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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Wheel sizes

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    8/28/2019 2:00 PM  #1

    mark1965
    FYI Addict

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    Registered: 4/03/2013
    Posts: 172

    Wheel sizes

    Have a 65 coupe with stock suspension thinking about buying new American racing torque thrust D wheels a little confused on the backspacing of those wheels would like to put the tallest widest tires I can looking at the 15 inch x 7 inch wheels need a little help with the backspacing would appreciate any thoughts thanks

    Also if you’re running these wheels what size tires are you running front and rear

     

    8/28/2019 4:57 PM  #2

    lowercasesteve
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Auburn, Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,254

    Re: Wheel sizes

    I'm running 16x7's with 4.25 bs.  You can't go wrong with that.  When I had 15x7's I don't remember what I had.   I was using the stock K-H disk brakes though.

    Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
     

    8/28/2019 5:03 PM  #3

    josh-kebob
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Madison, AL
    Registered: 4/06/2013
    Posts: 2,902

    Re: Wheel sizes

    I'm looking/researching the same thing as you Mark.  Today I went to vintagewheelsus.com....take a look at what they have to offer.  I'm considering 15" torque thrust D's and their site indicates these will work fine with no rubbing etc with stock suspension.  Their site breaks down wheel application for Mustangs by year group.  They also encourage you call them first before ordering to discuss your suspension, any mod's etc to ensure you order the correct wheels.  What I also like is if you order four wheels, they come with lug nuts and center caps.  They do charge for shipping from Cali but, their prices seem fair....

     

    8/28/2019 6:58 PM  #4

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,267

    Re: Wheel sizes

    Early TTD wheels in 15x7 had 3.75 backspacing and you basically could not fit much tire without it rubbing the fender lip.  The 3.75 causes the wheel to stick out too far.  More recently, they have been building them with deeper backspacing.  A 15x7 with 4.25" or 4.5" backspacing is best.  You can run a 225x60 tire typically, depending on the brand.

    If you are replacing all four, why not go with a 16" wheel.  Benefits include wider selection of tires, more brake clearance, and tires that have less sidewall bulge, making for less rub opportunity.

    Tires that rub in any way or form are dangerous and just laying in wait for a big bump at highway speeds so they can get ripped to shreds and cause you to wreck your prized possession.  And maybe even kill yourself.
     

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    8/28/2019 8:50 PM  #5

    lowercasesteve
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    From: Auburn, Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,254

    Re: Wheel sizes

    MS wrote:

    Early TTD wheels in 15x7 had 3.75 backspacing and you basically could not fit much tire without it rubbing the fender lip.  The 3.75 causes the wheel to stick out too far.  More recently, they have been building them with deeper backspacing.  A 15x7 with 4.25" or 4.5" backspacing is best.  You can run a 225x60 tire typically, depending on the brand.

    If you are replacing all four, why not go with a 16" wheel.  Benefits include wider selection of tires, more brake clearance, and tires that have less sidewall bulge, making for less rub opportunity.

    Tires that rub in any way or form are dangerous and just laying in wait for a big bump at highway speeds so they can get ripped to shreds and cause you to wreck your prized possession.  And maybe even kill yourself.
     

    I agree totally to everything MS says.  16's give a lot more tire selection and more clearance. 

    I have 16x7 w4.25" bs.  They fit perfectly.  And, again I have to put in a disclaimer.  I run 12.19" Willwood disks and 215x55 tires.  Caliper clearance is about 1/16".  My car only has 12" from fender lip to wheel center, so, it is much lower than most here.  If you have stock height suspension & brakes smaller than mine, you can do 225's with no clearance problems.  
     

    Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
     

    8/31/2019 7:43 AM  #6

    Toploader
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    Registered: 4/15/2013
    Posts: 1,640

    Re: Wheel sizes

    I have the classic alloy style 15x7's on mine with 215/65's. I think these have 4.25 back spacing. No problemo...
    I have seen 16" and 17" rims on these too, but hear that the ride is harder the larger diameter rim you go.

    Last edited by Stevo (8/31/2019 7:47 AM)

    1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     

    9/01/2019 1:45 PM  #7

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,267

    Re: Wheel sizes

    Stevo wrote:

    I have the classic alloy style 15x7's on mine with 215/65's. I think these have 4.25 back spacing. No problemo...
    I have seen 16" and 17" rims on these too, but hear that the ride is harder the larger diameter rim you go.

    Definitely
    My car rode best of all when I had the 16's on it.

    Much harsher with 17's
     

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    9/07/2019 3:45 PM  #8

    mjacobs
    FYI FORD Member

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    From: Crossville Tn
    Registered: 2/07/2014
    Posts: 91

    Re: Wheel sizes

    I have been looking at wheels too for 66 mustang with Shelby Drop and 620 springs, K-H disc brakes. I searched online I do not see much for early mustangs 16x7 with 4.25 BS. What companies have 16's that will fit without rolling fender lips. Suggested tire size. Any help would be appreciated. I personally like Magnum 500 style wheels.
    thanks

     

    9/01/2020 9:11 PM  #9

    BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA
    Carrollton, GA Bash Host

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    From: CARROLLTON GEORGIA
    Registered: 4/14/2013
    Posts: 2,431

    Re: Wheel sizes

    ARE YALL TALKING ABOUT FRONT AND BACK?
    I HAVE FACTORY 2005 V6 MUSTANG WHEELS
    16X7 39MM OFFSET .I READ THAT THEY HAVE 5.54 BACK SPACING
    I HAD TO PUT 1.25 BOLT SPACERS. 
    I RUN A 215/55/16ZR ON FRONT
    225/55/16ZR ON BACK AND THEY FIT GOOD NO SCRUB.

    I AM WANTING TO GET RID OF ALL SPACERS 
    STAY WITH SAME TIRES 
    SO WHICH SIZE WHEELS DO I NEED WITH WHAT BACK SPACING?
    WAS THINKING 16X7 FRONT AND 16X8 REAR  (THOUGHT I MAY COULD GET WIDER ON REAR)BUT DONT KNOW WHAT PROPER BACK SPACING WOULD BE.
     

    Its really me....I fixed my caps lock .
     

    9/05/2020 5:42 PM  #10

    BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA
    Carrollton, GA Bash Host

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    From: CARROLLTON GEORGIA
    Registered: 4/14/2013
    Posts: 2,431

    Re: Wheel sizes

    I HAVE DECIDED TO GO WITH 16X7 WITH 4.25 BACK SPACE AND EVENTALLY RUN SAME SIZE TIRE  ALL AROUND . CURRENTLY HAE 215/55/16 ON FRONT AN 225/55/16 REAR WONDERING WHAT WILL FIT FRONT AND REAR....I KNOW THE 215 WILL BUT MAY SEE IF THE 225 WILL ITS A LITTLE MORE TIRE.

    BUT NOW I CANT FIND A SOURCE FOR A 16X7 WITH 4.25 BACK SPACE ….LEANING TOWARDS THE TORQUE THRUST AND THE BULLET OR BULLIT WHEELS BUT HAVE NOT SEEN ANY IN THOSE SIXES...I DO NOT WANT THE POLISHED ONES THOUGH.

    Its really me....I fixed my caps lock .
     

     

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