Hey, so I recently converted my rear brakes to disc as you can see in the images. I thought i was done till i put the old wheels back on and realized the wheel now hits the caliper. I have another set of 90's mustang wheels that are a little deeper and some what work but now they touch the leaf spring but are clear of the caliper. Any ideas on how to make it fit properly? Id assume i need to get different wheels with an off set? Id like to be able to use the mustang tires as they are practically new. Also attached a picture of the size of the tire. Thanks
Those look like the same conversion kit that I have from Right Stuff? Set up is from 78 Caddie, regards to your old wheels, what size where they? I have Magnum 500 15 x 7 rims with 4.25" backspacing and had to smooth out the welds on backside of rim, also slightly bevelled sharp edge of caliper for more clearance. With the rotors supplied, actually pushes out the wheel approx. 1/8" giving you alittle more clearance, I also used a 1/8" spacer for little more clearance, would not suggest going more than 1/8" spacer, but you are looking for backspacing 4.25" for this set up. Posted a picture of where I bevelled the caliper, look for the filed clean area, just to the right and below the top caliper bolt. Those 17" are not a problem for caliper clearance, just that they have way too much backspacing and probably would require at least 1/4 to 1/2" spacer, plus you would need longer wheel studs. Again, look for rims with the correct backspacing of 4 to 4.25" for your rear disc conversion set up. Those tires should not be a problem with fitment, just that you have to look for correct rim/backspacing. David
When you tried the Stang wheels, did you also try them on the front of thee car ? If not, then you need to do that too before going farther with this. I'm not a fan of spacers either, nor late model larger diameter wheels on older cars. I would choose a set of wheels that fit instead of using spacers. Lots of choices out there for 17" retro styled wheels (that fit your car without spacers) if you want to use those 17" tires
Thanks for the replies guys. I plan to use the same size tires in the rear for the front as thats the set I have. I dont mind purchasing wheels with proper back spacing to make them fit. I wanted new wheels anyways. Just wanted to be able to use the tires since they are practically new. I havent tried them on the front just yet. Just by looking at it, looks like ill a clearance issue as well but with that backspacing the front shouldnt be a problem either. I will look around for wheels that meet those specs. If you guys have any recommendations on websites and such that i could shop for them please let me know!
Thank you so much, huge help. Especially with the picture. I tried to file it down and use my older wheel. It did help with the clearance but still too close for me to feel comfortable with. I dont mind buying new wheels as that was my plan anyways. I just wanted to at least be able to use the tires i have as they just about new and were given to me! Since you still used a spacer as well as filing down the caliper with 4.25" backspacing. Would you recommend I try and find something with more backspacing as to avoid the spacing and filing?
If you are going to use those 17" wheels, then using 17" rims you should not have any clearance issues with Right Stuff calipers/rotors. Just find 17 x 7" rims with 4.25" backspacing and all should be good with those tires you have for the rear anyways. I had no choice but to file calipers and smooth out the welds on my 15 x 7 Magnums for the conversion kit to work. Even though Right Stuff mentions that 15" rims or larger must be used to clear those 11.25" rotors, I think they should also mention that using 15" rims may still require some tweaking..........what size where your "older" wheels? I'm not sure about your front fitment though, several other members have posted on another thread, link for that is posted below.......good luck! http://mmb.maverick.to/threads/245-on-the-fronts.103740/
Perfect, just one last question. (i dont know too much about tires/wheels etc) I did an online conversion of my tire size and its 9.65" wide. Even if i order 17x7" thatll still be ok?
that will be fine, 45 series have more of a flatter look than say the old 60 series, which bulges out like drag racing tire, so your 245/45/17x7 with 4.25" backspacing will fit nicely in the rear! http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.do this is the tire conversion that I used. I have 255/50/15 on my 15x7 with 4.25" backspacing, it has 10.04 width, this size was closet to the 25.1" diameter that I needed to retain my current speedo drive gear/tooth count with my 3.70 gears.
