drop spindles and 17 in. wheels

[71SScgk]

If anyone can help me I would appreciate it. I am looking to put 17 in. wheels on my nova with McGaughys drop spindles but I have been told this is not possible cause they will hit the tie rod end. If it is possible what backspacing and width is recommended and what size tires? Thanks

[79T/Aman]

easy measure the distance between your wheel mounting surface and the tie rod end.

[larknut]

I currently have this setup on my '69 Nova. The wheels are 17 x 8 with a 4.5" backspacing. As far as clearance issues, the tie rod end is very, very close to the rim in my particular case but it does not make contact. A problem arrose when I would use clip on wheel weights on the back lip because they would hit the rod end. Sticky wheel weights with solve that problem. I hope this helps you.

Alex

[Travis B]

4.5 is the most you can go on back spacing unless you go to at least an 18in wheel! 4.52.....lol will hit the rim

[71SScgk]

larknut what size tires do you have on your 69 nova front and back? also do you have the rear of your car lowered at all? one more thing i was thinking about 17 x 7's up front but you say 17 x 8's should work right?

[larknut]

I am running 225/45R17 up front and 255/45R17 out back. The 225 tire is kind of a stretch on an 8" wide rim. Even with the small tire up front the tire still rubs on the frame on the driver's side. Then again, I still need an alignment, so that might correct that problem. Also, it seems like the tire is awfully close to the fender bolts on the inner lip.

You could go with the 17 x 7 with a 4" backspace and run a 225/45 tire, that should be perfect. I will try to get some pics up for you soon, if you would like.

Alex

[71SScgk]

yeah larknut that would be great thanks

[larknut]

Ok, so here's some pictures. Not very good ones I might add. Please excuse the mess, I am in the middle of cleaning the garage. Thus I cannot pull the car out to take better side profile pictures (which I will try to do soon).

As you can see the tie rod end is super close to the wheel. I think the boot even hits the tire slightly. To answer your question, the only thing I did to the rear suspension was make my own shackles, everything else is stock. I really not sure how much it lowered it, if any. My personal opinion an 18" rim with a 45 series tire would fill in the rear wheelwell better. I know the front would also benefit from another inch of drop (the front seems too high). I'm just working with what I have.

[1Fine69]

i found out the hard way. my budnik fat lip fontanas have 5 inch backspacing and i have 2 inch drop spindles. my tie rods hit. i think i have to get new rims now