Buy wheels or narrow rear end first?

[Smitty_67]

All,

I posted this in the drive train section as well. Wasn't sure which place would be best.

I have a 67 camaro build. The rear end is a 8.5 second gen rear with a 4 link. I planned to narrow the rear for a better wheel look. I also plan to trim the wheel well lip or roll it for a wider tire. I do not plan to minitub as the 4 link gets in the way.

The Test car for the IFS and 4 link manufacturer used these tire specs.
Front Tires: 255/35/18
Rear Tires: 295/30/18

Any recommendations for wheel specs and rear end width? Or, should I plan to buy wheels and narrow to fit or vise versa?

[sunset68]

My 68 rear was set up by Frank at prodigy. It is a moser 12 bolt that we narrowed 2 inches, 1 on each side. I also am running a four link and no mini tub. I did the rear first, and ran my original TTII's with spacers for 6 months while waiting on rims with the correct backspacing. I like the overall look, it definately gives the look of minitubs with the fatter lips. I am running 265s out back on mine, but could go a little bigger with some massaging. I can post some pics tomorrow, as I am typing from my phone. U can do the rear first and run spacers like I did, or do both at the same time. U get the benefit out of narrowing the rear when u order the rims to match though!

Chris.

[Smitty_67]

Chris,

Nice Car.. What are the boxes about the heater box?

[Vegas69]

Wheels first.....with desired lip.

[sunset68]

Coil and 6al box. Pics in my sig are old. Prior to rims with correct offset.
http://emob99.photobucket.com/albums/l288/sunset68camaro/DSCN0469.jpg
http://emob99.photobucket.com/albums/l288/sunset68camaro/DSCN0471.jpg

[Smitty_67]

Very Nice.. Luv that Metallic Orange. It's not a Longhorn thing, is it?

[JRouche]

Wheels first.....with desired lip.

Yup... I was kinda stuck with a 10" wheel even though I had room for an 11" or more. Problem was the rims I wanted only came in 10 or 12 inch hoops (common with a smooth lip rim). The 11" rims I wanted didnt have the smooth lip. So I went with the 10" wheel and built the suspension around the wheels.

I have a ford 9" rear shortened by 3" total from stock. 1.5" off each side from stock will give you a nice wheel with a decent wide lip and an aggressive look without putting too much back spacing on the hub.

Go much narrower on your rear end and wider rims and you run into problems with the coilovers or sway bar fitment. You run outta room eventually.. Im within 3/4" on some clearances. JR

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/e-3.jpg