Wheels-Tires '66 17x8 Rubbing

[Gellpak]

It's been some time since I put the new wheels on the car (see past threads) and in that time I haven't been able to drive her much because of significant rubbing on both the front and occasionally rear (over a bump, or with weight in the back, etc).

I put 17x8" 4.75 bs (I believe) on both front and rear per earlier threads and DodgeStang's chart, but for whatever reason my fitment is worse than most.

Relevant modifications:
- Shelby drop
- 13" cobra disks
- 17x8" 4.75 backspacing
- 235/45/17 front
- 245/45/17 rear

I've had the frame examined and everything is straight (more than expected in fact, for the age of the car).

So, what are my options? I'd be happy enough at this point to change out the wheels/tires, but I believe I'm stuck with the 17" diameter because of the brakes. The body shop is of the opinion that I need to flare the fenders to provide clearance. Any other tricks?

I'd prefer to undo the Shelby Drop simply for aesthetic reasons, though from what I recall it affords greater space for the wheels.

I'd also happily lift the rear by a half inch or inch if necessary (and possibly anyway for aesthetic reasons).

My first inclination for the front is to do what's suggested in this thread and go down to a 7" wide wheel with 205/50s, but that's gonna require a special-order rim purchase. What can I try before I go that route?

 

[Noobz347]

Larger isolators?

 

[Fstbk]

When you say "Cobra brakes" did that change the front track width from stock?

 

[coolblue65]

I have 17x8s with 235/45 front and rear, and experience no issues in the rear, my rear fender lips are rolled though, that being said there is a lot of space where I could easily put a something wider back there.

In the front, I do occasionally get some rubbing on very tight turns that include an incline (i.e. up a driveway) but no rubbing in normal driving situations, i have the shelby drop, lowering springs, and run a decent amount of negative camber.

Do you have yours dropped significantly? stock rear-end?

 

[Fstbk]

I put 17x8" 4.75 bs (I believe) ....

Can you check,it's kind of a big deal...

 

[iskwezm]

aslo put a picture up. The ride height will make a big difference. I have ZERO rubbing on the front, but i also have a shorter tire and 17X7.

 

[Gellpak]

Can you check,it's kind of a big deal...

Verified, here's an older thread about it: http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-for...t-really-do-this-justice.790784/#post-7967358

 

[Gellpak]

aslo put a picture up. The ride height will make a big difference. I have ZERO rubbing on the front, but i also have a shorter tire and 17X7.

I'm on the road so I may be able to get better photos tonight, but in the mean time here are two from my phone:

 

[coolblue65]

FYI- based on the pictures it looks like you have Coys C-5 wheels, and if that is correct they only come in 4" or 4.5" backspacing.... so that would explain some things. Yours look real deep in the pics too, so i wouldn't be surprised if they are the 4" bs.

 

[Gellpak]

FYI- based on the pictures it looks like you have Coys C-5 wheels, and if that is correct they only come in 4" or 4.5" backspacing.... so that would explain some things. Yours look real deep in the pics too, so i wouldn't be surprised if they are the 4" bs.

They're MB Wheels Old School. Can't find the receipt but I was sure about my sizing. I suppose it's worth measuring again to make sure, I'll see about that.

 

[dodgestang]

It looks good. I would start simple....did you get it aligned and what specs did they use? Incorrect alignment specs are often the underlying issue in poor fitment when you are trying to maxomize the rubber.

You should have -.5 to -1 camber. They will say "but it will wear the inside of the tire quicker" and you can say "but I can corner faster/better and turn without rubbing my fenders"

 

[hipo_p51]

You guys with your 17 inch wheels make me laugh! Whats under the hood? do you need those brakes? I believe iskwezm has a reason for 17's, it looks like his ride needs that extra patch of rubber .
Good luck however.

 

[dodgestang]

You guys with your 17 inch wheels make me laugh! Whats under the hood? do you need those brakes? I believe iskwezm has a reason for 17's, it looks like his ride needs that extra patch of rubber .
Good luck however.

410 cleveland with 400 RWHP in the 65
351 windsor with 400 FWHP in the 68

So uhhhh yeah....I need the bigger brakes and as wide as tire as I can get.

Also I don't think I have ever heard 1 person once complain "man I'm so glad I didn't have those bigger brakes"...in fact....I've heard the opposite

 

[Bryan83taco]

My 17x8's rub on full lock going forward and about halfway to lock when in reverse. Not sure why. I would really like to fix this because getting in and out of parking lots is real bich sometimes.