Big Wheels (17/18) - Max sizes - What are you running? -

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Looking to find out what will work for my fish as far as big wheels go. Looking into Mustang 'Bullitt' style wheels.



There are a few different size options. They all are 6" Backspacing (which concerns me more on the front than the back..explain later). I'm wondering how 6" of backspacing would work on our cars, should I be looking into a spacer for the front? If so, what am I going to need (thickness)? As far as the different sizes go that I mentioned. They seem to have 17x9, 18x9, some places have 17x8's. I rather have 17" up front, and I'm thinking 17x8 will probably be what I end up with, but as far as the backspacing goes I'm wondering what I need spacer wise, and what size tire I can get away with.

(praying there are a few guys that have gone over this a few times  )

I know it's a bit of a strech for someone to know off hand what size tire i can fit up front w/17x8s and out back with 18x10s, but its wortha shot!

Thanks for any help 

Rough photoshop


As far as the back goes, I'll be doing Dr. Diff's relocation kit that will take the 18x10s w/6" BS with no problem. Anyone run that, and know what tire I can run off hand?

[Super Blue 72]

Sorry, 

I don't know the sizes off hand but just wanted to say that combo of the wheels and the yellow looks wicked cool!!! 

[Blackcuda]

Nice Photoshop, I'm using 17x8 front and rear on my cars. They fit well with no problems, but I would think 18x8 should work fine also. Go for it!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Nice Photoshop, I'm using 17x8 front and rear on my cars. They fit well with no problems, but I would think 18x8 should work fine also. Go for it!

Have any backspace/tire size for the front? Thanks 

[Robb]

instead of getting spacers, you may look at having the wheels custom done.



in general, spacers bigger than a 1/2 inch make me nervous.   

[HemiDog]

For the front you are looking for 4.5" of backspace with a 8" wide rim.

As far as rim diameters, you can do any size as long stay within some certain limits of the overall tire diameter that will be mounted on the rim.  I have some 28" tall tires in the back and I don't thing you can do any larger without some body mods to ensure clearance.  Not sure on the limit of the front overall diameter.  The test of the limits there will be when you move your steering all the way left and right.  Eventually you are going to hit the limit to where it will rub the inner fender and frame.   Of course, the diameter of the wheel has to be big enough to clear your brake drums and/or calipers. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

 


I agree with the 4.5 inch backspacing on both the front and back. Unless you have altered your rear and moved the leaf springs inward.


  Mike

[360 'CUDA]

Maybe a '71 - '74 B-body 8 3/4 rear with altered spring perches and the earlier B-body spring mounting spacer kit and A-body springs ?

For the front though you would need at least 1 1/4 spacers. That would mean high quality machined spacers with long wheelstuds and long lugnuts.  Any weight advantage with the hi po wheels would be cancelled out with all the heavy gear.
Also anybody checking out your car would see the spacers

Of course, if you can get the wheels cheap or free it all might be worth it........

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I'm with Robb here. Spacers that thick are scary.      


  Mike

[HemiDog]

You know, I just re-read your post and I have 17x8 in front with 4.5" backspace wrapped in 245/45/17 rubber.  My rears are 18x10 with 5 3/4" backspace wrapped with 285/45/18 rubber.  I do have my springs moved in 3/4" and also running a B-body rear.  The things I do know are that if you want to run the 18x10 out back, you will have to move your springs. With that wide of rubber you don't have much to play with in clearance if you keep the car stock.  If you stick with your stock rear, you can increase your backspacing to fit the rearend.

You might be able to find a tire that is smaller than mine that will work, but in my opinion, a smaller profile tire isn't going to look quite right.

The A-body springs are what I also have with the spring relocation kit.  The only issue using those is that the A-body bushing in back is a little smaller in diameter than the e-body.  If you order a set of a-body bushings for the back you should be fine.  In my case I sanded my e-body bushing down to fit the eye.

If I did it again, I would get a set of springs from someone like ESPO and see if they can give me a A-body spring but roll the rear eye to E-body specs.

[willhaven]

With big open wheels like those you're going to need some yellow or black brake calipers with HUGE discs. It would look friggin sweet though.

It's a really nice wheel. It would probably improve handling quite a bit too.

[Bullitt-]

Gooduman here is an option w/custom backspace
http://www.newstalgiawheel.com/listproducts.asp?cat=101106

I have the 05 bullitt OE 17X9  wheels & with 1" wheel adaptor/spacer & it may or may not work, tried the 04 wheels with the 1"spacer & they probably would work and the little bit of extra backspace makes them look much better, another 1/2 " things would be about right
Another small issue is the hub diameter is too large to fit so opening up the OE wheel about 1/32 is necessary.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Thanks everyone 


Lookie what i found! 

http://customwheelsmarket.com/cwm-top-1119-78650b.html

"Ford Mustang Bullitt/Bullet Style 17x8" Black / Machined lip aluminum wheels (Car rims) Lug-pattern 5x4.50" +0mm offset (4.50" backspacing) On Sale - Free Shipping"

$150/ea isnt too shabby 

[360 'CUDA]

Thanks everyone 


Lookie what i found! 

http://customwheelsmarket.com/cwm-top-1119-78650b.html

"Ford Mustang Bullitt/Bullet Style 17x8" Black / Machined lip aluminum wheels (Car rims) Lug-pattern 5x4.50" +0mm offset (4.50" backspacing) On Sale - Free Shipping"

$150/ea isnt too shabby 

Sounds great for the front..  A little small for the back   

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Sounds great for the front..  A little small for the back   

ummm...yea...so then i buy two of the ones listed, and two rears elsewhere.