Wheels and tires • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **The Toy Peddler** » 12 Mar 2010 14:20

O.K., I've decided to toss those crazy looking American Racing Rims and go with some torque thrusts and maybe some Goodyears or retro redline tires. I would like some input.
I am not going to be drag racing this thing (not much anyways). What would be the best size tire/rim combination to go with? Backspacing? I want it to look good but also put some rubber to the ground on the rears when needed. Remember, this thing will be putting out 500+ HP.
As always, your help is appreciated.
Paul

by **dave-r** » 12 Mar 2010 16:34

Have a browse through the various posts in this section to see what other people are using. But bare in mind what widths and offsets are availible on the wheels you want as some makes don't have many options on backspace.

If it helps the stock 15 inch wheels on these cars were 7 inches wide with a 4.5 inch backspace.

Nothing beats getting under there with a tape measure though. :wink:

Be aware that the axle will probably not be exactly centered under the car. So measure both sides for clearence.

by **steveb** » 17 Mar 2010 22:07

Bought my first Challenger (72) a few months ago and also want to change wheels.
Running on Centrelines with 275/60/15 at the rear but they rub the arches.
It's fitted with air shocks but I want to lower it to standard height rather than raise it so I'm trying to find out what maximum width 15" wheel/tyre/offset will fit without rubbing.
Cheers

by **dave-r** » 18 Mar 2010 9:18

steveb wrote:Running on Centrelines with 275/60/15 at the rear but they rub the arches.

You may just need a bit more backspace. What is the current backspace on those wheels?

Generally a 8-inch wide wheel with around 4.5" backspace will work. But I really cannot stress enough the importance of getting under there with a tape measure and measuring how your existing wheel fits and seeing how a change in width and backspace will work for you.

The back half of the leaf spring is the main limiting factor on wheel size. You don't want less than an inch between the sidewall and the spring if you can help it.

Which is why I use 7/8" offset hangers so I can get 10" wide wheels and 295 tires in there with room to spare.

by **steveb** » 18 Mar 2010 13:16

Thanks for that Dave. Not sure what the backspace is at present but will take your advice and start crawling around!

by **dave-r** » 18 Mar 2010 13:18

I bet you have less than 4" of backspace on the wheel which is why it is rubbing. :wink:

by **steveb** » 26 Mar 2010 19:07

Dave Got the tape measure out today.The guy who rebuilt the car is adamant the wheels are 8.5" but I can't see how they can be. Tyres are still on wheels and no indication on outer surfaces what size they are.
Measurements are:-
backspace 5" (mounting face to outer extremity of flange)
distance from tyrewall to spring 3/4" ( tyres are 275/60/15)
overall width of wheel (flange to flange) 11"
I reckon they might be 9 - 10" wheels - what do you think?
In which case, new 8" wheels wth 4.5" backspace should fit ok as you have suggested
.

by **dave-r** » 26 Mar 2010 22:38

Probably 10 inch wheels. Hence your problem. :wink:

by **The Toy Peddler** » 14 Apr 2010 0:48

What is the maximum rim/tire size on the rears for a 70 Chally? Can you go to 15x10, or 16x10?
Paul

by **dave-r** » 14 Apr 2010 7:50

You would struggle to fit 10x15s on a stock Challenger.

by **Jimiboy** » 14 Apr 2010 21:29

dave-r wrote:
Which is why I use 7/8" offset hangers so I can get 10" wide wheels and 295 tires in there with room to spare.

Dave? don't know if i have asked this before, but is it necessary to weld when use them shackles of yours?

by **dave-r** » 15 Apr 2010 7:55

Jimiboy wrote:
dave-r wrote:
Which is why I use 7/8" offset hangers so I can get 10" wide wheels and 295 tires in there with room to spare.

Dave? don't know if i have asked this before, but is it necessary to weld when use them shackles of yours?

Yes is the short answer.

Long answer is;

You have to re-locate the spring perches on the axle and that requires setting the correct pinion angle and welding the perches in place.

The offset rear shackles are just bolt on.

The offset front spring mount requires a small modification to the A-body version to work. Which again requires a little welding.

The offset version of the E-body mount is designed for Super Stock springs which are shorter. So the mount id too long for a stock spring.

Hell if it was THAT easy everyone would be doing it. :lol:

by **Jimiboy** » 19 Apr 2010 20:14

Thought so.. Thanks for the information :thumbsup: