Hi, back with another Fairlane question as I'm shopping wheels & tires for my '63. I'm going to be freshening up the suspension and I'd like to achieve a bit of a "raked" look - I've ordered a set of rear leafs that should give me close to 3" of additional height in the rear. Would like to go with cl***ic AR Torq-Thrusts in 15x8 in the rear and 15x6 up front, and a 245/60 rear and 225 front tire is what I was thinking. In doing some searching it looks like the problem I may run into is with the backspacing in the rear - I don't think those wheels come in any greater than 4" backspacing from what I can find, and I've seen at least one person say that you need 6" with 8" wheels. So just wondering what's been the experience from anyone who's been through it. Another option is to put the Torq-Thrusts in front and painted steelies in the rear for a throwback hot rod type look - might have more options with wheel dimensions if I go that route. I think I'm going to remove the rubber around the leaf spring mounts and fab a panhard bar to hopefully eliminate or minimize lateral movement of the rear axle, thinking that will help avoid any rubbing of sheet metal if its close. When I get to the front I have a shop that can make me custom coils if I want any additional height but may leave as is, either way I'd like to change out the ball joints (may need lower control arms? not sure), tie rods and sway bar.
Unless you're planning on radiusing the rear wheel openings, I think you need to do some very careful measuring before spending any money. Ford was less than generous with wheelhouse space, a 245/60-15 on an 8" wheel is awfully large. I'm thinking a 225/60 on a 7" wide wheel with 4.25" backspacing should fit. If you're running a 6" wide front wheel, I'd drop down to a 205/60.
I’ve run 245/70/15 on a 7” rim with 4” BS on my 64 Fairlane. I seriously doubt you would have the room if you used an 8” wheel that would move the wheel and tire 1” closer to the quarter panel. If I remember correctly, that’s a challenge, the wheel house is roughly 13” wide and the distance between the spring and quarter panel is around 11”. So there is room to work with but you will need to measure and measure again. On my 64 I have been planning on using 275/60/15 on 8” wheel but I had a axle narrowed 1 1/2” on each end. Good luck with your project
Well…. I do in fact have a BFH, several actually. But how my brain works is: I could fab some mini tubs, I could narrow the rear axle or better yet, find an 8.8 with disc brakes and make it the width I want. However. For now I think I’ll just put my springs on, get the stance I’m looking for and put on wheels and tires that will fit now. Likely Torq Thrusts, 15x7 with 225’s in back and 15x6 with 205’s in front. Appreciate the input!
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