had it lowered on Intrax springs - 2.25" drop and the Escort sat like a Bimmer E46 where the tire to wheel well gap was like 30mm or less. It looked good and wide [fat assed, lol] but it lifted the car .75" [3/4"].

Again, I will talk to my wheel guy and have explain it to me like a 4yr old so I can explain it better tomorrow. Its just really hard to explain how moving the axle itself up and down away from the ground changes thing with similar or same tire diameters/aspect ratios

Last edited on Tue Jul 10th, 2018 02:22 am by Undrstm8ed