Hey y'all. I've been kinda quiet here lately because of work, but I'm about to do a good bit of work to the Maverick. I'm changing the rear springs to 4 leaf, new shackles (stock),rear axle (drum to drum 5 lug setup and gonna use 3.80 gears) disc brakes on the front, some front end work, traction bars, tranny cooler, and a few other odds and ends. I'm also calling today to see about an old Borg Warner 4 speed....... Anyway, after all of this, I am going to upgrade my wheels and tires. I am going to use the "Smoothie" or "Chrome Reverse" wheel in a 15x7 front size and a 15x8 rear size. These wheels have 3 3/4" backspacing. I will go with a 215/65/15 tire in the front. Now here is what I need pics of. In researching all of this, I read where several people on here have gone with a 275/60/15 rear tire in the back with no problems. I was wondering if you could post a coupla pics shot from the side and back. I'd like to go with this size, IF it WILL WORK on MY car. I'm thinking that with the 4 leaf springs, I will have as much clearance as possible on these cars, so it'll probably work. Otherwise I will go with a 255/60/15, which I KNOW will work. I was just thinking that the 275 is a good bit bigger and would like to use it if I can. Anybody see anything I have missed? What do you all think?? Thanks! Preston
Tire Pics Hey Preston here is a couple pictures. I am running 275/60/R15 on a 15 x 8 rim with 3.5" backspacing. I rolled the lip on the drivers side quarter, did'nt have to touch the other side. I am running reg. shocks and everything tucks under the wells very nice. Also lowered the front about 2 inches. Hope this helps Mike
Thanks for the pics!!I have a coupla questions, did you roll the fender because you HAD to, or just in case? Would a 3 3/4" backspacing help out with that?? I hate to be greedy, but you wouldn't happen to have a shot that looks straight at the back of the car would you? I mean shot from the back to show how full the wheel wells look from that angle. If you do, great, but if you don't, that is okay too. Thanks again for the pics. Take care!! Preston
Hey Preston The 3.75 Backspacing will help I have a good 3/4" space on the inside, from the tire to the leaf spring and yes it was necessary to roll the quarter on the drivers side. I didn't roll it a whole lot maybe 3/8" up into the well. I have the tires up in the well about 1/2" maybe you won't have them that far up inside. I will take a photo tomarro for you from the back. Have a good one Mike
Mike, I REALLY appreciate you helping me out here!! Thank you a whole bunch!! And thank you too Mr. Starnes-Coming from you, that means a lot! Preston
Preston, Here's my Mav with 275/60/15's On a 8" rim with 4" back spacing. I'm thinking with 3 3/4 BS you may have some fender lip clearance inssues. Also the 4 leaf spring won't raise the rear of the car any. I ran into that a few months back. IF you want to lift the rear of the car. Have the spring maker put 2" of lift into the springs.
Well, I REALLY want to thank everyone for the pictures and information. It has really helped! Now for my final question, would the 4 inch backspacing work BETTER (as in no fender lip rolling, no spring rubbing) than the 3 3/4 inch on the 15x8 wheel? Thanks again for all of the help ya'll!!! Preston
