[Vince in Philly]

What is the preferred backspacing for a 15 x7 wheel on a 65-66 mustang? Dodgestang's wheel chart shows that either 3.75" or 4.25" will work under the right circumstances. If you had a choice, which one would you want to get? Also, will a 235/60R15 work on either of these without rolling the fender? Looks like it might be close.

Thanks,
Vince

 

[donovanjamesl]

You should be good all the way around with the 4.25" backspacing. My setup is as follows:

- Edelbrock 409 rims(both are 15X8 w/4.5" backspacing)
- BF Goodrich T/A Radials (front - 215/50/15; rear - 235/60/15)
- 1/4" wheel spacers in front to clear the upper control arm

When I bought the car I it was running 15X7 Weld Draglites (think there are some pictures on my site of that too). They had 4.5" backspacing, but also had the 1/4" spacers in the front to basically give me 4.25" backspacing.

I think the 235's may be too much for the fronts. I think most people go with 215's or 225's to avoid clearance issues. I had to take off about 1/4" of metal on the inside tip of the passenger fender to be able to do a full turn w/ no rub (and that is with the 215's). It was pretty easy w/ a die grinder and completely unnoticable.

The 235's should be fine on back, and you might be able to fit 245's if you want. With the Weld's my car had 265's but they rubbed on the fender some (and cut the tires a little). That is why I switched to the 235's.

 

[Philksr]

My 15" x 7" TTOs have 3 3/4" back spacing and they are a little tight on a 65. With a 1" Shelby drop and 1" lower coil springs, I had to go with 205/60 15s on the front and 225/60 15s on the rear to keep rubbing to a minimum. I think 4 1/4" back spacing would be about perfect with 15" x 7" wheels.

 

[2bav8]

I would prefer 4.25" backspacing.

 

[dodgestang]

4.25" backspacing fits the most tire on the car in a 15x7 and I think you would want to stick with a 225 in the front unless you have rolled lips, shelby drop and an aggressive alignment

 

[mrkadra66]

I've got 4 1/8" backspacing with 225/60/15s all the way around. The rear has great clearance, but the front is tight at the front bottom edge of the fender and inside at the upper control arm. Next size will be 215/60/15s just to help a bit.

 

[Mustangfeverrr]

I've got a very conservative 4 3/8" B.S. and 205/60-15s on the '66, and - of course - rubbing is a complete non-issue:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/665000-665999/665320_30.jpg