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Topic: Anyone running 9" wide front wheels? (Read 7520 times) previous topic - next topic

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

I'm thinking about buying a set of 17x9 and 17x10.5 wheels for my '84.  Before I "Buy It Now" I want to know from the pros if running a 9" front wheel is even possible on these.

The specs are:
"SIZE AND SPECIFICATIONS: The front wheels are 17x9 with a 5.95" backspace(+24mm offset) and the rear are 17x10.5 with a +27mm offset. The lug pattern is 5x4.5 (114.3mm)."

I assume the 10.5s will work fine in the rear, when I get them I'll measure to see if I need to run a Mustang or Tbird width rear end. 

In the front I'm running stock Thunderbird control arms and '94-95 SN95 GT brakes.  I think I'll have clearance issues on the inside (control arm contact) when turning.  But then again the Fox bodies have a horrible turn radius so maybe it's not an issue?  Just don't want them sticking out of the fenders and don't want them rubbing steering components on the inside.

FYI - these are the wheels.  $450 shipped!  Yes the PS is way too low, that's how I like it.  Thanks in advance.

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1984 Thunderbird V8

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #1 –
I am. I could probably bring the car over tonight if you're gonna be home... But, thinking about it, I've got a mustang k-member and stang arms on it so it might not be applicable.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
86 5.0 Turbocoupe (Katrina), 87 5.0 Sport (Rita)

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #2 –
Hey man, door's always open!  I thought you were running a Griggs coilover up front, or else I would have just asked ya.  ;)

Stop by if you want.  I went home at lunch today and the power was out; when I talked to TXU, it was because of downed power lines in the area.  So maybe the beer won't be cold but we can BS anyway!
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1984 Thunderbird V8

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #3 –
You might have a few little issues with clearance, but it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

I have 9" wheels on the front of mine and I run 245 tires on the front.  I'm not sure I could get away with anything bigger.  (or wouldn't want to)  I use 99+ brakes/spindles on the front of mine, which isn't the best choice because it moves the wheel out a bit.  Everything else is stock as far as the suspension goes.

On that note, I have heard wheel hitting control arm on a full lock before :( It sure doesn't sound pretty.  There are other times I can go full lock and not get it.

Future plan would be 94-95 spindles with tubular control arms.  That would fix my bumpsteer problem and probably solve the clearance issues.
Willpower is no match for Horsepower.

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #4 –
Thanks, David.

Any idea what offset the '03 Cobra wheels are?

Unfortunately, having '94-95 spindles could make the rubbing problem worse for me on the control arm.  Maybe I can clearance them a little like they do on GM trucks.  I'll take a look tonight and see if that can be done without completely destroying the integrity of the control arm.
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1984 Thunderbird V8

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #5 –
By "mustang k-member" I meant "designed for a mustang". It's actually all Maximum Motorsport stuff.

I've gotta torque down my heads, get to a good stopping point for the night and clean up so tonight's probably a wash anyway. I could probably come by tomorrow (hopefully in daylight) though if you're gonna be around. I could bring those twin turbo headers too if you want to check 'em out.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
86 5.0 Turbocoupe (Katrina), 87 5.0 Sport (Rita)

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #6 –
Wait you have an '84 right? I believe you should have the same control arms as a fox Mustang. I think only the 87-88s got the longer ones. You *might* be ok.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #7 –
Mine are close with 245's on 8" wide wheels on the 83.  It has the shorter front arms(like your 84) and 94-95 spindles. 

Going as low as you like to go and that wide is probably going to cause you problems.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #8 –
With the car that low I wonder if the wheels will even fit in the front without rubbing the fender.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.
 

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: 46Tbird;113782
Thanks, David.

Any idea what offset the '03 Cobra wheels are?

Unfortunately, having '94-95 spindles could make the rubbing problem worse for me on the control arm.  Maybe I can clearance them a little like they do on GM trucks.  I'll take a look tonight and see if that can be done without completely destroying the integrity of the control arm.


AFS replicas are +26mm offset w/ 6.11 backspace. I have OEM's but I'm betting they're the same. I couldn't tell you if those specs are accurate or not.

Yes the older foxes have the shorter control arms, but if you do go as low as you're showing there, you'll be rubbing everything.

I've also seen people notch the control arm, but I'm not that brave :grinno:
Willpower is no match for Horsepower.

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: thunderjet302;113859
With the car that low I wonder if the wheels will even fit in the front without rubbing the fender.
Well, it won't really be quite that low.  I think that would put my pan around 3-4" off the ground.  I'll want at least 5-6" of clearance.  Also, the inner fenders are history and I assume the fender openings will get a slight massage too.

Well, if it doesn't fit worth a darn, I can always just sell the stuff that doesn't work and start over again.  :)  Playing with cheap cars is FUN.

Scott, just let me know man.  And I do want to check out the headers you have!
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1984 Thunderbird V8

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #12 –
BTW, who are you getting these wheel from?
2005 Subaru WRX STi|daily driver

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #13 –
I have 17x9's with 245 rubbers up front. . . mines an 87/88 and they rub rub rub, so i had to hammer in the lip around the fender where it rubs on the inside. But now it seems to only rub over larger bumps at high speeds.
:birdsmily:

2.5" Cat Back Exhaust, CenterForce Stage 2 Dual Friction Clutch, B&M Ripper Shifter, T3/T4 Turbonetics 63 A/R Turbo, Rods Stainless Tubular Ceramic Coated Header, Boost Controller @ 15Psi, Kirban AFPR, 42lb Injectors, 190LPH Walbro Fuel pump, Ranger Roller Cam, 3" Aluminum Intake Tubing, K&N Cone,  KYB Struts, Koni Red Horizontals/Verticals, Eibach Sportline Springs, Racer Walsh C/C Plates, Polyurethane Bushings, 17x9 Cobra R Wheels

Anyone running 9" wide front wheels?

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Ether947;113932
BTW, who are you getting these wheel from?
This is the wheel ad that I got the images from.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mustang-Bullitt-wheels-17x9-17x10-5-Bullet-rims_W0QQitemZ290050522140QQihZ019QQcategoryZ43957QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This is ALL the seller's ads.
http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZwheelindex

Pick your design, color, and size.. the Buy It Now isn't a bad deal, you get lugs-locks-valves for another $30.  You can pretty much get 17s-20s from them, I prefer the look of 17s myself.

Very inexpensive and while all the ads don't state it, all of these wheels are DOT legal.
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1984 Thunderbird V8