Rim backspace for 1967 Barracuda

Guys,
I have a few questions on rim backspace for my 67 Barracuda. Car has
stock drum brakes, stock 7 1/4 rear, and stock 4 inch bolt pattern all the way around.

(1) what is the "maximum" backspace that I can have for rims on the
FRONT of the Cuda (I had heard 3.25") without clearance problems,
i.e. rubbing, brakes, etc ???

(2) what is the "maximum" backspace that I can have for rims on the
REAR of the Cuda (I had heard 4.25") without clearance problems and
without relocating the rear leaf springs ???

(3) I plan to add bolt-on 1 inch spacers (to change to 4.5 inch bolt
pattern). Can I then add one inch to the maximum backspace for both
the FRONT and REAR rims (for example 4.25" max on FRONT and
5.25" max on REAR) ??

(4) I'm looking at ARE 17 X & inch rims with the max backspace I can
have and 225/45/R17 tires (25" height; 8.3" tread width; 8.9" cross
section) all the way around. Does anyone see any clearance or fit
problems with this setup?? (I would like to lower the car an inch or
two if possible)

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks for all the help I get from this website. I haven't had the Barracuda long and I'm still getting up to speed on all the technicals.

Thanks,
GLJPLC

I have a 68 and all should be the same as yours and I measured for wheels and came up with 3-1/2 max for the front and 4-1/4 inch max for the rears. Sorry but that's about all the help I can be.

I have a 67 Barracuda also and am looking for the spacers to change the small bolt pattern to 4.5. Can you tell me where to get the spacers? I would like to put a set of the old Keystone Customag Classics on it if I can find them. Any help you have is appreciated.

Be careful when buying spacers guys!!!! I have heard some bad things where the wheels are "out to far" reaking havic on the suspension (especially the front). Also, if you do decide to go this route, Do yourself a favor and DO NOT buy the "cheap" ones you see on some site (ebay for one) that are around $50. I heard on other boards they are junk! I have no personal experience with them myself but when I was looking for them. That was the advise I got. So.....the choice is yours :rock: I know some places like Stockton sell an all "billet" quality spacer. They are pretty expensive from what I remember ($200-$275.00 seems to ring a bell). But think about it, cheap alluminum japaneese spacers on your nicely restored MOPAR or a decent set. What would you want your family to ride on?? I made the choice to stay clear of the spacers all together and just stuck with the small bolt patterns. I used the Crager SS 15x7 (4.125 backspace on front with P215/60/15" BF Goodrich Radial T/A's and on the rear a set of Crager SS 15x8 with a P255/60/15 tire. The front size was the "max" I could go without risking a rub or fender damage. On the back, I probably could have gotten away with a little taller tire like a P275/60/15. But I am very happy with the fit that I am currently running on my car...Just my 2 pennies :thumleft: Ohh, my cars a 67 barracuda fastback as well.

I have 4.25 backspace (mopar cop wheels 15x7, 225/60/15f and 236/60/15r) on all four corners but I am using 74 disk brakes up front and 8 3/4 with shortened C body axles.

Hey JLP, who/how'd you get the shortened C-Body axles? I heard that was possible, a guy at a custom machine shop advised me against it. He said re-splining the old axles can compromise the integrity of the metal. I took his advice and ended up getting new Yukons...

We have place here in Portland that does this called Dutchman. I had them hot tanked, magnufluxed shortened and resplined. They check the axles after resplining for cracks. I have been running them for 4 years with no problem behind 2 different 360's and two cars.

I read on another mopar site that a set of drums and hubs from a 70'sish model Gremlin (10x2.5) would fit right on a 67-68 Cuda w/o having to change anything! The Gremlins had a 4.5 bolt pattern. I don't know if this will work or not but as soon as I find a set I am go to try it. The only thing I'm worried about is I know they didn't call it a Gremlin by accident!
X

fishy68 said:

I have a 68 and all should be the same as yours and I measured for wheels and came up with 3-1/2 max for the front and 4-1/4 inch max for the rears. Sorry but that's about all the help I can be.

Click to expand...

I ran a 4 1/8 backspace on my 67 Fastback. Did you mean 4.5" max when you posted 3 1/2 ?? Just curious seeing im in the tire/wheel purchase mode again**sigh**.

I ran across a deal on a set of TQ II front wheels 15x7 with a backspace of 3.750" MY other wheels had a backspace of 4 1/8. Does this mean the tire/wheel will be moved outward and "fill" the wheel well better than the wheels with the 4 1/8 backspace? The wheels with the 4 1/8 backspace sorta had a "sunken in" look and I wish they were out towards the fender lip some more. What do you guuys think? Am I correct in my thinking and understanding of backspace? Thanks all! :thumblef:

My rims are 15X8.5" with a 4-7/8" back spacing. I ran them with the stock rear suspension and a 255-60-15. They were close to the springs but didnt rub. I know run them with a 275-60-15 but I have moved my spring in 3"

AdamR said:

My rims are 15X8.5" with a 4-7/8" back spacing. I ran them with the stock rear suspension and a 255-60-15. They were close to the springs but didnt rub. I know run them with a 275-60-15 but I have moved my spring in 3"

Click to expand...

Adam, I was talking about the fronts here. ANy input? Thanks.

:thumblef:

Spacers suck. You always have to worry about them coming loose, not to mention they throw off balance and especially front end geometries. You're better off going with later year (73' on up) disk brake setup and new axles and backing plates, drums in the rear. Mancini racing sells axles and bone yards have most everything else. You'll also have to change the master cyl & proportioning valve if you had drum brakes.

Good luck,

Cudajim
69 fish and 67 fish ragtop