Wheel question offset

T

Tombstone

Junior Member
I have a 55 Town Sedan that I've installed Aerostar springs on the front and 4" lowering blocks on the leafs. I want to put 18" or larger wheels on it. I really like the US Mags Rambler wheels but I'm worried about having to go to an 8" width. I know it doesn't make any difference who's wheel I go with but I'd appreciate information on specs for big wheel that will fit. Also, I'm sure I'll have to stick with 26" tire diameter so I don't have problems with steering. All information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
TIRE RACK has a lot of info on their site about wheel retrofits.

GOOGLE the subject and you should find about any info you need, especially wheel offset.
 
On the front watch for sidewall interference on the upper ball joint. Mine is minimal with 15x7 and 3.5” backspace. Mounting 225/60 15 radials T/A’s. Others have said up to 4” backspace will work, which I suspect is related to sidewall bulge. An 18”rim might put the rim at the b/j height making the sidewall bulge moot. The outer tire to the fender lip will also likely be critical, as will the tire making contact at full turning lock.

Using way wider tires and major offset changes can also affect the steering, you’ll need to research that. Toe in/out and the other alignment spec’s may need to be looked at by someone who understands what’s what.

I can’t help on the read end of a pass car, but I managed to get 15x7 4inch backspace with 10” cheater slicks under the back of a 55 bird. That was really tight, but those were wide tires. No skirts. I’ve seen complaints of not being able to remove the rear wheels without dropping a shock loose in some case with larger or wider wheels. Might want to check that too.
 
My 55 sedan had 15x215-70's on the rear. They filled the wheel wells. To remove a wheel / tire, I had to remove the shock nuts and place a small bottle jack between the frame and spring to jack the axle down. I had re-arched rear springs with 2 1/2 blocks.
 
Tombstone said:
I have a 55 Town Sedan that I've installed Aerostar springs on the front and 4" lowering blocks on the leafs. I want to put 18" or larger wheels on it. I really like the US Mags Rambler wheels but I'm worried about having to go to an 8" width. I know it doesn't make any difference who's wheel I go with but I'd appreciate information on specs for big wheel that will fit. Also, I'm sure I'll have to stick with 26" tire diameter so I don't have problems with steering. All information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Anything over a 17" rim on a 50's car is asking for problems with a semi-stock suspension like yours and will look like a cross between a lowrider and a Donk :(
 
JeffB2 said:
Anything over a 17" rim on a 50's car is asking for problems with a semi-stock suspension like yours and will look like a cross between a lowrider and a Donk :(
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AMEN BROTHER!

The new breed likes the big wheels and bologna skins but to me it ruins the appearance of the car.

I had a 64 FORD that I put 15 X 6.5 station wagon steel wheels and a set of J70-15 MT's and I had to let the air out of the tires to remove... :(
 
I saw a new Suburban in a parking lot last week, the wheels were so big it looked like a swamp buggy. Ground clearance must have been near a foot.
 
Geez! C'mon guys. I'm not looking for rubber band tires. I'm 72 years old and I don't like the look of today's tuners either. In researching tires and dimensions, a 17" wheel Looks pretty good and that's probably what I'll go with. I was just curious as to what my perimeters would be. There doesn't seem to be a lot of wiggle room on theses cars.
 
I think you can make 17 look good. 18's I don't know, I did 17's. It's your car.
I would be more concerned that you are using a 4" lowering block. It would be much safer and ride better if you were to have the springs re-arched. Been there done that.
 
I don’t have a problem with tuner cars, my DD is one. I don’t think you can get much over the 27.5” tire height without steering interference at the front. I don’t know about the back, but there’s not a lot of room there either. My main concern is the wide width and large offset change in the front. You’re moving the contact patch center (there’s a word for this, just can’t remember) far outboard of the suspension design. I’ve had everything from bump steer to strange steering reactions on wheel lockup from that. The other thing to watch up front is some disc brake kits move the wheel out 1/8” or so. If that’s done, no big deal, but if you’re thinking about it leave some room.

I know from experience that some 16x6 explorer and Crown Vic wheels work ok, or aftermarket in the same dimensions. I don’t have a problem on my bird, but it’s got a modified from end (upper ball joint relocated), and the steering linkage redone to eliminate almost all bumpsteer. It’s also got stops, so full steering lock is restricted.

In the rear there’s some lateral displacement when cornering, more so if you’re using the big tire to go faster.

They make a jig to measure this, but for one car you can do it with scrap lumber and coat hanger wire.
 
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