Posted by TParker on January 11, 1999 at 14:05:55:
In Reply to: Backspacing posted by N8 on January 11, 1999 at 01:24:39:
Most wheel manufactures know the backspacing required for your car when you order the wheels. Thats why they ask what kind of car it's going on. If you want to special order a specific back spaceing for your car you need to know your maximum amount of clearance you have for wheels and tires. To do this you'll need a carpenters square, which has rulers on both legs and is 90degrees, this allows you to find your clearance depths in inches. First put the longer leg on the break drum (without the wheel and tire) with the shorter leg pointing towards the car. make the length of the long leg the same as the radius of the wheel you want to put on (14"=7", 15"=7.5", 16"=8", 17"=8.5") from the center of the hub. Now rotate the hub until the short leg touches something then take down that measurement, the point that is the least distance is your maximum wheel clearence. Now extend the long leg out to the radius of your tire (235 60R 15= 26" dia.= 13"radius) and measure the tire clearance the shortest distance here is your maximum tire clearance. Now the shortest distance between wheel and tire clearences is the most back spacing you can have for your car, But to be safe it is recomended that you subtract 1/2" to 1" off for added clearance and side wall deflection. ANY Questions?????
: OK so what is a good way to determine backspacing?
: : This question has been asked before and the answer is still the same. And since I need practice typing, I'll answer it again: The B E S T way to accomplish this is to install new 4-leaf heavy duty springs and all new bushings. The more level the car sits, the better it will handle. Your tires should fit under the wheel wells and not stick out beyond the sheetmetal. You can fit a pretty wide tire on the back of a Maverick AS LONG AS you use wheels with the proper backspacing. A 255/60-15 for example should work. Aluminum wheels are best because they are light-weight and never rust. Check out A.R.E., Progressive, Prime, Centerline, etc.......
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: : : I now own a 1976 Ford Maverick which I rescued at a local junkyard that sells cars as well - the reason is becasue my father had told me so much about them an how much easier they were to fix than any other car he has owned - also wanted to own something that is different and looks great and can be customed to my taste
: : : Well I have a couple of questions
: : : 1 ) I want to raise the rear end up to put on thicker and wider tires
: : : what is the best way - air shocks and leaf spring raisers ( hope you know what I mean ) or one and not the other -
: : : 2 ) What are the best types of tires for this - and what are the best rims -
: : : Any and all info welcome
: : : Thank goodness there is such a web site like this becasue I really want to make this car a real beauty so I'll probably be coming back asking many a question
: : : Thanks
: : : Sandman