Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: 1988 TCTB on December 04, 2012, 03:14:40 PM

Title: Wheel and tire choices
Post by: 1988 TCTB on December 04, 2012, 03:14:40 PM
Hi all, I am looking at a set of wheels and tires to go onto my 88 TC. The wheels are 18x9 +24mm with a 245/40 for the front and 18x10 +22mm with a 285/35 for the rear. Will these work or will I be rubbing? They say that it will work fine on a 94-95 Mustang but I want to make sure before I do anything. I have pasted a link below if you want to see what they are, not 100% sure of the wheel style yet but it will have the same specs.

http://www.cruizinconceptswholesale.com/proddetail.asp?prod=18FR500CHRNT5559404

Thanks
Scott
Title: Wheel and tire choices
Post by: 1BadBird on December 04, 2012, 04:15:04 PM
You've switched to a sn-95 5 lug set up I take it.
Title: Wheel and tire choices
Post by: 1988 TCTB on December 04, 2012, 08:51:39 PM
I have everything to do the swap but trying to decide on the wheels before I make the move. They are from a 1994 GT front and rear axles. I have done this swap on a 93 Mustang but I only ran factory 96 GT wheels and factory brakes. My plans are to go with the 13" Cobra brakes on this setup, just need to figure out the master cylinder and brake booster before I go that route. I think the Bird deserves a bigger tire and wheel than a factory size.

Scott
Title: Wheel and tire choices
Post by: Crazy88 on December 04, 2012, 09:28:25 PM
The ONLY way to tell for sure, is to beg, borrow or steal a tire of each size you intend you use, use a tool like Percy's wheelrite (http://"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug3uLNL3aGc"), available from Summit (http://"http://www.summitracing.com/parts/php-01201"). This will allow you to cycle the suspension travel and check clearances.  Using this tool will prevent or at least greatly reduce the chances of making a costly mistake and will pay for itself in short order.

I believe the latest model of this tool can actually simulate the tire profile itself, thus eliminating the need for a real tire.
Title: Wheel and tire choices
Post by: 86T-bird on December 06, 2012, 03:37:54 PM
X2 on the Percy Wheelrite.  I'ts the only way to tell, without putting all together and buying the wheels and tires.  It takes some screwing around to get the section width & tire height right on the tool.  The 94/95 spindle gives you some hope of getting it to fit.

A point of comparison, but it's apples to oranges:  I have 17X9 (5.97" back space) with 255-40's.  94/95 spindle, 13" Cobra brakes, 12" coil over and a 25 1/4" height from edge of the fender to the gound.  It fits, but I would happier if it was moved inboard another 1/4" (which will never happen with this set up). 

The 18" wheel will likely offer more clearance to the strut/coil over than a 17".

OTS wheel offsets on 9" rims on a lowered car can be a challange.  Short coil overs (like 7") and custom offsets can make it much easier (just a bunch more expensive).

Hope you have good luck sorting it out!