I am having a time deciding on whether to buy new wheels and tires or the T85 I have been looking for. I am rebuilding the front suspension on my wagon and when I put it back together I am installing Areostar coils and 2'' blocks in the back. My dilemma is the current wheel/tire combo is not going to work after I do this. I have been selling parts to fund this project but only have sold enough to get one or the other. If I get the new wheels and tires I think I can baby the T86 and it should last. But when will a T85 OD pop up again? I would love to hear from you guys on this. I am leaning towords the tires because I will still be able to drive it,although gently. I do have a set of stock 56 Ford wheels on another wagon I have and I could use them but will need to have the hub diameter turned down on my Granada rotors. I am sure the machine cost around here would equal a new set on smoothies.
Judging by my 55 with a modified 292 and 3 speed I would buy the overdrive.I don't know what you are running for a gear,but I am turning 3 grand at 60 with a 4.10.
Instead of having them machined head out to your local Pick-A-Part and get the wheels from a 1984-95 Crown Vic with 15" wheels the center hole will clear disc.
The wheels on it now are too wide and the back spacing is wrong. A previous owner must of just put on what he had. The fronts have 3/4" spacers on them to keep from rubbing on the upper ball joint and the backs were a real pain to get out. Had to unhook the shocks . My T86 is a overdrive also so I don't think rpms will be too bad. Jeff, what is the size and back spacing on the Crown Victoria wheels? I'm not even sure I could find a set around here but it's worth a look. I live in a hot rod/junk yard poor area so to source parts locally is a challenge.
I'm running Granada spindles and using wheels from a 2002 Ford Ranger XL. They aren't the typical steel wheel look we are all use to but aren't too bad painted with spider caps and beauty rings. My plan is to switch to switch to 57 repop Lancer covers once the cars is painted.
I have a set of repop Fiestas so it doesn't matter what's underneath to me. All I care is that the wheels will clear everything after the drop and the 670-15 bias will fit the rim. I can get a new set of 15x5 smoothies for $238 so the junk yard wheels will have to be pretty cheap.
i got crown vic wheels from the s**** yard for i think 12 a piece. I still haven't bought my whitewalls yet, but i did get some sweet 54 ford full covers for them. Can't decide if i want to do those or spidercaps
1980's Chrysler New Yorker 15x7 wheels work perfectly. My bud has a 56 Mainline and has used them on the rear with Radir cheater slicks no problem.
It would be better but the sidewalls will bulge out,a 70 series tire would be better and would ride and handle better.You might want to research bias tires on the main board search there has been a fair amount of negative comment on them from a certain company regarding wear and out of round issues.
I know what you are talking about Jeff. I have read a lot on the main board and really I am no wiser on the subject. For one post bashing the tires there seems to be an equal response praising them. I am a little partial to the bias ply in looks and styling as opposed to radials. As far as drivability I live in a low populated area compared to most people here so the fast paced traffic does not exist. I don't need to keep up with 80 mph traffic at all. If my car ever sees 80 it will be because someone stole it. I called around a few local yards and found some wheels that may work (I hope) . If not I think I may try to get the hub diameter on the discs turned so I can use the 56 wheels. Which leads to another question. Will they clear the calipers?
They are 15 inch. I contacted Dave at drop n stopem and he confirmed that the stock wheels will work if the hubs are turned down. I have struck out on the wheels at all of the local yards. Hopefully I can get the hubs turned down for around $100.
These are what I plan on getting in 710-15. Sorry for the extra stuff in image. I could only get a screen shot.
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