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wider tires on the rear...
- Thread starter ebgb
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Iron Weasel
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You can add some 1" wheel spacers and it'll move the entire rim out 1" from the axle.
Ideally, however, you'd want a wider rim with the same or less backspacing as the existing rim.
Negative backspacing moves the mounting pad of the rim closer to the inside of the rim whereas positive backspacing moves the mounting pad closer to the outside of the rim.
For example, this wheel has a backspacing of 4.01" which means that from the rear of the mounting pad to the inside flange of the wheel is 4.01". On another example, this wheel has a backspacing of 3.34". So the second wheel has the mounting pad 0.67" closer to the inside flange. Both wheels are 15x8, so the distance between the inboard and outboard bead seat is 8", but the second example would stick out further by just under 3/4" of an inch because it has less backspacing which results in greater inside clearance.
To measure backspacing, take the rim and lay a straight edge (ruler, cardboard, etc.) across the rim and then measure from the bottom edge to the mounting pad. It's easier and more accurate is you do it with a bare rim, but if you have something that will fit across the rim without touching the tire, you can do it with the tire on as well.
Here's what measuring backspacing looks like:
Ideally, however, you'd want a wider rim with the same or less backspacing as the existing rim.
Negative backspacing moves the mounting pad of the rim closer to the inside of the rim whereas positive backspacing moves the mounting pad closer to the outside of the rim.
For example, this wheel has a backspacing of 4.01" which means that from the rear of the mounting pad to the inside flange of the wheel is 4.01". On another example, this wheel has a backspacing of 3.34". So the second wheel has the mounting pad 0.67" closer to the inside flange. Both wheels are 15x8, so the distance between the inboard and outboard bead seat is 8", but the second example would stick out further by just under 3/4" of an inch because it has less backspacing which results in greater inside clearance.
To measure backspacing, take the rim and lay a straight edge (ruler, cardboard, etc.) across the rim and then measure from the bottom edge to the mounting pad. It's easier and more accurate is you do it with a bare rim, but if you have something that will fit across the rim without touching the tire, you can do it with the tire on as well.
Here's what measuring backspacing looks like:
ebgb
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Iron Weasel,
I appreciate the input. I understand that big spacers can create an issue with the wheel bearings being more stressed that they should be. I don't care for that option!
Now, the idea of wider wheels is what I think would be the proper solution. Since I have Mustang "Bullit" wheels, I not sure of a bigger rim is an option either. Probably just need to leave well enough alone. The wheels already required a 1/8' spacer and I had to longer lugs...that was a bit of a pain.Thanks though!!!
I appreciate the input. I understand that big spacers can create an issue with the wheel bearings being more stressed that they should be. I don't care for that option!
Now, the idea of wider wheels is what I think would be the proper solution. Since I have Mustang "Bullit" wheels, I not sure of a bigger rim is an option either. Probably just need to leave well enough alone. The wheels already required a 1/8' spacer and I had to longer lugs...that was a bit of a pain.Thanks though!!!
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