17 X 9 Rims For Fox Body

[Fishhawk]

The title about says it all. I have an 85 GT and want to mount 17 X 9 rims with 235/45 17 tires in the front and 275/40 17 in the back. I've been told I have to swap out the spindles for 87 and up versions. This would also mean that I would have to replace rotors and struts. I would like to avoid this because I just did the brakes late last summer (rotors also have longer hardend studs) and put on a new set of Koni struts. I am confused by this knowing that the 87 to 91 LX's came with the same 10 hole rims that the 85/86 GT's did. Since those rims cleared the later model spindles and also came with 11" rotors why can't I keep my stock set up?
Thanks in advance for any advise or opinions.

 

[dcurtis]

Hate to butt in on you fishhawk, but could you tell me what size and backspace those draglites are front and rear, and the tire size also, just wondering because thats just how I want my 91 to sit? Your car looks great by the way.

 

[Mustank]

Your car has the same bolt pattern and backspacing as the 87-93's. This is the first time I've ever heard of this. There is a very limited number of aftermarket wheels for our bolt pattern, though - which is why a lot of people swap to 5 lug - which can be done in a number of ways. There are 17x9 wheels to fit your car the way it is now, but like I said - there's not a wide selection.


look here for starters: http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/products/m17wheel.aspx

 

[Fishhawk]

Your car has the same bolt pattern and backspacing as the 87-93's. This is the first time I've ever heard of this. There is a very limited number of aftermarket wheels for our bolt pattern, though - which is why a lot of people swap to 5 lug - which can be done in a number of ways. There are 17x9 wheels to fit your car the way it is now, but like I said - there's not a wide selection.


look here for starters: http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/products/m17wheel.aspx

I was thinking about these rims.
http://www.americanmuscle.com/chrome-4-lug-shelby-2007-gt500-wheel-17x9.html

 

[Fishhawk]

Hate to butt in on you fishhawk, but could you tell me what size and backspace those draglites are front and rear, and the tire size also, just wondering because thats just how I want my 91 to sit? Your car looks great by the way.

The Drag Lites I run for the track are 15X8 rears with 5.5" backspacing. The tires are 275/50/15. I have to use 1/4" wheel spacers to keep the inside of the tires from rubbing the inner fender wells. Fronts are 15X3.5 with no backspacing that I remember. The front tires are Kumho's that are standard fit for the old VW Beetles. I also forget the size. I could look tonight or this weekend if you'd like. I keep them in a storage bin outside of town so I can't just run out and look.

 

[Fishhawk]

Bump