Wide front tires on 1st Gen Fbody

[rohrt]

What is the limiting factor for a wider front tire on the 67-69 F-bodies? I know with the aftermarket frames you can run a 9inch rim and I have seen some A-arms that also help acomidate a larger wheel also. I was just wondering if there were any modifications that could be made to an exsisting frame like doing some notching to make a larger wheel fit.

[baz67]

The frame and the back of the wheelhouse are the factors. CarlC was able to get 9.5 with a 275 on the front of his 68 using the stock frame and tubular uppers. He had to use steering stops. DSE was able to get 275s on the Twister with custom control arms and a one off spindle. If I were to invest the time and money, the way DSE did it would be the I would. You would also get the benifit of reduced scrub radius if you tuck the spindle further inside the wheel.

Brian

[trayb]

Brent Jackon used s 18x9 wheel (5" back) on the front with a 265/35-18 tire. He also had a Steilow spindle with stock arms. I sure squeezing a 275 would not be a problem. That's what I will be running on my 69's when i get to that point.

[MuscleRodz]

It is much easier to put wide tires on a 69 than a 67 or 68. There is another inch or two between the fender wells.

Mike

[MarkM66]

The frame and the back of the wheelhouse are the factors. CarlC was able to get 9.5 with a 275 on the front of his 68 using the stock frame and tubular uppers. He had to use steering stops. DSE was able to get 275s on the Twister with custom control arms and a one off spindle. If I were to invest the time and money, the way DSE did it would be the I would. You would also get the benifit of reduced scrub radius if you tuck the spindle further inside the wheel.

Brian

Also, from what I remember reading about the Twister. Kyle moved the inner fender, upwards, to give the tire more clearance.

[rohrt]

I'm not sure what is resonable. In my grand scheme of things I was thinking of a 17x9 with a 255 equivalant tire. 2-3inches lowered mini tubed in back with the 335mm tire on my 68 bird. I'm not concerned about the back since that has been done numerous times but it seem to be more of trick to get the front the way I would like it.

[Joe_Rocket]

Has anyone out there notched and reinforced the front subframe to allow clearance for wider tires?

The 2 issues I can think of are:
1) Needing a custom front sway bar with narrowed pivot points.
2) Depending on how thick your reinforcements are to the inside of the subframe... possibly the the steering gear box and idler arm would be pushed inward... So, switch to a rack and pinion perhaps.

[MrQuick]

I have in the past, its not really a notch, its more like lypo suction. Depending on the size tire you gonna run, it doesn't require more than an inch. Remember the only room you realistickly need is to do a hard u turn, turning it to lock sitting in you drive way is way past whats required. this also depends on your driving style.

[Roadrage David]

I'm not sure what is resonable. In my grand scheme of things I was thinking of a 17x9 with a 255 equivalant tire. 2-3inches lowered mini tubed in back with the 335mm tire on my 68 bird. I'm not concerned about the back since that has been done numerous times but it seem to be more of trick to get the front the way I would like it.

..........................rohrt im building a 68 bird as wel with the help of my mecanic who is "heavely" into trak raceing, he drives a 68 camaro against mercedes porche bmw and Rice burners as wel, and hes pretty competitife . a 2 inch overall drop with 17 x 8 x265 is as big as you whant to go infrond and 17x11x315 in the rear , anything bigger (rims and tire size) will only slow you douwn to mutch. 18 and 19 inch rims with 335/345 tires looks to be the BISENNIS , but when raceing and ore on the track is not practicel , . chek out some pictures on prodject updates (full metal jacket)

[rohrt]

David is yours the new green one added in Febuary?

I wan't everything functional so your tip on 315 for the back is appreciated and it sounds like I should be good for a 17x8 with a 255 in the front.

Hy mrQuick do you have any pictures of that notched front subframe?