Hi gang. I know this is a well beaten topic, and I’ve read most every thread out there on this topic. Looking for some current thinking on this question. My 340 Dart needs new tires due to aging/dry rot. Currently has 225/60-14 up front and 255/60-15 out back. I may step down to 245s out back, though the 255s have good clearance. Question is front tires. I’m down to two preferred options. 205/70-14 and 215/70-14. They are mounted on 14x6 Cragar SS rims (15x8 on rear). My research suggests that either will fit the 6inch front rim width, and that the 215s are potential rubbing issue. I’m leaning toward the 205s, but wanted to hear from others so as to avoid missing an opportunity to upsize. Also worth noting that the car currently has 16:1 manual steering, but headed toward a PST 20:1 manual box. Thanks for your opinions and thoughts.
Front tire options for 70 Dart 340
- Thread starter Racngrn
- Start date
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I've run 205/75R14, 225/70R14, and 215/70R14 all on factory rallye rims on a 1970 Dart, the 225s rubbed inside on full turns, the others were fine.
key spot is the inside edge of the tire and the front bottom edge of the fender, which is adjustable with the slotted strut that runs to the bumper bracket. I have seen folks lengthen that strut when they felt they didn't have enough room for road jounces and flex in the steering system (cut and add an inch).
Dartswinger70
Well-Known Member
In my experience the Dart will take 6 inch rims . My car came with 7 inch wide aluminum slots but the rear wheel well lips were turned up and a sliver if metal was removed from the front side of the front fender wheel well etc. i have 205 70 14s on ralleys but have 14 by 6 aluminum slots as a backup and will run the 205 70 14s if I can find rubber
416stroker
Well-Known Member
I'm running 215/70/14 on the front of my Dart with Cragar's and 20:1 ratio manual steering. Turning when parking is a bit of a struggle with that closer ratio. Can't imagine what 16:1 with fatter tires would be like to try and do any parallel parking or tight turns. I'm going back down to 205's when the time comes to change them out. Maybe sooner.
4mulas
Fixem'up
Both of those will fit. The picture with the centerlines is a 215/70r14. That wheel has near identical measurement to the Cragar you speak of including backspacing etc…
The picture with the Cragar’s is the Cragar 15x6 with the 3 3/8 backspacing and a 215/65r15 tire. I moved the fender brace rod to make full extension on the fender and it clear at the tightest point (bottom front corner) by 3/8-1/2 inch
If I had manual steering I’d stick with the factory ratio. I’ve had stock and also 20:1 on my road runner and the road runner was real heavy when parking. Until I was autocrossing the car I don’t really see the benefit of quicker ratio anyway.
The picture with the Cragar’s is the Cragar 15x6 with the 3 3/8 backspacing and a 215/65r15 tire. I moved the fender brace rod to make full extension on the fender and it clear at the tightest point (bottom front corner) by 3/8-1/2 inch
If I had manual steering I’d stick with the factory ratio. I’ve had stock and also 20:1 on my road runner and the road runner was real heavy when parking. Until I was autocrossing the car I don’t really see the benefit of quicker ratio anyway.
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DartGTDan
'71 Dart GT Fan
I had 215/70R14s on factory 14" X 5 1/2" Rallye wheels with no trouble. After I put the SSBC disc brakes up front they rubbed on tight turns (SSBC kit widens the track ~3/8" if I remember correctly). Currently I'm running 195/75R14s (on the same factory Rallye wheels) with zero rubbing.
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