Wheels size to clear brakes

[jwhite]

I have yet another question that may sound stupid to many of you. Unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of storing my car all winter, but I can usually avoid driving it during the very shitty days. Long story short, I bought the car and it already had 18s on it (deeper bullet style). I love the wheels but do not want them to suffer because of salt. I was told by multiple ford dealers that the smallest wheel I could put on is a 17" rim due to brake clearance issues. I honestly have a hard time believing this and feel that I might be able to squeeze a 16" on. My intentions are to simply put some plain jane black winter wheel combo on and figured that it would be easier if 16 inchers fit as I could most likely find them in a junk yard from a crown vic or 6 cylinder '05+ stang or something. What do you guys think? I was wondering if anyone else has ever tried putting a 16" wheel on the front to see if it clears the brakes. Please let me know if you have. I know it will make the car look retarded, but I would rather keep the 18s looking good.

[SpectorV]

I am pretty sure the v6 and gt version use the same brakes and thus you should be able to use the 16 inch rim the v6's do. Go measure and see how much room you have currently~ to get a rough estimate if what they are saying has any truth to it at all.

[jwhite]

I was thinking exactly along the same lines. It should be close, but it looks like I have just over an inch from the caliper to the wheel.

[SpectorV]

hmm 17s are very cheap though you can get a set for near nothing

[AlloyGT]

Front brakes on the GTs are bigger than the V-6s. V-6 rims won't fit up front, sorry.

[jwhite]

Thanks.

[rtracer408]

17's are real cheap man, go aftermarket