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Suspension Options + Tire Size

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Wubbington View Drop Down
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    Posted: 03-June-2022 at 3:50AM
Cry

I purchased 17x8 wheel with 4.5 Inch back spacing. I need/want to redo the suspension so I also have a slight rake. I know there have been many threads on the subject but i'm having an issue pulling all of the information together. Suspension has never been my strong suit.

Options i've seen:

  • Front
    • Cutting springs
    • Coilovers
    • Shelby Drop
  • Back
    • Adding leaf
    • 4 Link to run coilovers
    • Custom Leaf with a lift

I don't want to run 4 link just due to cost/i'd have to outsource the work. I'd like the tire to fill as much of the wheel well without rubbing obviously. This is just a weekend cruiser that I drive when the weather is nice. Doesn't need to handle like a sports car or help put down track levels of traction.

Please help me understand/figure this out.

I like this stance - this is a big block car but you get what i'm going for. He's running 17x8 on 245s.


Stuart

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dan0R30 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-June-2022 at 2:00PM
Although I am on 15x8's in the rear, I can at least speak to the width/rubbing. The PO of my Torino had used wheels with 3.5" backspacing and it would definitely rub with 275s. He also had air shocks to really jack it up. I thought the stance was too high for my taste, but also the shocks were shot. So I switched the rears to KYB shocks, +1" lifted springs, and 15x8 wheels with 4.5" backspacing. I only put 275s on the back but looks like I could have got away with 295s. If you want to fill it out the rear tub, you'll want wider than 245s!
 
FWIW, my fronts are 235/60 on 15x7, 3.75" backspacing. I'll likely get Eaton to make me the front coils with a 1 or 2 inch drop. Their quote shows $224 for the pair.
Dan

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72FordGTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-June-2022 at 6:22AM
I think Dan's spring recommendation might be just what you are looking for.  In his build thread he shows the results of his new springs.  You can see his install on this page of his thread:


Also in this thread, a member with a '71 runs 275/60-15s in the rear but not sure what springs.  It give its a bit of that raked stance you are looking for.

Vince

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-June-2022 at 7:58AM
take some measurements and play with this



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72 RS 351 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-October-2022 at 10:03AM
Try a 275/50/17 tire if you can find one made, Nitto has had it unavailable for a year or so I think. That size is the same width and height as the popular 275/60/15" tire that many have used on the rear.

I have a set of OEM 17x8's from a late 90's Mustang GT(the five split spoke wheel), but the offset is 30mm, which puts it inboard a lot versus the typical 4.5" back spaced 8" wheels others use. I'm not sure how I may work that out.
Don
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wubbington Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-October-2022 at 11:13AM
Thanks all for the help. I think i have a better understanding now. I put the 17x8 4.5 BS on up front just to see how it was looking and i think its got good clearance.

If i stay with 17x8 4.5 BS all around I'm looking at 275/50/17 in the back and 245/50/17 up front

I guess a question would be would it be worth looking at 16x7 4 in BS for just the front and run a staggered look?


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dan0R30 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-November-2022 at 7:18AM
Sorry I'm late to the party; looks like the post I was about to reply to in my email may have been deleted here!

I was going to say the same thing Don recommended. Though it may fit height-wise, 275/60/17 in the rear will also require a large change in differential gearing to get those big tires turning. So a 55 or 50 ratio was my suggestion. However, if you ended up changing wheels, a 4.75 backspace will likely get 295s to fit easier in the back, if you want more width. I took the less risky path and stayed at 275. Also I believe many have run the fronts with 245 and 17x4.5BS, so should be good there

I haven't touched my front suspension yet. I'm going to wait until my motor is installed to see the change I've made in height (removed A/C, swapped some iron parts for aluminum...). Eaton claims they can factor this in too when ordering, so the number I come up with will likely not match the number they will want to use to obtain the real height.

Dan

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-November-2022 at 6:45AM
A 275/60-17 is 30" tall, and the original is about 27", and the new one will be a bunch heavier as well.
About 10% off for your speedo.
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