SS I on my '85

[Randy_W]

I am planning to put 15 x 8 SSI chrome wheels on my 442, I assume I need to use 4.5" backspace in order to avoid interference with steering. I might use 4" in the rear to fill a little. Haven't decided yet whether I want to run 245/60 all around or slightly larger on the rear. Trying to keep what I call a fat faux factory look. Wrong generation of wheel and BFG's probably weren't used, let alone 245/60, but hey, it all could have been!

 

[Blake442]

4" of backspace for an 8" rim on the back is ideal, and you can even get a 275/60R15 on it.

235/60R15 will clear without issue up front, but I can't speak for a 245...

 

[Randy_W]

Are you talking about 4.5" backspace up front? My '80 Grand Am had 17x8 Boyd's Smoothie 2's with 4.5 backspace and it had 275/40 rear and 245/45 front with no rubbing but never tried it with 15's.

 

[snotrocket71]

be careful with the backspacing, would it be possible to test fit a pair of wheels and tires on the front before dropping the cash on everything?

 

[Blake442]

Are you talking about 4.5" backspace up front? My '80 Grand Am had 17x8 Boyd's Smoothie 2's with 4.5 backspace and it had 275/40 rear and 245/45 front with no rubbing but never tried it with 15's.

I was referring to the stock wheels, which have either 3.5 or 3.75 inches of backspacing. I can't remember which it is...

I got a set of 15x7's and 8's for a buddy's car last spring and we just went with 4" of backspace all around... worked great.

 

[Randy_W]

Thanks!