********************** READ THROUGH TILL THE END FOR FINAL OUTCOME ****************************
I did a lot of research on just how big and wide I could go on my 73. Searching here and Moparts I really didnt find a lot of 3rd gen info. So I had to measure for myself a whole bunch of times. Finally decided to go with 15x10, 5 1/2" backspace with 295/50 tires on the rear. 15x8, 4 1/2 backspace 245/60 on the front. No one I found had this combo on a 3rd gen. I just put them on the car, man are they close, but no rubbing. I have less than 1/4" clearence tire to the spring in the rear. Less than 1/4" clearance wheel to upper control arm in the front.
Pics from under the car.
Pics from under the rear
Pics from behind
Front
There is about 5" of spring travel before the rear axle hits the bump stops. I measured about 3" of travel before the fender lip would hit the tire. So I put about 35 psi in the air shocks to get the rear up a bit and give it a little more room. I don't like air shocks but they are coming in handy right now. I want to replace the rear spring bushings anyway. I guess I might as well replace the rear springs now too.
Looks good Paul. A little too close for my comfort but that's just me. Now I have an idea what my 3rd gen would look like if I went that route. Thanks for the pics. Any problem with suspension hitting tires when turning sharply?
I went to an empty parking lot this morning and did some tight left and right turns with no rubbing I could hear. We are going out tonight in the Charger, I will find out if there are any problems.
Loosk great but that rear clearance disturbs me. :-\
Your Charger looks great!It's a little to close for comfort for me.Thanks for the pics! :icon_smile_cool:
I am taking a good look at the inner sidewalls tomorrow to see if they have been in contact with the springs. My plan is to get 1/4" spacer plates to bring the tire out away from the spring if I have to. So far it looks like I wont have to.
One more thing is the car rides and handles tons better than it did before. Handles more like a sports car. Tonight we went out with some friends who have Mustangs and Corvettes. The Charger was hanging with them better than it ever has before. I can hit the gas off the line much harder now than I ever could without spinning the tires. Used to be that the other guys could launch from a stand still like rockets and I would just sit and spin. Traction is tons better with the 295's. I used to be able to scratch second gear easily. Not any more. I can still get the 295's spinning just not easily as the 245's. Better traction was the whole reason for doing this.
We pulled through the local hang out after we left the restaurant. I cant tell you how many people were checking out the Charger. Made me feel great.
:icon_smile_big:
Well bad news....... the rear tires are rubbing on the springs. I went and got a set of 5/16" spacer plates. It moved the wheels out a bit which I am not happy about. Pics of the clearance between the tire and the spring now.
How the wheels look from the side. I wanted the tire completely inside the fender well. That wont be the case now. I put some masking tape around the springs to see if the tire has any more contact with it. I am contemplating clearancing the springs where the tire contacted them. We do this kind of thing at work on mill machinery all the time. Removing metal to make things fit. I am leary of removing any material from the spring. I wonder if it would weaken it or not really make that much difference if I take an 1/8" from the side of it?
thats close, but looks mean
I'd be a lot more comfortable with the spacers if it were me.
You were so close before the spacers all I could think about is what was going to happen when you're buzzin down the freeway at 70 and the spring shreds that inner sidewall of the tire. :o Wouldn't be pretty :'(
The wheels look great. I would relocate the springs before I would grind on them. The two ply side walls tend to flex too much under extreme conditions. Are the brakes getting too hot from the big tires?
Look awesome. Thanks for the pics.
-Robert
To finish this thread off, and to help ppl who use it for reference in future searches, I used 15x10 - 5 1/2" backspace in the rear, 15x8 - 4 1/2" backspace in the front. I ended up using a 5/16" ( just over 1/4") wheel spacer plate in the rear, and a 7/32" ( just under 1/4") wheel spacer plate in the front. I had to extend the lug studs in the rear also. I found that 2003 Jeep Liberty wheel studs were about 1/4" longer than my stock studs. They fit well and gave me a full thread on a stock lug nut. The front lug studs were fine. I had to raise the rear of the car almost an 1" to get good clearance from the tire to the fender lip since the 295's are so wide.
If you didn't want to use spacer plates use a 15x10 with 5" backspace on the rear and a 15x8 with 4" backspace on the front and they will bolt right up although you will have to raise the rear a little more. By going the route I went you will keep another 1/4" of the wheel/tire inside the fender well. That is the maximum that will fit without rubbing, and you wont have to raise the rear quite as much.
Overall I am happy with how it looks. The traction improvement from the 295's was well worth the effort.
I wouldn`t be cutting / clearancing the leaf springs , probably create a stress crack & have the spring fail which would kill the 1/4 panel , moving the springs inward is an option though
If you do it right and move the springs in like they should be you could have even a wider tire yet!.
If I move the springs can I keep the stabilizer bar?
Just a question... have you noticed that on passenger front side wheel assembly is around 1" deeper down the fender than the driver side wheel ?
Quote from: Nacho-RT74 on May 29, 2006, 11:12:58 AM
Just a question... have you noticed that on passenger front side wheel assembly is around 1" deeper down the fender than the driver side wheel ?
I went and double checked. They are both about the same distance from the wheel lip to the tire. Both front tires are inset from the fender about 1 1/2". is that what you are referring to?
yes that is what I was reffering...was just a question... on my car and also on a buddy's mine car ( 73 Charger ), passenger side wheel is around 1" deeper down the fender than dirver side. In fact, if you measure from carb center screw ( the one that holds the air purificator ) to both fenders, you'll find also engine is offside to driver side 1"inch or so. The complete K member assembly is offsided on that way.
In fact if you complete turns to right the steering, passenger side tire get closer to Frame rails than turning to left and driver side tire with frame rail.
That is what I noticed on our cars. I wanted to compare.
Also noticed that passenger side frame rail is more angled/bended than driver side frame rail, unles is an optical ilusion to me ???
I took a better measurement of the front wheels. My passenger side is inset 1/4" more than the driver side. That is not unusual. 1 1/2" seems like an excessive amount. I would make sure your K-frame is mounted securely. Good bushings etc.
did you compared between center of carb ( purificator bolt )and both fenders ?...
My car has been never crashed and isolators/bushings are the stock ones never replaced. I have found my buddy's Charger the same
oh my 71 small block the engine is about an inch towards the passenger side, figured this out when my air cleaner didnt fit and i slammed the hood :icon_smile_angry: now i have a nice big dent an inch to the left of the center of my hood when your looking at my car from the front.
if you look real close you realize that the axle tubes are slightly different lengths, and the trans tunnel itself is slightly off. at least on my car it is.
I'm running 255/60-15s on 7" rims on the front of my '71 with no rubbing.
It does look really good Paul :icon_smile_cool:. Thanks for the information as it helps in picking rims. :icon_smile_wink:
I am looking at rear 17x9.5 with a 5 inch backspace and 17 x 7 with a 4 inch backspace in an Ebody.
I was reading about wheel and tire combo's here in another link. Someone referred to this link and so after reading it all the way through, I found it very interesting.
When I first bought my car, it was wearing a new set of 15x10 inch rallies on back with new 295/50-15" BFG's. They hung out too much past the rear fenders for my taste. The fronts were 15x7's, 235/60-15's. Too small/low profile for me. I called Stockton wheels and ordered a new set of 15x8 Rallies for the rear (took 5 weeks for delivery, they said they forgot about my order....nice :brickwall:) Anyway, and put 275/60-15 BFG's on them and they filled up the wheel well just right I think and look plenty wide from the back. They hook up great too.
On the front, I went with 255/60-15's BFG's. Again, no problems with clearance and a nice footprint. The handling's nice too. I'm thinking, that's about as much tire as you can go with, without having to use spacers and or modifying the springs. Of course, I'm only talking about 15" wheels. Don't know about other sizes.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e27/RRAG/DSC_0085.jpg)
68rt4me, what is the backspace on your wheels? The size of tire you have on the front is what I'll be using all around.
Quote from: red72chrgr on September 19, 2007, 07:57:24 PM
68rt4me, what is the backspace on your wheels? The size of tire you have on the front is what I'll be using all around.
The fronts are 4.25 in back space and the rears are 4.50 in.. No rub, no clearence issues.
68RT4ME, have you got any other shots of your car and it's stance -- in particular from the back?
Quote from: plum500 on September 20, 2007, 12:21:49 PM
68RT4ME, have you got any other shots of your car and it's stance -- in particular from the back?
http://71superbee.com/Andy_Guevarez/
Try this link, hope it works. Please ignore the dented rear valance...lol I have another one with the cutout's I'm having painted to switch it out with...
Andy
Thanks for the reply 68RT4ME.
Hi PaulG,
I have a '72 charger that I am about to put new rear tires on and I was referred to your posts for info. Very helpful indeed. I have one question. Are your rear springs stock? I am trying to decide if I want to raise the rear end at all and it would help if I knew how your rear ride height compared to stock. Any info would be soo helpful.
Thanks!!
tdaver,
The rear springs are still stock. They are sagging, thats the reason the air shocks are still on there. I have the rear up just a little over stock. I put a set of offset shackles on the springs to get a little more room between the tire and spring rearward of the axle. I also took a grinder (clearanced) to the side of the springs to gain a little more clearance in foreword of the axle. Since the springs were worn out anyway I wasnt worried too much about ruining them.
You will have to raise the rear end to keep the fender lip from rubbing on the tire if you want 10" wide wheels on it, no way around that. Some people want the lowered stance, tire inside the fender look. I like the old school, jacked up in the rear look myself.
Hear is what it looks like now
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/88l98vette/73%20Charger/July%2007%20backyard/IMG_0016.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/88l98vette/73%20Charger/July%2007%20backyard/IMG_0034.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/88l98vette/73%20Charger/July%2007%20backyard/IMG_0033.jpg)
Hey PaulG,
Thanks for the info. I too like to old-school look. I am probably going to replace the rear springs with ones that are about 1" above stock and stick at least 295's on. You info and great pictures are the look I am going for. Thanks very much!
tdaver
Quote from: Paul G on April 26, 2008, 08:15:30 AM
tdaver,
The rear springs are still stock. They are sagging, thats the reason the air shocks are still on there. I have the rear up just a little over stock. I put a set of offset shackles on the springs to get a little more room between the tire and spring rearward of the axle. I also took a grinder (clearanced) to the side of the springs to gain a little more clearance in foreword of the axle. Since the springs were worn out anyway I wasnt worried too much about ruining them.
You will have to raise the rear end to keep the fender lip from rubbing on the tire if you want 10" wide wheels on it, no way around that. Some people want the lowered stance, tire inside the fender look. I like the old school, jacked up in the rear look myself.
Hear is what it looks like now
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/88l98vette/73%20Charger/July%2007%20backyard/IMG_0016.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/88l98vette/73%20Charger/July%2007%20backyard/IMG_0034.jpg)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/88l98vette/73%20Charger/July%2007%20backyard/IMG_0033.jpg)
What a beauty! :2thumbs:
Very, You have to be proud driving that beauty thru town.
Grass is nice and green too ;)
I just ordered new 275/60s and 255/60s from Tirerack.com. They wouldn't ship them until they called and talked to me. I assured them they were replacing the same size tires already on the car. The guy still didn't seem too crazy about the idea. I think he thinks I'll be sending them back when they don't fit. Even tirerack has trouble thinking outside manufacturers standard sizing sometimes.
Hi folks,
I just put BF Goodrich Radial TA's, size 245/60-15s on 15x8 TorqThrust II rims with 4" backspacing on the front of my '72 charger. They fit great and look great. No issues. I have 15x10" rims on back with 5" backspacing. I am using MT 315/60R15 ET Street Radial tires and they are darn close to the leaf springs, about 0.25". Originally, I ordered MT 295/65R15 tires which would have fit fine without spacers, but they were backordered until September! Not too good for this race season! I am going to add a 0.313" Gorilla spacer to the tires I have. This should get all surfaces at least 0.5" from the leaf springs. I will let you know how it goes.
Quote from: tdaver on June 04, 2008, 09:41:57 AM
Hi folks,
I just put BF Goodrich Radial TA's, size 245/60-15s on 15x8 TorqThrust II rims with 4" backspacing on the front of my '72 charger. They fit great and look great. No issues. I have 15x10" rims on back with 5" backspacing. I am using MT 315/60R15 ET Street Radial tires and they are darn close to the leaf springs, about 0.25". Originally, I ordered MT 295/65R15 tires which would have fit fine without spacers, but they were backordered until September! Not too good for this race season! I am going to add a 0.313" Gorilla spacer to the tires I have. This should get all surfaces at least 0.5" from the leaf springs. I will let you know how it goes.
Pay close attention to how many threads you have showing on the lug have after you use the spacer plate. I was not comfortable with it when I put the spacer plates on. I found longer lugs that were made for a Jeep Liberty. They were just a little longer than my stock lugs which gave me at least a full nut of threads. Dorman 610-174 was the part number.
:confused: :confused: :confused:
Hey Paul,
Thanks for the advice. I have found that Gorilla and Cragar make lug nuts with a shank below the conical section that extends 0.3" into the rim to compensate for the spacer. Summit carries both. It should give me the full lug nut worth of threads. If these don't work, I will check out the Jeep nuts. They will be here tomorrow!
Todd
Quote from: 68RT4ME on September 19, 2007, 10:49:54 AM
I was reading about wheel and tire combo's here in another link. Someone referred to this link and so after reading it all the way through, I found it very interesting.
When I first bought my car, it was wearing a new set of 15x10 inch rallies on back with new 295/50-15" BFG's. They hung out too much past the rear fenders for my taste. The fronts were 15x7's, 235/60-15's. Too small/low profile for me. I called Stockton wheels and ordered a new set of 15x8 Rallies for the rear (took 5 weeks for delivery, they said they forgot about my order....nice :brickwall:) Anyway, and put 275/60-15 BFG's on them and they filled up the wheel well just right I think and look plenty wide from the back. They hook up great too.
On the front, I went with 255/60-15's BFG's. Again, no problems with clearance and a nice footprint. The handling's nice too. I'm thinking, that's about as much tire as you can go with, without having to use spacers and or modifying the springs. Of course, I'm only talking about 15" wheels. Don't know about other sizes.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e27/RRAG/DSC_0085.jpg)
G'day Andy,
did you say your rear wheels are 15 x 8 inch ?
What size trim ring do you have on it ? Is it for a 15 x 7 and if so how does it look.....does it sit OK ?
From what i've heard if i get 15 x 8's for my Bee they only make the trim rings in 15 x 7.
Peter
I have a pretty weird combo.....I think my tires were close out bargain bin tires....
Quote from: BMOTOXSTAR on June 04, 2008, 09:47:16 PM
I have a pretty weird combo.....I think my tires were close out bargain bin tires....
you have cop wheels man
Coppers.... :icon_smile_tongue:
Quote from: dodge freak on May 27, 2006, 11:21:47 PM
If you do it right and move the springs in like they should be you could have even a wider tire yet!.
what do you mean 'where they should be'?
im going with 16x8 torque thrust on my 73 amarican racing rims web sight said they would fit but im goin with a lower profile tire so i guess it = about the same
hmmm...some of those pics from the rears suggest no room for error or any "unforeseen circumstances" you kno...it just kinda freaks me out...i think i'll get a bit lower profile tires...maybe an inch smaller rims in width...i dunno...we'll see what my suspension warrants...just scares me how close it is to the rear leaves...but if your saying you got no issues then thats pretty sick man...thanks for the inspiration... :2thumbs:
This is just what i have been looking for... I have searched high and low and now this. You have taken the work out so now I can just order what i need and then post some pics thanks to you guys.
how about 15x10 5in back space ? 3rd gen stock HDsuspension would like cheeter slicks for saturday night any recomendations?
Quote from: badass on January 29, 2009, 11:04:54 AM
how about 15x10 5in back space ? 3rd gen stock HDsuspension would like cheeter slicks for saturday night any recomendations?
5" backspace would put the tire too close to the wheel lip. It would most likely rub the fender. 5 1/4" would be the best choice if it is offered in the wheel you are choosing, even then it depends on how well your axle is centered under the car.
So does anyone know how much extra clearance the shackle relocation kits give? Looking at the kit, it should add at least another inch clearance to the spring; my guess is the inner wheel well actually becomes the limit. Either way, my thought is that with the spring relo kit I'm looking at probably 6" to 6.5" being the limit on back spacing. Can anyone who has a spring relocation kit confirm that I'm on the right track? I'm using a dana that I converted myself, but I built it exactly to stock specs, and I'll be sure it's dead center. Since it's not a common wheel size, I'm guessing the option to return isn't going to be available :P
What I'm thinking is probably my best shot is a 17x10, 6" backspace, with 285/40 zr17 - That puts the diameter right at 26 (I have a speedo gear for that), and a section width of 11.22" ... For comparison, the 315/60r15 referenced earlier in the thread has a section width of 12.4", so I'm actually almost a half inch narrower by going with the larger diameter rim and slightly narrower tread width. (sizing based on: http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp )
Does this all sound like I'm on the right track?
Defiance,
The shackle kit only moves the rear portion of the spring inward. To do it right the spring perches on the axle need to be moved inward, then the problem is moving the front spring mount inward. On the 73 I did not see any way to easily move the front spring mount in. The wheel house is plenty big enough, the spring is the limiting factor.
Maybe we're talking about different kits? I got this one a while back from doctor diff - it includes an offset bracket for each side of the front and offset hangars for the back. See the pics below to see what I mean. They both measure just a bit over an inch apart from factory stuff. For the axle, I converted a dana, so I've just waited to attach the axle spring perches until the springs are moved and I've measured it :)
So I take it nobody else has doctordiff's spring relocation kit? I guess that makes sense; Looking at his new site, spring reloc kit for the 3rd gen b-bodies doesn't appear to be available anymore. Shame, it really looks like a high-quality piece... I just looked up an old version of doctordiff's site on the internet archive, and it looks like it was only available for 71/72 chargers - maybe the 73 has a slightly different front perch? I hope the spacing on the wheels/tires isn't different as well! :P
Looking at it, though, it's definitely just over an inch shift inward on both sides (about 1-1/8" on the back, front's hard to tell exactly but definitely just a bit over an inch). Just to be sure, the rear end on the car now (same width exactly as the new one; I used it as a template when I cut the rear down) has 8" wheels, 3-1/2" backspacing, 235/60 r15 tires. It measures almost exactly 2" space between the 'fattest' part of the tire and the spring right now. The 285/40 r17 tires I'm looking at are exactly 2" wider section width (9.25 vs 11.22), so 5-1/2" backspacing would definitely rub the spring in it's current location. If I move the spring over 1-1/8", then back the backspacing up 3/4", that should leave 3/8" clearance between tire and spring. Well, plus the fact that the 17" tire with shorter sidewall should have slightly less bulge, so probably more than that, but worst case scenario is 3/8" clearance... and the tire will actually end up tucked more than it is stock. Hm.... Based on that, I could actually go for 10.5", which are really common for mustang cobras. Those have 6.75" backspacing instead of the 6.25" I think I need...
Is a 1/2" spacer too much?
(trying to find some way to get maximum tire without having to custom-order wheels :D)
Quote from: defiance on February 02, 2009, 10:10:41 AM
So I take it nobody else has doctordiff's spring relocation kit?
I use it on my Cuda. Allowed me to use a slightly shorter rear end and have the rims fit better
Ok, sat out in the garage for a couple hours this afternoon with a tape measure, straight edge, level, notepad & pen, and spec sheet on the rear end. I'm REALLY confident in these measurements at this point :)
Fender-to-fender width on the 72 (and 71 I'd feel safe to assume) is 74-1/2". The tires that are on my car right now round out to 74-1/2" bulge-to-bulge, and still clear the fenders by at least 3/4" at any point with the suspension as it is factory. If the ride is lowered or taller tires are used, more clearance would be needed, but I think that's a safe outer limit for normal tire heights. Having said that, I know the 73-74 models have slightly different fender shape, so I dunno if they're more, less, or similar.
The specs show the leaf springs centered at 48.3 inches, and they're 2.5 inches wide, so the outer edges should be 49.55 inches apart. This measured dead on.
Stock rear end width is shown at 63" from rim mounting surface to mounting surface. Again, this measured dead on.
One thing I found on mine is that the stock perches are not well centered. This confused the crap out of me because the first thing I measured was the inner tire to spring clearance, and it was almost dead equal... but I kept doing math base on the assumption that the back spacing I measured (on one side) was the same on both sides, and it kept coming out wrong. Turns out someone bought one wheel with 1/2" more backspace than the other to get them equal in the wheel wells :) Not a biggie on mine since I'll be putting my own perches on the new rear, but it's worth mentioning.
So with all that said, there's room for 311 millimeters of tire if you put it against the spring and fender! :P Obviously not the optimal solution, but anyway, with 3/4" spring clearance you could probably fit 285mm wide tires (can you get those?), you'd just need almost exactly the right backspacing, you'd need your rear to be nicely centered (or compensate like the prior owner did with my car :P ) and you'd need it on a narrow enough rim that there's nearly no tire bulge (or a 275 with 10mm or so of bulge, so on & so forth). If I'm doing my math right, perfectly centered for stock would be .25"-.5" (6-13mm) offset (4.25"-4.5" backspacing for an 8" wheel).
Then according to my old emails on the doctordiff spring relocation (which may still be available for 3rd gen b-bodies), it adds 1-1/8" extra spring clearance. That fits with my measurements of the kit. That translates to nearly 30mm of extra tire room and a new offset of 1-3/8" - 1-5/8" (35-42mm). So now 315's aren't going to be an easy fit, but they're in the realm of the possible with just the right offset. 1-3/8" - 1-5/8" offset on a 10" wheel is 6-3/8" - 6-5/8" backspacing, or 6-5/8" - 6-7/8" on a 10.5" wheel. Meaning, it might actually need even less than a 1/2" spacer (or maybe even be ok without a spacer at all) to make the cobra 10.5" wheels work.
So, at this point I plan to order a set of torq-thrust M 10.5 cobra wheels for the back (black with polished lip), 8's for the front, 315-35 ZR 17 tires for the rear, and 235/50 zr 17 tires for the front.
I'll let you know how it goes :D
Just ordered my wheels and tires, should be here around Monday or so :)
Quick summary of what I'm trying. first, the measurements I've got from the rear:
63" stock hub mounting surface
74.5" confirmed safe tire outer limit (outside edge of current tires, which clear fender fine)
47.3" spring perch center-to-center
49.8" spring outer edge to outer edge
limiting widths: 49.8 - 63 - 74.5
tire space: (0 - 6.6 - 12.35)
45.05" spring perch center-to-center (with relocation kit)
47.55" spring outer edge to outer edge (with relocation kit)
limiting widths: 47.55 - 63 - 74.5 (with relocation kit)
tire space: (0 - 7.725 - 13.475) (with relocation kit)
So for the rear, the wheels I've gotten are 17"x10.5" black torq thrust M wheels -
http://www.streetortrack.com/Torq-Thrust-M-Black-with-Shelby-cap-17x10.5-pr-22584.html
and 315/35/ZR17 tires - http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+Z&partnum=135ZR7HTRZ&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=3
The wheels are +28mm offset and the tires have a section width of 12.6" on an 11" rim (so probably 12.4" on a 10.5" rim). That puts the actual *tire* backspacing at 7.3", which is WAY too much for stock spring location, and even too much for the relocated kits (0.2 - 0.325" clearance from spring to tire). However, the front space is only 5.1" (5.75" is available, based on current tires), so adding a 1/2" spacer puts us at .7-.835" tire-spring clearance and still .15" more fender clearance than right now.
Theoretically :)
I'll get it all put together and get pics ASAP :D
Anyway, for the front I'm not doing anything complicated, just taking the original post suggestion and adding a 1/4" spacer for a bit of breathing room. Since I'm a couple inches larger in diameter I may not need the spacer anyway, and side-to-side fluctuation of the rim shouldn't be nearly as much of a concern as it is for the tires, but I ordered the spacers anyway just in case. Wheels are the same as above, but 8" width with 0mm offset - http://www.streetortrack.com/Torq-Thrust-M-Black-with-Shelby-cap-17x8-pr-22578.html
and tires are the same type, but 245/45zr17 - http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+Z&partnum=445WR7HTRZ&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=0
Can't wait 'til Monday!!! :D
BTW ---
Doctordiff does still show the reloc kits on his site - www.doctordiff.com - you just have to go to the "for sale" page instead of the products page. "DoctorDiff '71-'74 B-body 1 1/4″ offset spring hanger/shackle kit for standard springs $185"
So...how did it all work out??? :popcrn:
Worked great - :D
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,21376.msg644505.html#msg644505
Time warping back I might have been a bit more demanding on the fronts (little bit wider would be nice), but no biggie - and maybe a little more sidewall. But I'm still quite happy with it :)
Thanks to the OP and others in this thread, I special ordered 15x10 rears with 5.25 backspace, and 15x8 fronts with 4.25 backspace for my '72. The fronts seem to fit fine, but the back was another story. I went with 295/50's & its like the rearend is offset toward the passenger side or something. Drivers side has about 2" clearance to the lip of the fender, but the passenger is ON the lip. Help!!!
Quote from: ultanium on July 20, 2010, 09:16:55 PM
Thanks to the OP and others in this thread, I special ordered 15x10 rears with 5.25 backspace, and 15x8 fronts with 4.25 backspace for my '72. The fronts seem to fit fine, but the back was another story. I went with 295/50's & its like the rearend is offset toward the passenger side or something. Drivers side has about 2" clearance to the lip of the fender, but the passenger is ON the lip. Help!!!
do you have a spring relo kit on there?
No sir, bone stock. I did order some high lift springs today, and I have been told that lots of Mopars have misaligned rears. Question is, how does a person align it? Did they weld the perches in the wrong place?
Quote from: ultanium on July 21, 2010, 08:52:38 PM
No sir, bone stock. I did order some high lift springs today, and I have been told that lots of Mopars have misaligned rears. Question is, how does a person align it? Did they weld the perches in the wrong place?
May i suggest a spring relo kit...it'll move the springs in 3" per side giving you more clearance... :2thumbs:
http://www.jimsautoparts.com/mopar_performance_steering_and_suspension.htm (http://www.jimsautoparts.com/mopar_performance_steering_and_suspension.htm)
Thanks Eric, but my issue is fender lip clearance & only on the passenger side. Paul was right on the money with offset and size, but my rear isn't right. Even if I relocate the springs, I will still have an offset axle & have to order 2 more wheels with deeper backspace. :-(
Quote from: ultanium on July 22, 2010, 11:59:50 PM
Thanks Eric, but my issue is fender lip clearance & only on the passenger side. Paul was right on the money with offset and size, but my rear isn't right. Even if I relocate the springs, I will still have an offset axle & have to order 2 more wheels with deeper backspace. :-(
ah i see...well 2in seems fixable...can you loosen the u bolts and do some wiggling? :shruggy:
I can tell you with 100% certinty that a 15x10 (4.5 B/S) will not work with with ANY tire combo. The tire place I went to promised they would. We 1st tried 275x60R15's, that didn't work. The he said for sure the ones below would work 255x60R15's...nope still stuck out and rubed on bumps (plus looked wierd) so settled on 15x8's (4 inch backspace) and went back to the 275's. They fit but it's by a chipmunk hair! I think it's a winner (3rd photo)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0805.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0803.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0811.jpg)
AK that looks incredible!! thats exactly what i want mine to look like...is that stock suspension?
Yup, I did replace the rear spring so it's sitting up perhaps a bit higher than many. My set up is 22570R15's on the front on 15x7's and 275R15's on the back on 8's. I really really wanted to go 10's but only way I could see to do that is have at least a 6 inch off set.
Thanks for the kind words...sorry to hijack the thread definace
Quote from: AKcharger on July 25, 2010, 02:14:08 PM
Yup, I did replace the rear spring so it's sitting up perhaps a bit higher than many. My set up is 22570R15's on the front on 17x7's and 275R15's on the back on 8's. I really really wanted to go 10's but only way I could see to do that is have at least a 6 inch off set.
Thanks for the kind words...sorry to hijack the thread definace
17x7's??
EDIT: o i see the tire sizes now...you must have just typed it wrong...its all good :2thumbs:
DOAH!
Quote from: AKcharger on July 25, 2010, 02:14:08 PM
Yup, I did replace the rear spring so it's sitting up perhaps a bit higher than many. My set up is 22570R15's on the front on 17x7's and 275R15's on the back on 8's. I really really wanted to go 10's but only way I could see to do that is have at least a 6 inch off set.
Thanks for the kind words...sorry to hijack the thread definace
lol - I'm only involved because I hijacked it anyway, so fair play and all :)
Hi,
Im going for the stock car look on my 73 Ralyee car,, low and wide. Im looking at 15" Cragars 15x10 on the front and rear. I can get 15" Cragars 4 1/2 backspacing at a pretty good real from Summit. I realy like the 50's you used. Opinions please?
Quote from: 68RT4ME on September 19, 2007, 10:49:54 AM
I was reading about wheel and tire combo's here in another link. Someone referred to this link and so after reading it all the way through, I found it very interesting.
When I first bought my car, it was wearing a new set of 15x10 inch rallies on back with new 295/50-15" BFG's. They hung out too much past the rear fenders for my taste. The fronts were 15x7's, 235/60-15's. Too small/low profile for me. I called Stockton wheels and ordered a new set of 15x8 Rallies for the rear (took 5 weeks for delivery, they said they forgot about my order....nice :brickwall:) Anyway, and put 275/60-15 BFG's on them and they filled up the wheel well just right I think and look plenty wide from the back. They hook up great too.
On the front, I went with 255/60-15's BFG's. Again, no problems with clearance and a nice footprint. The handling's nice too. I'm thinking, that's about as much tire as you can go with, without having to use spacers and or modifying the springs. Of course, I'm only talking about 15" wheels. Don't know about other sizes.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e27/RRAG/DSC_0085.jpg)
Your car is sitting just he way I like. So you dont think 10" 4 1/2 backspacing wheels will work? I wanted them all around :)
Quote from: AKcharger on July 24, 2010, 10:36:57 PM
I can tell you with 100% certinty that a 15x10 (4.5 B/S) will not work with with ANY tire combo. The tire place I went to promised they would. We 1st tried 275x60R15's, that didn't work. The he said for sure the ones below would work 255x60R15's...nope still stuck out and rubed on bumps (plus looked wierd) so settled on 15x8's (4 inch backspace) and went back to the 275's. They fit but it's by a chipmunk hair! I think it's a winner (3rd photo)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0805.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0803.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0811.jpg)
So your saying that 10" wheels just wont work if you want the car low and wide? I want the top of my tires right at the wheel lip on the rear.
On the rears,
To use 10" wheels you will need 5 1/2" backspace to clear the fender but, the tire might still rub the spring. Then you will need longer studs and a spacer, or move the spring inboard which is not easy on a 73 or 74.
On the front,
4 1/4 backspace is needed to clear the upper control arms with a 15" wheel. I don't think a 10" wheel will have a chance of fitting inside the fender. An 8" wheel with a 255/60 is close.
The 15x8 Cragars are 4.25 backspace, I have those on my Charger with a 275 tire and they fit and look good. I don't know if you would want to put those 15x10's on the front, they have such a deep offset they may look funny on there. You can order custom backspaced Cragars through Summit racing for about 50 extra dollars. I recently went to 10 Cragars, which have the same 4.25 offset. I used the Mopar performance .800 spring relocation kit with the offset shackles and hangers. I also had the rear axle housing cut down the same amount. The 10 in. Cragars fit inside the wheel well. I'm short on funds right now so I put the 275 on the 10 in. rim. I lost an inch in height on the tire but it got really wide on that 10 in. rim!!! When I cough up some more money, I think I can fit a 29/12.5/15 Hoosier on there.
Quote from: Moparbob on April 10, 2011, 08:22:55 AM
Hi,
Im going for the stock car look on my 73 Ralyee car,, low and wide. Im looking at 15" Cragars 15x10 on the front and rear. I can get 15" Cragars 4 1/2 backspacing at a pretty good real from Summit. I realy like the 50's you used. Opinions please?
Sounds like it will be tough to get these to fit on the back with 4.25 back space. most 10 fitements will require 5" or more of backsace, then you have inner fenders and frame rails to consider. I have never seen a 10" wheel fit on the front of any mopar without major body surgery tha twill alter the look from stock.
Would these wheels work fellers? Its a good deal
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CRR-61815/
I agree with the 5 1/4" BS. I have 17x9 Magnums on my car with a 5" BS right now. I have a 275/50R 17 M&H Drag Radial mounted on them. Like most are finding, I have about a 1/4 - 3/8" more spring clearence on the P/S then the Drivers side. Here are a couple photos.
The tape is 7/8" thick. It is snug on the D/S so I am guessing it has about 13/16" space as it sits right now.
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo6.jpg)
The P/S has a 7/8" tape width + about 1/4 - 3/8"
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo8.jpg)
For awhile I was thinking about trying to fit a 305/45R18 into the well, but now that the 275/50R17 are on, I really like the stance. The 275/50R17 is a 27.8" tire which gives me 2" space to the top of the fender lip. A 305/45R18 is an inch taller. Not only will it be closer to the lip, I don't think it will fit inside? A 295/45R17 will probably just go with the perfect offset rim.
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo1.jpg)
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo7.jpg)
Would really love to fit a 295/45R17 in the well. They are a 27.2" tire, so only about 1/2" lower than the 275/50R17. Depending on tire bulge on a 295/45R17 on a 17x9.5 rim, I am guessing it would be an extra 1/4" bulge from a 275/50R17 on a 9", so that would take me to a 1/2 - 9/16" space left between the rim & spring on a 5" back space.
From the face of the tire that is on the car now, I am 2" to the outside of the fender lip, so a 9.5" rim with 5" BS takes me to 1.5" to the outside of the fender lip. Considering an extra 1/4" of bulge on the tire takes me to 1 1/4 - 1" from the outside of the lip. Technically still in the well, but barely.
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo5.jpg)
From the measuring I have done I too am finding the 275 is easy to fit in the back of a 71-74 Charger, But a 295 wide tire is a challenge. What do you guys think?
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo4-1.jpg)
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/1971%20SuperBee/00071971PlumCrazySuperbee.jpg)
Quote from: Wookie316 on October 31, 2012, 10:22:16 PM
I agree with the 5 1/4" BS. I have 17x9 Magnums on my car with a 5" BS right now. I have a 275/50R 17 M&H Drag Radial mounted on them. Like most are finding, I have about a 1/4 - 3/8" more spring clearence on the P/S then the Drivers side. Here are a couple photos.
The tape is 7/8" thick. It is snug on the D/S so I am guessing it has about 13/16" space as it sits right now.
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo6.jpg)
The P/S has a 7/8" tape width + about 1/4 - 3/8"
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo8.jpg)
For awhile I was thinking about trying to fit a 305/45R18 into the well, but now that the 275/50R17 are on, I really like the stance. The 275/50R17 is a 27.8" tire which gives me 2" space to the top of the fender lip. A 305/45R18 is an inch taller. Not only will it be closer to the lip, I don't think it will fit inside? A 295/45R17 will probably just go with the perfect offset rim.
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo1.jpg)
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo7.jpg)
Would really love to fit a 295/45R17 in the well. They are a 27.2" tire, so only about 1/2" lower than the 275/50R17. Depending on tire bulge on a 295/45R17 on a 17x9.5 rim, I am guessing it would be an extra 1/4" bulge from a 275/50R17 on a 9", so that would take me to a 1/2 - 9/16" space left between the rim & spring on a 5" back space.
From the face of the tire that is on the car now, I am 2" to the outside of the fender lip, so a 9.5" rim with 5" BS takes me to 1.5" to the outside of the fender lip. Considering an extra 1/4" of bulge on the tire takes me to 1 1/4 - 1" from the outside of the lip. Technically still in the well, but barely.
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo5.jpg)
From the measuring I have done I too am finding the 275 is easy to fit in the back of a 71-74 Charger, But a 295 wide tire is a challenge. What do you guys think?
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/photo4-1.jpg)
(http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss108/jhowdle/1971%20SuperBee/00071971PlumCrazySuperbee.jpg)
Are the wheels from YearOne? Very nice.
Yes they are. Very impressed with them. Just wish they were a 1/2" wider!
Where did you get the center caps?
They came from Year One as well.
Friend of mine bought 1973 Charger this summer. Now he is looking new rims and tires. He was planing to use 17" rims.
Front: 17" 8" wide, what would be best tire size and what is correct backspacing? He was planing to use 235 or 245 front tires.
Rear: 17" 9" or 9.5" wide, what would be best tire size and what is correct backspacing? He was planing to use 275 or 285 rear tires.
Could anyone tell us correct backspacing for those rims, thanks. And all other info is also welcome what we need to take care before we order the rims and wheels.
And thank you for great topic! =)
My 17" Year one Rally wheels are 17x8 in the front with a 4 1/2 B/S I do believe? I am using a 255/50r17 Nitto 555 on those rims.
The rear are 17x9 with a 5" BS. I am running a 295/45r17 Mickey Thompson. Hope these help.
- See more at: http://s566.photobucket.com/user/jhowdle/media/1971%20SuperBee/0924_zpse0dd5367.jpg.html?sort=6&o=23#sthash.NkPCR4uo.dpuf
Quote from: Wookie316 on June 11, 2013, 02:32:03 PM
My 17" Year one Rally wheels are 17x8 in the front with a 4 1/2 B/S I do believe? I am using a 255/50r17 Nitto 555 on those rims.
The rear are 17x9 with a 5" BS. I am running a 295/45r17 Mickey Thompson. Hope these help.
Thanks, this sure helps a lot!
Have you measured how much there is room in rear fender? How close the tire is the rear leaf springs?
And does the front wheels touch anything if you turn max to right or left?
If you have a change it would be great to have some close up photos rear wheels?
Thank you once again and that is one great looking Super Bee! =)
Quote from: Moparbob on April 10, 2011, 09:11:30 AM
Quote from: AKcharger on July 24, 2010, 10:36:57 PM
I can tell you with 100% certinty that a 15x10 (4.5 B/S) will not work with with ANY tire combo. The tire place I went to promised they would. We 1st tried 275x60R15's, that didn't work. The he said for sure the ones below would work 255x60R15's...nope still stuck out and rubed on bumps (plus looked wierd) so settled on 15x8's (4 inch backspace) and went back to the 275's. They fit but it's by a chipmunk hair! I think it's a winner (3rd photo)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0805.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0803.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0811.jpg)
So your saying that 10" wheels just wont work if you want the car low and wide? I want the top of my tires right at the wheel lip on the rear.
Sorry for the delay. The 10 inch WILL fit but if you put people in the back or stuff in the trunk the wheel lip is going to rub on and tear up the sidewall of the tire. And I have new leaf springs, so if you have old spring it may rub empty at the slightest bump
I have at least 3/4" on the outside to the fender lip and 7/8" to the spring. If you click the link in my post above it will take you to my album which should have photos you are looking for. Good luck.
AKcharger, I love your 72 Rallye. Have you ever thought about 71 stripes on it ?
Quote from: ACUDANUT on June 15, 2013, 08:52:22 AM
AKcharger, I love your 72 Rallye. Have you ever thought about 71 stripes on it ?
Thanks for the kind words Sir. '71 stripes, LOL...good Idea!
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p201/AKcharger_photos/72%20Charger/IMG_0076.jpg) (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/AKcharger_photos/media/72%20Charger/IMG_0076.jpg.html)
:cheers:
Fronts:
Mickey Thompson Sportsman 28x7.5-15
Rears:
Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro 29x12.5-15LT
MP spring relocation kit.
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn319/jpl20/IMG_2944b_zps58e10ad0.jpg) (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/jpl20/media/IMG_2944b_zps58e10ad0.jpg.html)
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn319/jpl20/IMG_2948b_zps6a7d145d.jpg) (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/jpl20/media/IMG_2948b_zps6a7d145d.jpg.html)
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn319/jpl20/rear-1.jpg) (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/jpl20/media/rear-1.jpg.html)
What if rears were switched to a 275/50. Wouldn't clearance be better? I want as wide as I can safely but still tucked in fenders so air shocks aren't necessary
So what's the final verdict on the absolute widest tire/wheel combo we can run on 3rd Gen Chargers?
The final verdict is dictated about how you want the stance look of your car &/or the use. If is just to get it ride by you without passengers on bench or trunk filled, just to get fun and get it to shows, you can get wider and higher, but as soon you use your car more less as a regular car the bigger will compromise the tires, suspension parts and body itself.
Aside this, the body height determined by the rear springs stance will get you on some more limits. t bars are adjustable, BUT also modifies the front spring rate allong with rear height too, getting you a bigger or smaller gap between tire and wheel opening, not just in front.
Numbers are there, so now you can match your application.
It is just allmost imposible to get a FINAL A DEFINITELLY veredict, but just some options between these numbers posted.
I'm running a 295 50 15 & I believe 4" backspace on the rear and air shocks at max. I want to get away from the air shocks and get the best shocks (coil overs or height adjustable?) that will maintain the rake and not allow it to come on the tires. Thinking about just going to a 275 60 16 and going with a wheel with 4.5 or 5" backspacing. Not many options out there.
Quote from: 73chgrSE on September 25, 2019, 12:49:12 PM
I'm running a 295 50 15 & I believe 4" backspace on the rear and air shocks at max. I want to get away from the air shocks and get the best shocks (coil overs or height adjustable?) that will maintain the rake and not allow it to come on the tires. Thinking about just going to a 275 60 16 and going with a wheel with 4.5 or 5" backspacing. Not many options out there.
I love the stance. Does not look like a Grandma car. :cheers: