Author Topic: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger  (Read 4430 times)

Offline BrabyChallenger1971

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Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« on: January 30, 2017 - 10:43:04 PM »
Hey Guys I am new to the site and am looking for some help. None of the tire shops in town will answer my question. I am looking for the widest tire and rim combo for my 71 Challenger R/T. I am considering 18x8" up front and 18x9.5" in the rear both with 0% offset. Has anyone done this and what is the largest and fastest tire that will fit. Any help is appreciated!




Offline dfrazz

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2017 - 10:51:55 PM »
I'm running this size on my '70 Cuda. Hankook Ventus V12 245/45/18 and 275/40/18 with US Mag U111 Rambler textured gunmetal grey 18x8 and 18x9.5.  Stock spring location gives abut 3/4" room, fits inside the rear quarters with no rolled lips.  Fronts also fit perfect, no rolled lips, not rubbing on frame. I would say these are probably the widest tire on these wheels you can run.



Offline BrabyChallenger1971

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2017 - 11:18:23 PM »
Your car looks amazing!!! Are those a 0 degree offset as well? I am considering Ridler 650's black with machined lip

Offline brads70

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2017 - 11:24:27 PM »
I'm running 18x11 rear with 5.5" backspace and a 295/40/18 rear tire . Rear end is the b-body width and offset shackle kit from DrDiff.  No idea what fits the front end stock as mine is modified....
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
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Offline dfrazz

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2017 - 05:40:37 PM »
Your car looks amazing!!! Are those a 0 degree offset as well? I am considering Ridler 650's black with machined lip


Thanks !   :ylsuper:

Backspace are 4.5" front and 5.25" rear with 1" offset.  http://us-mags.com/rambler-u110-w-5959.htm

Offline crash340

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2017 - 06:43:25 PM »
I'm running 18x11 rear with 5.5" backspace and a 295/40/18 rear tire . Rear end is the b-body width and offset shackle kit from DrDiff.  No idea what fits the front end stock as mine is modified....
Brad, I may have asked you this already but what is the tire side wall to tire side wall width of that 295 on the 11" rim please? And if my memory is correct don't you have wider on the front? And if so, what is that side wall width please. I have 295's on a 15x10 and have about 12.5" side wall, I'd like to go to 18 x 11, or even 11.5 with either 305's or 295's pending wall width
Greg

73 Cuda
Brisbane, Australia

Offline brads70

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2017 - 07:05:40 PM »
Brad, I may have asked you this already but what is the tire side wall to tire side wall width of that 295 on the 11" rim please? And if my memory is correct don't you have wider on the front? And if so, what is that side wall width please. I have 295's on a 15x10 and have about 12.5" side wall, I'd like to go to 18 x 11, or even 11.5 with either 305's or 295's pending wall width

315/30/18 with an 11" wide rim I get 12.500" on the 295/40/18  with a 11" wide rim I get 12.187" but that is to the out most size/width and Falken Azenis tires have a rim protector feature , a raised part that rubs before the rims hits a curb.  :2cents:  Hope that helps?  :wave:   Sorry you sent me a PM asking this awhile back and I kept forgetting to measure it.  :-[
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline crash340

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2017 - 11:51:10 PM »
Thanks Brad, that's the info I need mate, I can work with that to determine the outcome, all good. Thanks again
Greg

73 Cuda
Brisbane, Australia

Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2017 - 01:17:45 AM »
18x8's up front are easy, 18x9.5's out back aren't a problem either.

I'm running 17x9's with 0 offset (5" backspace) on the front and rear of my Challenger with 275/40/17's all the way around. The 275's up front are about as big as you can go without getting into significant fender modifications. In the back it's about the same if you have the stock spring locations, 275's will fit without issue if you have the right backspace. Maybe even 285's on some cars. I have a ton of room out back, but like Brad I have a B body 8 3/4 and a 1" spring offset from Dr. Diff so I could go much larger than the 275's I've got on there now.






Offline dave73chally

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Re: Will 18x8 and 18x9.5" wheels fit on a 1971 Challenger
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2017 - 09:00:26 AM »
Dfrazz, do you have a straight shot from the back? Curious how wide the rears look from the backside. Also, I seem to remember you running hotchkis rear leafs? Is that still true?
73 Challenger
512 / 4spd / Hotchkis & QA1 Suspension