Max wheel size - 65 Barracuda w 8 3/4 rear end

[brodphish]

So I’m in the middle of modding a nice 65 Barracuda. It had a worn out 273 in it, now it’s gonna have a 392 stroker. All the parts are in the shop, ready for assembly.

One of the many nightly problems we’ve run into is the wheels and tires. The car had a 7 1/4 rear in it, with 235 60 15’s that looked and fit great. The new Moser 8 3/4 rear end bit wider than the 7 1/4 and the 235’s clearly will not fit. I tested it on a 66FS and the same fitment issue is there.

Does anyone know the max tire size you can get on a first gen Barracuda with the 8 3/4?

Anyone with a 66FS can probably eliminate my guesswork.

 

[33IMP]

It depends entirely on the width of your 8 3/4.
If you had the right backspace on the rear wheels, I'm sure the 235s will fit.
With a non-stock application, YOU are gonna have to do your own measuring.
Do you have a wheel/tire that will fit. Measure the clearance you have, width and backspace of that wheel, and go from there.

 

[MOPARMAGA]

Tape measure and straight edge...jeez

 

[brodphish]

The first gen Barracudas have an inward compound curve from the wheel lip opening up through quarter panel. The amount of clearance depends on tire height - how high up the wheel / tire extends into the panel. It’s not as easy as a straight edge and tape.

Also the car has new shocks, a new rear end and has never had weight on the assembly. The car is on a lift without tires and wheel on it. How much it will compress when set down is unknown. The 235’s I had on it will definitely rub.

There’s going to be some guesswork and crossed fingers to get max rubber under it (390 stroker I’m going need it).

Anyone that went through this with a stock vehicle would provide helpful information so I don’t spend $1,000 on tires that won’t fit or rub.

 

[RustyRatRod]

There is no way to "eliminate guesswork" without measuring YOUR CAR. These cars were all assembled differently. Two 65s sitting side by side that came down the assembly line together with the same workers putting them together will have different clearances side to side and front to back from each other and even side to side on each car. So, you cannot use one person's experience on another car. YOU HAVE TO MEASURE YOUR OWN CAR. That's what we're trying to tell you. Time to get out the tape measure. There are also some wheelrite available that will tell you exactly how big a tire and wheel combination your car can stand. I have one made by Percy's that has long been discontinued, but there are others. The bottom line is, you're going to actually have to do some work here. There is no "easy button".

 

[brodphish]

I don’t see how measuring the car with no sprung weight, shocks and leaf springs fully extended is going to mean anything.

I have to start somewhere with wheels and tires….

 

[brodphish]

Used 215 70 R15 fit pretty good. These are low on air….i can measure off this set up but it’s pretty close to max I think.

Once I’m comfortable with the size / measurement the steelies will be painted body color and BF white letter will go on….

 

[RustyRatRod]

I don’t see how measuring the car with no sprung weight, shocks and leaf springs fully extended is going to mean anything.

I have to start somewhere with wheels and tires….

Ok. Then carry on with your bad self then. Good luck!

 

[grimreaper]

It all depends on wheel backspace. I've got an 8-3/4 with 15 x 8 wheels and 245/60R15s fit fine. You do have to measure to get a setup that fits.

 

[ValiantRacing]

I have a 8.5 wide slick on the back on my Cuda, fits great!

 

[brodphish]

The 245 tires look great.

The wheel and tire issues with my build started with needing to replace the 7.25 rear end. The aftermarket supplier of the 8.75 equivalent built it to the later (67 and up) A bodies which are a bit longer than the 7.25 rears. I later found out the 66 8.75 rears were a bit narrower than the 7.25s. The supplier DID know I was looking to fit a 66 car. And they were correct they rear they built did fit. But I lost wheel and tire space.

I did measure before ordering, keep in mind it’s not with a caliper but a tape measure. And we’re talking about less than an inch in either direction.

Adding to the complications is I did not upgrade to the large bolt pattern. The reason is I have unusual stock ralleye wheels that look terrific with the CC1 light blue paint. After axles and discs were installed I found out the stock Mopar ralleyes have an unusual back design so the 15s won’t fit my rear disc conversion. So it’s new wheels and tires with far fewer options to choose from.

The upside is it looks like the 215 R70/15 will fit and look great on CC1 steelies. It’s just been a lot of headache and expense I wasn’t planning on.

Sorry if anyone’s head hurts after reading this. I know mine does.