Need help with tire clearance issue.

[flyboy01]

Got my rear re-installed yesterday, but I had a major goof on my tires. I measured everything and got 15x8 wheels with 4.5 bs on 265/50r15 tires, I figured everything would fit fine. I was wrong, I mis-measured. I now have 1/8" clearance from each wheelwell lip to the tire sidewall, I figured I could cut the lip down so I could have about 5/16 clearance on each side. Is this going to be enough, or do I need to get smaller tires?

 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

We've used the ol baseball bat method before. Took an old wooden bat, had to cut it down. Stuck it in front of the tire, buddy put it in reverse and s-l-o-w-l-y backed up tucking the lip in. Each time going a little higher on the bat.

 

[AdamR]

I think with the stiff sidewall and good shocks and springs you should be ok after rolling the lip or cutting it down. Were did you find 265-50-15s ?

How much room do you have between the tire and the spring ? Im hoping I can get a 275-60-15 under the Scamp if I use the offset spring hangers. Sounds like I will need a 5" backspacing.

 

[ValiantMike]

That looks pretty close. If it were me I'd carefully roll the lip with a hammer as opposed to cutting it. This way if those tires don't work out you can roll it back down to stock. Mike

 

[Eric_S68]

IMO ya made the wrong tire choice. Should have used 275/60R15's. The rims and spacings are correct.

Plan A .. Different tires
Plan B .. Roll the lip, not cut.. Rolling it will add strength to the area.
Plan C . IMO the best...Re-arch, replace leaf springs so they sit 1-2" higher.