removing wheels from my GTN for winter tires i had the same problem. I was bending the stainless OEM rod... so no use to make the "arm" longer with a extra tube...indeed , i also managed after some strokes with a hammer.
I ordered for the rear 255/35/18 and was afraid, at some point , i couldn't mount them ! with the car on the lift i had to push the suspension in with a extra jack to found the best spot. Even then it was very close ... next time i deflate/inflate the tire....think it will make "that" difference... but they were dry gas filled, and me at home have only compressed air...
