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64 rearend/tire size

Wtrfwl havoc

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Ok so here's the question. I am looking for a rear end for my car. Currently has the tapered axle 8 3/4. Engine builder says he thinks the engine will put out 550hp. What is everyone running tire size with comparible hp. Curious how big of a rear tire I can get in the factory wheel well, and if it's possible to get a big enough tire to accommodate the hp in it, If anyone has shortened there axle and made it work, I'm not opposed to widening the wheel wells but would prefer not to. Just curious what you all are running for rearend/tire sizes and any suggestions/help.
 
A 10.5x29.5 slick fits in the stock wheel well with correct backspace. You can use later style axles in the housing you have with Green bearings.
 
I just installed a 63 8 3/4 with new axles. Currently 4.5" backspace and could easily reduce to 4" now with these 275s. I could go to a wider tire if I wanted. The previous 70 rearend I installed was still a bit too wide.

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Wtrfwl, What are your plans for the car ? The stock taper axle can handle anything on the street tires.I know guys to this day that run them on the strip too without any problem with horsepower in the range of your prediction.As fbs63 has stated you can use the housing you have now by up dating the backing plates to the 65- up style along with the proper axles. Dr. Diff can set you up with what you need,one stop shopping. I run Drag Radial 275/60/15,4 1/4'' backspace without any problem on my 65.I am using the 7'' wide steel wheel.It works but 8'' wheel would be better. They are aprox 29-30 inches tall.
My 63 has the stock taper axles and 3.23 gears. It's mostly a street car with street tires. Like Glenwood stated with the taper axles on my 63 the 4 1/4'' back space wheel put the 275 tire(on the passenger side) a bit too close to the leaf spring for my liking. Ma Mopar had a + or - tolerance so not every car was the same. A 4'' backspace wheel would work nicely. I have heard that a 325 tire is just about the limit though I never tried them.
 
Doctor Diff can get you anything you need up to and including a narrowed Strange S60 that will bolt in and provide plenty of tire clearance. All depends on how much money you want to spend and what you're trying to do.
 
Bought replacement axles from Dr Diff to replace the taypered ones from my '62. Had to use '70s backing plates for the newer style, pull off drums. It allowed me to keep the original housing.

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550 hp wont be a problem. correct backspace is a factor. i'll check mine and get back but the size isn't that big, at least for me.
 
Thanks everyone. Thanks super helpful. I love this forum. Great people willing to help out. Im not really looking to do any racing all that much. Maybe the occasional "run what you brung" stoplight drags we have here once a year, or to go out and have some fun occasionally.
 
I swapped to a '68 B body rearend housing. At first I did an 8 3/4 but ended up upgrading to a Dana 60 with same specs. Dr. Diff axles and a spool. Split mono's and Cal-Tracs. Fits a 15x8 with 275 ET street Pro perfectly in the wheelhouse. 4.5" BS. Will hook all the power you can make with a good shock...

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I have a A-body dana 60 in my 64 Sport fury, stock wheelwells but moved leafsprings. I will try to slap a set of 8" steelies on it but they are only 3,5" BS so i wonder if anyone have any experience with tire size on a 3,5" BS 8" rim? Would like to go as big as possible.
 
Because, you have a custom setup, put rim on. and start measuring. when looking up tires, be sure to check to size when inflated.
and you can get exact BS. Good luck!
 
I have a A-body dana 60 in my 64 Sport fury, stock wheelwells but moved leafsprings. I will try to slap a set of 8" steelies on it but they are only 3,5" BS so i wonder if anyone have any experience with tire size on a 3,5" BS 8" rim? Would like to go as big as possible.

Your A body housing is about 5/8" narrower than my 63 B body housing in my 64, so approx 5/16 a side.
I have 4.5" BS and about 1.25" clearance from the hump of the outer wheel well to the outer most part of my 275 60 15s on each 8" rim. That should leave you approx 11/16" per side depending on your perch locations to housing flanges with the same tire for perspective.
This is assuming my new axles extend from the housing the same amount as a stock axle.
 
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