Before I begin let me just say that I have read, read read and read so many threads about tire and wheel combo's that I started getting a head ache. I could not really find what I need to know, so I will present my problem. I have a 1973 'Cuda without any mods to the wheel wells or shock brackets.....all stock. I'm old skool so my choice in wheel is the Crager SS. The first problem is the rear tire set up. Crager (Summit Racing) offer both a 7" and 8" X 15" wheel but with only a 4.25" back space. Now, I was not sure of the width of the rear wheels or BS so I took one off and had it measured with those cheezy plastic calipers they use at the tire store. It measured 7". I also measured the backspace on this wheel and it is 4.25. Currently the rear tire is a 275-60-15 and it fits. This gives me about an inch of clearance from the leaf spring as well as the outer wheel well. Now, from what I’ve read everyone is running an 8" rear wheel but not everyone specified if they had a 4.5" back space. (When they did it was usually on a Challenger and I don't know if the wheel wells / springs are set up the same) The Crager wheel I like is 8 x 15 with 4.25 back space and it lists an Offset: -6.00mm . The offset threw me. Does anybody have this combo on their ‘Cuda without mods? I would like to have the 8" but will I have to stay with a 7" in the rear to avoid rubbing issues? Will this -6.00mm off set haunt me later? I would like to stay with the same tire size because I like the meaty look.
The next question is about the front tires. Currently the fronts are 14" X 6” inch wheels with a 3.75 back space (measured the bs more than once to be sure) The tire is 215- 70- 14. It fits, no rubbing and gives me about one inch (when the wheel is turned in toward the frame rail) clearance from where the front lower fender and front valance come together. Now, if I go with a 15" X 6"wheel up front and go with a 215-60-15 will I still have my one inch of clearance on the lower fender? I think I have seen this combo on several strings but want to make sure. Oh, by the way, Crager lists this size wheel (15 X 6 3.75 BS) with an Offset: -3.00mm. This does not sound like much, but will this cause any issues?
To simplify: Current Front wheel set up 14 X 6 with 3.75 offset with 215-70-14 tires............Would like to have 15 X 6 with 215-60-15 (without any rubbing)
Current rear wheel set up is 15 X 7 with 4.25 back space………Would like to go with 15 X 8 4.25 Back space and that annoying -6.00mm off set.
Crager SS front wheel dimensions: 15 X 6 3.75 bs and -3.oo off set. Crager rear wheel dimensions: 15 X 8 4.25 bs and -6.00 off set.
Note: I have no idea what, if any off set my current wheels have.
I have also emailed Crager asking if they offer any “special order” wheels and they said they cannot make either the 15x6 or 15x7 with 4.50" back spacing.
I apologize if I’m going over well plowed ground, but I was not able to find any conclusive answer after hours of reading. I will have to order these wheels and don’t want the hassle of having to return something because I goofed up.
Any and all suggestions welcome and appreciated.
