E-Body Tire Combos

[larryw24]

Hi There
I'm new to this site and just had a couple of questions for the Mopar Veterans.  I am interested in getting aftermarket wheels for my 72 Challenger and I am just learning that there is more to it than just picking out some rims.  I understand that the backspacing is 4'' on drum brakes and 4.5" on disc. Could someone tell me if a 17 inch wheel (tasteful pattern) would be ok to mount as long as the profile of the tire stays the same?  I have never measured backspacing before but I think I know how to do it.  If anyone has a picture of how it's done that would be great.. I have a few more questions about my car but one thing at a time..

Thanks and its nice to be here
LW

[tommyg29]

Welcome Larry:

I know this thread is LONG, but it contains lots of great information about types, styles, how to measure, etc.
Spend an hour (or two) if you have the time reading this thread and you will become an expert!
I know I added a few dozen posts a couple years ago that would really help you. There are also some links to other sites with good measuring/calculating tools.

Good luck and welcome again!

and PS
just so you know, there was a yellow 70 convetible cuda in some earlier posts within this thread about 3 years back that inspired me and the choices I made with my 71. Unfortuneately those pictures are long gone because the sponsors of the site cant store that much data, but after looking at some of the pics in here you might get some great ideas yourself.
Anyways, I am reposting my inspiring pic, which I luckily saved:

[RSB54]

question for guys with 40-series tires, how harsh is the ride?
I was looking at 255/45x18 rears but being told to stick with a 50 'cause the shorter profiles are too stiff. That really limits the tire options as there's not many in a ??/50x18 or even ??/50x17.
I'm running a 255/60x15 now which is about 27" diameter and wanting to keep close to that so really a 40-series is out anyway but can do it with a 45-series. No suspension mods (yet).

[tommyg29]

that depends on your suspension setup, but generally yes, a 40 will be stiffer than a 50 series. That much less sidewall (and air) to give. But you wont notice too much difference between 50 and 45. I say go for it.

[bigblue73]

Here is my set-up:

Front - 17 X 8 Hotwheels Sixty-eight rims (4.5" back spacing) with 245/45/17 Nitto 555's

Rear - 17 x 9 Hotwheels Sixty-eight rims (5" back spacing) with 285/40/17 Nitto 555's    Stock rear width (8 3/4) saggy springs to boot.

[JoeGrapes]

Just finished the new wheels and tires. Billet Specialties Split Spoke 18 x 9.5 with 295/45-18 and 17 x 8 with 245/45-17 Nitto tires. I moved the springs in 3/4"  for a little extra clearance and lowered the rear 1".

[Travis72]

Looks great Joe!!
Travis
72 Cuda

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Very nice!

[HP_Cuda]

The trade off between an older stock looking 15x7,15x8 look with 60 series tires versus the 17x8,17x9 45/40 series tires is the amount of sidewall flex you will encounter and the bigger look of the rim versus the tire.

Anything else I'm missing?

Here is my set-up:

Front - 17 X 8 Hotwheels Sixty-eight rims (4.5" back spacing) with 245/45/17 Nitto 555's

Rear - 17 x 9 Hotwheels Sixty-eight rims (5" back spacing) with 285/40/17 Nitto 555's    Stock rear width (8 3/4) saggy springs to boot.

[ChallengerHK]

The trade off between an older stock looking 15x7,15x8 look with 60 series tires versus the 17x8,17x9 45/40 series tires is the amount of sidewall flex you will encounter and the bigger look of the rim versus the tire.

Anything else I'm missing?

Ride harshness
Greater potential for rim damage at potholes and the like

[dutch]

beautiful car JoeGrapes     wheels fit her like a glove 

[Jocigar]

love the car!   

off subject, I notice you have pentastar on one side not the other.  I think my fenders have factory holes for this... wondering if factory put them on passanger side only?

[tommyg29]

love the car!   

off subject, I notice you have pentastar on one side not the other.  I think my fenders have factory holes for this... wondering if factory put them on passanger side only?

Yes

[Trevor Y]

1972 Barracuda with 383/727/8 3/4/323
15" x 7" rims all around.
P245/60R/15 in front
P275/60R/15 in rear.
Trev

[TinCuda]

1971 'Cuda 440-6

15X7 with 4 inch back space P215/65R15 front

15X8 with 4.5 inch back space P275/60R15 back


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