I left it up to him to get the correct back spacing for my 69, well I was trying t figure out my tire size, so I call him and ask about the back spacing, he tells me he got 17x8 with 3.5 back spacing for the front and 17x9 with 4.5 back spacing for the rear....is this wrong?? sure sounds like it to me, and if this is correct what tires would be the best bet for this car, its owered on all four corners (Hotchkis TVS system) has Baer Brakes all the way around.....Thanks in advance
Dominick

yep! i'm running 15" 235's in a 15" rim w/ 4" of back spacing. I also have the 2" drop hotchkis springs. the front will rub on a slow turn and a good bump.

More backspacing seems to be required to eliminate any rubs in the front (17" w/o lowering). Your ok in the rear w/ 4.5"

I would say both are incorrect. The fronts obviously should be in the 4.75 to 5" b.s. for a 17X8". The rears should be at least 5" b.s. for a 17X9 and 5.5" for a 17X9.5" wheel.

Jody

Jody,
What do you suggest for tires if I were to go with the set-up you mentioned?

If I may...

235-45 or 245-45-17's up front
255-45 or 275-40-17's out back

The 245-45's and 275-40's give you matched sidewall height and max width. You'll want everything suspension wise dialed in to avoid rubbing issues and it looks the best IMO. I needed subframe bushings when I went 17's and ended up with 235-45's up front as the 245's rubbed. Now that I replaced the bushings I think I could fit the 245's...

DjD is that using 17x9 in the rar or 17x9.5?

9.5's

Thanks Dennis! you da man!

Ok now I know my tire guy has lost it, he brings over the wheels today and they are all 4.75 back spacing..... so the front are going to work...but I'm not sure about the rear....

If it's a 9" rear wheel instead of a 9.5", it should have had 5" to 5.25" (at most) b.s. That 1/4" will probably mean you'll have to trim the inner lip a little to avoid cutting the tire, but it ought to work. Without cutting or rolling the lip it will probably rub on bumps, as 5.5" of b.s. on a 1/2" wider wheel (9.5") fits fine without rubbing, but another 1/4" out would rub on a big bump. It's that close.

Jody

Hey Jody,
What size tire would you recomend if I decide to keep these wheels?? I know about the front, but if I go with the 17x9 with 4.75 BS...what would be your suggestion on tires?

Well, I run the 275/40's. I guess the 255's would help some but if it were me here's my order of things:

1. Get the correct 5" to 5.5" b.s. offset so you can run the 275/40's.

2. Use these with the 275's and trim the inner lip as needed.

3. Go to a smaller 255/40. I'd probably regret this later though. Should clear, but still may have "issues".

Jody

Hey Jody,
and everybody else, thanks for the help...I just ordered my TT2's with the proper back spacing.....so I have a real nice set of 17 in Craiger SS's for sale, bwahahaha