Measuring for wheels/tires

[86Cutlass383SR]

On a daily driven street car, what is the minimum clearance between the inner wheelhousing/frame and the tire. In my case, the 86 Cutlass, the frame is the closest point of tire contact. Would you say 3/8" clearance is enough or 1/2"? More? I don't feel easy running any less than 3/8".

I have some tires I'm mocking into place and want to measure for my wheel backspacing.

Doug

[jackfrost]

notch it. :evil:

i spent a couple hours cutting on my frame this weekend. it's fun.

[Tony_SS]

No less that 3/8" is where I would set it. I'm right at 3/8" clearance now on the inner frame.

[MrQuick]

You can get closer with a link suspension depending on your locating device. Also tire/rim sizes. ie you can gain more clearence with a 40 series on an 17"+ than a 60 series on a 15" due to tire bulge and sidewall flex.

Hey Tony, you get any rub going into a driveway or hard turning? I'd call 3/8" a minimum.

[Tony_SS]

Sure don't and those were on 275/50-17's. Those have been replaced with 285/40-17's so even though the clearance is still 3/8", there should be less flex with the tire so rubbing still shouldn't be an issue.

[86Cutlass383SR]

I appreciate the replies. I do plan on running a 275/40/17 tire on a 9" wheel. I had thought about notching the frame but then I'd be trying to go even bigger...LOL.

I plan on using aftermarket upper and lower control arms with some type of GW - type bushings and/or spherical setup. I also plan on replacing my worn out body mounts with the poly mounts and squaring up the body/frame side - to - side measurements.

Tony, what are you running on your backspacing?

I need my limits or things can get outta hand...faster than they normally do!!!

Doug

[Tony_SS]

4.5 bs on the rears. And that's on a 9.5" wheel. The Nitto 555 runs a tad small so I went with a 285/40 to get a 26" tall tire back there.

I'm real happy with the fit, its basically flush with the unrolled inner lip.

[86Cutlass383SR]

I think that's about what I measured out on my Cutlass. I'm going to replace my body mounts and get the body even on both sides before I re-measure and order my wheels just to make sure.

Doug