Leaderboard

I would guess the upper strut mounts are bent. I guess maybe the strut is bent, that's not uncommon with front struts in a collision. You could swap struts from side to side. If it rubs *on the same side* then it's an issue with the suspension/body. if it rubs *on the opposite side* then it's an issue with the strut assembly. What year/make? Why was it all apart - for a lift, an accident, maintenance...? Is the car rusty?

This site provides a lot of VIN info at no cost. I just used it to research a vehicle up for sale and I was impressed by the amount of info provided. Very similar to carfax and a bit more in the way of specifications. https://vincheck.info

Just buy from whoever has them cheapest on ebay/aliexpress/etc - it's the same plastic Chinese $hit being sold by everyone. Clear coat them with some automotive two-part epoxy clear coat - https://www.amazon.com/SprayMax-Glamour-Gloss-Aerosol-Clear/dp/B0082LJMC6 This will help seal them against leaking. All the aftermarket housings leak after a short time. Apply multiple coats and let it seep into all the seams, etc. GD

I agree 100%. I suggested that at the beginning of my diatribe. “Buy inexpensive tires and replace sooner”. I’d still avoid no names or low end wal Mart for snow duty. I’ve seen them horrible after just 2 years if they’re parked outside in a sunny area on other peoples cars. I mean horrendous. Wish I would have taken pictures with the tire date stamps. That’s dangerous up here where people have no idea how bad they could be and sometimes don’t have much money Definitely a good fit. I didn’t mean anything as a one size fits all solution. I was describing a key point that isn’t available elsewhere online. As you said There are other factors and good fits out there.