All, I just picked up a 1974 Maverick 8" to rear the 8" in my 65. From reading here it will allow me a bit more room for wheels and tires. I plan to drill new mounting holes in spring perches to move rear back 1". Im wondering if I can get a 15x7 steelie with 235 60R15 BFG drag radial? Id like to fit a 245/50R15 BFG but just dont think they will go from what I have read. Someone tell me its possible Show me what you got and tell me your set up...please
Where it gets close or rubs is on the outside of the wheelhouse. Not sure you want to start modifying that area or not. Also the front dogleg, which won’t allow a too tall a tire. Could always mini tub it, then fit on a 275 60 15 drag radial.
Well, I used to own both a '64 Comet and a '65 Sprint and both have very tight rear wheelhouses. The biggest I could fit under the Comet was a 225/60R15 on a 15x7 wheel with 4.25" backspacing. I would get very occasional light rubbing with this combo however. The Falcon has slightly more room outboard (about .5 inch) but the same inboard. Now I used Falken tires which aren't as 'bulgy' as the equivalent TA, so some very careful measuring will be needed. The drag radial is a bit wider than the standard TA however. The next size up is a 275 in the drag radial, it's 1.5" wider yet, that'll need either tubs or radiused wheel openings. The 'standard' TA widths are 8.85" for the 225, 9.25 for the 235, 9.8 for the 245, and 10.2 for the 255. Diameters vary from 25.6" to 27.1". I'd say that a 225/60 will fit without issues, a 235 may fit, but bigger I'd measure very carefully. That 4.25" backspacing is common, you may have issues trying find a different backspacing off the shelf. I will also say that if running the drag radials as intended, that 8" won't take it. You'll need to step up to either a 9" or a later-model 8.8" or expect breakage. A 8" will live behind a medium hot 289/302 with street tires, more motor and/or more tire will kill it.
The Jalopy Journal
