new wheels, new tires don't fit old brakes

[dirtfinder]

New here and in need of help both Sportmobile specific and general build.

Just installed new BFG AT 265,75,16s on 16" ProComp Retro 59 wheels. These were put on my 2011 E350 that had 16" steel factory wheels. The new rims are dragging on the brakes. The wheels turned without rubbing when I was installing but once i put the van down and started to drive the miserable sound of metal on metal was soon heard. I was quite positive that the wheel size and type I chose was one used on Sportmobiles and many of the E series builds I've seen.

Am I wrong and later E-series builds are using larger rims 17" plus or are rims being modified to fit? I thought this was a no brainer upgrade but its gone south.

Any help would be appreciated.

[1der]

Quite sure 17” rims needed for the newer vans because of the larger diameter brakes and associated pieces. SOME 16” wheels work but very few.
Bummer.

[BrianW]

OEM 16” wheels (steel or alloy) will work on the 2008+ brakes, but not all aftermarket ones do — as you found out, unfortunately.

[dirtfinder]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'll do some measuring for clearance on the calipers and may take a grinding wheel to them before I resort to finding new rims.

[Beasty Boy]

Originally Posted by dirtfinder

Thanks for the feedback.

I'll do some measuring for clearance on the calipers and may take a grinding wheel to them before I resort to finding new rims.

Back space is VERY important.

[Grampswrx]

I have seen a few people with this problem and a bit of grinding solved it completely.

[itnanti]

Where did you place the wheel weights for balancing? Could those be coming in contact? My tire guy had to get creative with placement for my 16” wheels on my 13 e350. I have the 69 procomps.

[dirtfinder]

So after dismounting the tires I found two issues, innermost part of rim was slightly contacting caliper and as itnanti indicated, the wheel weights were contacting the calipers or had come off and actually gotten wedged between the caliper and rim.

Used a metal file on the calipers and removed the wheel weight and all is good. I may look for a 1/4 spacer to get a bit of extra clearance but problem free on the pavement so far.

[itnanti]

Good news[emoji106][emoji106]