I want to put 275 meats on the rear. What back spacing should I use? Stick with 3.5 or go with a 4.5 or 4.75? Maybe stick with the 3.5 and use spacers if I need more clearence just in case I go back down to a 245 or 255 tire? THX
Sorry, but i don't think you're going to unless you want to do some cutting. I have 255's in mine right now, and that's as big as i think you can go. Someone can correct me if i'm wrong. I have a 4" backspacing (don't know if you'll even be able to find a wheel with a 3.5" backspacing and wide enough to take 275 tires...my rims are 8" wide and they told me i couldn't get anything less than 4" offset), and the tires are about 1/4" from the axle bumper and less than that on the outside fender.
P.S.--i don't know how much power you're making but wheel spacers are notoriously unreliable--puts too much stress on the wheel stud.
I am afraid of that. I see in the archives/web some people are doing it, but I don't see how, without cutting or a lift. I think 255 is the best I will do, still good though... I also, figured the back spacing would change on the larger rims but have yet to get an idea as to what, THX! I should have been more specific on the spacers. I will use spaceers if it is a minor offset adjustment, but will go with adapters if too much. I have never used them, but i hear it minimalizes the added stress?
sure they fit I run BFG drag radials 275-50-15s. They have a 11/3" section width. I didn't have to cut anything, but they are extremely close everywhere. I took a ball peen to the front inside of the wheel well at the seam and moved it out about 1/4", not much. A little fresh undercoating and you can't tell. You must get the perfect offset though. I can't help you much because I have a wider Versailles rear, but I used 11mm offset (late model mustang) wheels for my drag radials. This is measuered from the center of the wheel and not the edge, so it is applicable to whatever wheel width you choose.
265-50-14s OK, so not many people here still have 14" rims, but mine are 14x8 1/2" and I put 265-50s on them. Didn't change backspacing or anything.
here it is. if your running the stock leaf springs and a 8 inch rim.. your offset will be 3-1/2 backspacing. One thing that you didn't meantion was what series tire it was. 50? 60? 70? Charlie meantioned that hes got 275-50-15. But remember thats a 50 series thats why it fit. If that was a 60 that would be a diferant story because of the height rubbing in the upper fender wells. I presume you want have a 15x8 rim. If so it would be again... 3-1/2 backspacing. A 255-60 will fit and is a safe bet. You may have some rubbing depending on your leaf springs and suspention. With my set up I have a stock 8 inch rear with a 15x8 (3-1/2inch back spacing) with either 255-60/15 or G-60/15s (same as 255-60)all equaling to about 26 inches tall and I can fit J-60s-15s (27 inch tall tires) you'll have to get a conversion for the the number on that one. Oh and this all fits with a one inch lowering block as well.
Remember that a 275-50 series tire has about the same sidewall height as a 235-60 series tire. The sidewall height is proportional to the width. The tire is still 26.1 inches around, plenty tall. A 275-60 would be insanely tall.
Ya, I was vauge earlier for a few reasons. ...I don't know what size rim I want. Curently I have 14"cragars in piss poor shape. I know at the very least I will go with a set of new crager/weld 15's for the rear. Maybe a set of Torque D style all the way around. Ultimately, I have been lusting after a set of Cobra rims since I saw first them, I've wanted to put them on my last few Fords. I've always had a thing for that style (I hade a home made 91 saleen for a few years; the saleen rims of that era were very similiar. ...The side wall height will depend on a few things... What size rim I get, width of the tire, and gearing I end up with? I do know handling is very important to me. I don't want a straight line racer, but more of corner carver. The truth is, I am not sold on 275 yet, but I do like a bit on meat on the ass end Anyhow, at this point I am more concerned with tire width than height. I can always cheat height a bit. I realize height will utimately affect the width; but for now I am trying to put it all together. I currently have 245/60/14's on the rear with 3.5" backspacing. I don't see how I can go with anything bigger than 255/265 with out rubbing the leaf spring or MAYBE my traction bars.
