Tire - Backspace Question

[David]

Hello fellow MC enthusiasts. I've read some of the prior posts on the topic but still left with a question for my specific set up....For a 1970 MC with a 454 with stock suspension...

What's the widest tire you can run in rear with without modification, stock suspension with a 15X8 4.5" Backspace Rally Rim? 245/60/15 or 255/60/15 or?

And what's the widest tire you can run in the front without modification, stock suspension with a 15X8 4" BS Rally Rim?

Many thanks!

[cny first gen 71]

Should be able to run 255/60/15 all the way around if you want possibly 275/60/15 on rear

[David]

Many, thanks cny first gen 71...just curious if you or anyone else for that matter have used the those rim sizes (4" BS & 4.5" BS) & 255/60/15 tire sizes and no rubbing or alterations needed? Thanks again!

[cny first gen 71]

I have aftermarket rims on rear of  mine 8 inch 5 inch bs 255/60 15  no problem 

[GRAY 70 Monte Carlo]

I am also running 255 no problems could have went even wider 

[Leghome]

I am running 255/50 ZR17 NT 555 Nitto's on my 72 with 8" Ridler 675 wheel that has 4" BS. If I pull into my drieway a little to fast I get a slight rub in the front if I turn to sharply but since the new aluminum heads last year I have not noticed that hapening

[David]

Thanks fellow members, looks like two of are you running the 5" BS and one running the 4" BS....anyone running the 4.5" BS and how wide of a tire are using in the back and front? 255/60/15 with 4.5 BS? Thanks!

[GRAY 70 Monte Carlo]

255/60 R15 rear 225/70 R15 front but I did use 2 inch drop spindles in the front

[David]

Grey 70 Monte Carlo - Many thanks! If your using 255/60/15 with 4.5 BS and no modifications then I think I will do the same in the rear...

I assume the drop spindles would limit the tire width you could use in the front so you went with 225 instead of 245 or 255?

[Whons]

I just put new American Racing wheels on my 71 Monte. The rear wheels are 15 x 8 with 4.5 backspacing and my rear tires are 275/60/15. No clearance issues. Now I have a question about painting the rear drums either black or red. any input would be appreciated.

[DragCat]

I think red would take away from the blue. my .02 

[David]

Thanks Whons. Thanks for the feedback. Do you have stock rear suspension or lifted/raised? What size tires/rims are you using in the front?

I would go with black drums....

[cny first gen 71]

1 hour ago, Whons said:

I just put new American Racing wheels on my 71 Monte. The rear wheels are 15 x 8 with 4.5 backspacing and my rear tires are 275/60/15. No clearance issues. Now I have a question about painting the rear drums either black or red. any input would be appreciated.

Black for sure, red would stand out to much in my opinion. 

[Whons]

Thanks for all the input. I'll go with black drums.

[Chris shipley]

16 hours ago, cny first gen 71 said:

I have aftermarket rims on rear of  mine 8 inch 5 inch bs 255/60 15  no problem 

I have the same no problems!!!

[David]

Good evening, anyone running the 15X8 4.5" backspace size rims on the front and what's the widest tire you can go with? 235/245/255/60/15? Thanks!

[Scott S.]

Depending on your suspension, some member have gotten up to the 255/60's on the front. 

[David]

Many thanks Scott S. Appreciate the reply. I have stock suspension so will play it safe and go with 245/60/15 tires with the 15X8 rims with 4.5" backspacing front and back.