• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Tire and Wheel size question

Kevlisa

Well-Known Member
Local time
8:51 AM
Joined
Dec 6, 2010
Messages
55
Reaction score
54
Location
NJ
I'm looking to put 15 x 7 and 15 x 8.5 inch wheels on a 1970 road runner. I'm considering 235 60 R15 tires for the front and 275 60 R15 tires for the rear. My only question, will those tire sizes fit those wheel sizes? I know they must be pretty close.
 
Easily, you can fit a 295 on the rear of that car easy if you get the backspacing right.
 
A 15 x 8 will handle the 275/60 easily. That's exactly what I run with Magnum 500's.
 
Good to hear. Thanks.
 
Make sure you get 4.5" to 4.75" backspacing. You should check before you order. Assuming the car is stock, the 15 x 8" wheels work great with 4.5" back-space and 275-60-15"s. This is a photo of my '69 with that combo. Buddy had a '70 and they fit the same on his car. If you need help measuring to be sure, shoot me a PM. Good luck and send pics when you're done!
Chicken at Dom's.JPG
 
Thanks. The wheels I'm looking at are 3.5" back spacing which has me a little concerned.
 
Had some 15x8 1/2 with a 3 1/2 backspace 275 15 BFGs on my 68 R/R. Yes they will rub even after touching up the wheel well lips. Be carefull there buddy. Went with some cop wheels 15x8 4 1/2 BS. Plenty of room now.
 
Damn. I knew that 3.5" backspacing would be an issue. Any suggestions? How about 255/70?
 
Be very concerned. As mentioned, they will rub. What wheels are you running? It's worth it to get the correct wheels in order to run a tire combo that looks right. Stance is everything. If you don't have it, you will not be happy.
 
FWIW I have found great wheel tire combo IMO. 315/35/17s on the 5" backspacing 9" rears and 245/45/17s on the 8" fronts. Rallye wheels from Classic Industries and Toyo Proxes radials and Drag radials on the back.
20171111_154441.jpg
20171018_144908.jpg
 
15x10s with 5.5 inch backspace would work as well, but in my car the 295 drag radials rub and I’m going to move the springs onboard and minitub with custom width Dana 60

07A0A271-E86F-48FB-9313-57282734EDF7.jpeg 9C8B3AF3-3AE3-4B41-AAB8-C67DFB094129.jpeg E81D009A-4854-4087-AA90-EF52B9326A4F.jpeg
 
I decided on New Ansen Sprint wheels. 15x7 and 15x8. The 8" rears have 4.5" backspacing. They fit perfect. The front have 3.5" backspacing. Tires are BFG 225/70 and 255/70. I like the look. Real happy with them. Thanks for all the input and suggestions.

IMG_7083.JPG IMG_7086.JPG IMG_7094.JPG
 
Thanks. The wheels I'm looking at are 3.5" back spacing which has me a little concerned.
What brand of wheels? I`m interested in some lite,8 1/2" w/ 3 1/2" back space myself. I have two pairs of weld /15x8" drag/pro stars in new condition, they have 275 65 15 , and 295 x 65 x 15 drag radials on them now.
 
Gentlemen,
On my '70 GTX, I use 275-60-15 BFG radials on factory 15" Rally wheels (15 - 7") with std back spacing. No problems at the rear but very close in the front at full left or right lock.
Bob Renton
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top