71 Cuda Wheel Backspacing

[Dutch 165]

I picked up a set of Foose Legend wheels for my 71 Barracuda. The wheel sizes are 17x8 with 245 45 x 17 Nitto Extreme 555 tires for the rear and 17x7 with 235 x 45 x 17'' tires for the front. I installed the rear wheel / tire and measured 1 3/4 inches between the tire and the rear spring. All wheels have 4 1/2 inches of backspacing. The rear tire looks like it will rub on the inside of wheel house next to outside of body. Using simple math it seems that 3 inches of back spacing would leave 1/4 inch between the tire and the spring. The wheels don't look good sticking out of the body especially in the front. Does any one have any experience with this combo?

[Challenger340]

IMO,
No body answers, because BIG WHEELS look stupid on E-Bodies ?

[71solo2challenger]

I have had no problems with 17x8s and 4.5 backspace in the back. I do on one occasion get a rub in the front. (chassis is cocked and wheels are locked left or right). But other than that it's smooth sailing.

http://www.cartct.com/results/05-16-10/051610b53.jpg

[Cranky]

Less back space means the wheels stick out more. If you have 1 3/4" clearance between the tire and spring with 4 1/2" back spacing, then you will have 3/4" clearance with 5 1/2" back space and more room on the outside of the tire for fender clearance but generally, an 8" wide wheel will not have 1 3/4" tire to spring clearance with the standard back space.

[Dutch 165]

I agree with the comment about the big wheels on an E body. I don't like the rubber band tire look either. I am getting a set of 17" Wheel Vintiques Chrysler 95 series wheels to replace the set of 15" rallye wheels that I was planning on using. I am asking questions to try to get it right the first time cause once the wheels ship they can not be returned. Just trying to get away from the stock rallye/BF Goodrich look. To Challenger340 what combo are you running on your e body?

[cudablue]

Hey Dutch,
I just installed the 17" WV 95's on my cuda. Rear = 8" x 4.5 back spacing with Dunlop Direzza DZ101 (245/45R) and front = 7" x 4.25 back spacing with (225/50R). Perfect fit and plenty of room tire hight is the same.
These wheels look awesome.
I took it to the Columbus Mopar Nat. I could not find car, other than mine, that had these on. Check out my pics in the my gallery.

[Dutch 165]

cudablue, Thanks so much for the reply and the pics, I first saw these wheels on a car that was for sale at RK Motors in Charlotte and fell in love with them. Can I ask where you bought them from and a general price. Did it take long for them to make them? Could you measure between the leaf spring and the tire. thanks again Dutch