66 Cuda- anyone move their axle back? Best method?

[MechNerd]

Currently swapping the existing 7-1/4 to an 8-3/4. Wondering if there is any benefit to centering the axle in the wheel opening to get a taller tire in there. Worthwhile, or not? Is there a good method to do so? Yes, this is my first A body.

 

[66fs]

The factory A-Body 8 3/4 pretty much centers the wheel in the well. Are you doing something different?

 

[mopowers]

The factory A-Body 8 3/4 pretty much centers the wheel in the well. Are you doing something different?

I think he means front to back, not side to side.

 

[66fs]

I think he means front to back, not side to side.

Pretty much the same. Mine are centered almost perfectly, inside side to side and front to back? Maybe his springs are shot or aftermarket. Mine are original 66 Formula S, 6 leaf, rear springs.

 

[mopowers]

Pretty much the same. Mine are centered almost perfectly, inside side to side and front to back? Maybe his springs are shot or aftermarket. Mine are original Formula S 6 leaf rear springs.

Do you have a side photo of yours? All of the ones I've seen that are in the stock location favor the front of the wheel arch slightly.

Either way, the OP can buy some more space (within reason) for a taller tire by shimming the front hanger.

 

[toolmanmike]

Do you have a side photo of yours? All of the ones I've seen that are in the stock location favor the front of the wheel arch slightly.

View attachment 1716357951

View attachment 1716357952

Either way, the OP can buy some more space (within reason) for a taller tire by shimming the front hanger.

I saw a pic of a Swinger a couple days ago that had the axle moved back. With big tires, it was a good look.

 

[toolmanmike]

Currently swapping the existing 7-1/4 to an 8-3/4. Wondering if there is any benefit to centering the axle in the wheel opening to get a taller tire in there. Worthwhile, or not? Is there a good method to do so? Yes, this is my first A body.

This thread may help. There is more discussion here about the subject. Use the search function.

Moving rear axle back

Does anyone make a plate or spacer that mounts between the front leaf hanger and the frame to move the axle back a small amount? Im trying to create a little more space at the front of the wheelwell for a tall tire. Thanks

www.forabodiesonly.com

 

[mopowers]

I saw a pic of a Swinger a couple days ago that had the axle moved back. With big tires, it was a good look.

Yeah, it's an easy way to buy space for taller tires. I move the Dana 60 back 3/4" in my '66 Dart in order to fit 315/60's. Plenty of ways to do it. Just depends on what the OP is wanting and how his rear suspension is set up.

 

[toolmanmike]

Mine could stand to go back a bit but not needed with the tires I have on now. These are 235/70-15's.

 

[mopowers]

Good lookin' '66, Mike. I don't think I've ever noticed those little fins on the rear bumper. Are they only on top? Not sure I've ever seen those before.

 

[MechNerd]

I think he means front to back, not side to side.

Yes, I should have been more specific. Front to back.

 

[toolmanmike]

Good lookin' '66, Mike. I don't think I've ever noticed those little fins on the rear bumper. Are they only on top? Not sure I've ever seen those before.

Rear bumper guards. They are kind of cool and ugly at the same time.

 

[MechNerd]

Mine could stand to go back a bit but not needed with the tires I have on now. These are 235/70-15's.

View attachment 1716357962

View attachment 1716357965

I would be very happy with that look/stance. What size are the fronts? What type rear end, and did you have to do anything superhuman to get those tires and wheels under it?

 

[toolmanmike]

I would be very happy with that look/stance. What size are the fronts? What type rear end, and did you have to do anything superhuman to get those tires and wheels under it?

The front wheels are skinny 15x4 1/2, the rears are 15x7. Front tires are 165 80 15 and the rears are 235 70 15. Nothing needed, just jack it up and bolt them on.

 

[33IMP]

You can probably move the rear back 3/8-1/2" with spacers in front of the front spring hanger.
The rear in my 62 savoy b-body is moved back a whole inch. I bought the ss hangers with my ss springs, without realizing I didn't need em. So I redrilled
the hangers where I wanted.
The shocks clear fine, the shackles have more angle, but in the correct direction, I did not have to modify the driveshaft, but I suspect that's cause its a Dodge driveshaft.
Room now for 30" tires if i want, instead of only 28s

 

[66fs]

Do you have a side photo of yours? All of the ones I've seen that are in the stock location favor the front of the wheel arch slightly.

Either way, the OP can buy some more space (within reason) for a taller tire by shimming the front hanger.

Darn you guys, looks like you are correct. I'll check, but I know I was checking mine with wood dowels for outer and inner clearance. Pretty sure I checked the well for front and aft position also. I will try and check tomorrow. In the mean time here is a side shot. But I'm running shorter, handling high speed tires on 15 x 6 wheels.

 

[JDMopar]

I'd thought of moving the 8 3/4 that I will be installing in my 65 Barracuda, when I get to that point. You have to be careful doing that in Early A body cars. There's not a ton of clearance between the back of the rearend housing and the front of the gas tank when they 8 3/4 is in the stock location. Clearance good......big boom and fire bad!

 

[memike]

Mine could stand to go back a bit but not needed with the tires I have on now. These are 235/70-15's.

View attachment 1716357962

View attachment 1716357965

Yep! Looks great, I hope to find the same size tires but 14s in the rear. Good morning