Hi Gang, my 1st post here. I happened to purchase my first Pinto (wow, i never taught I would write something like this with pride) It's a 1980 Runabout. the car is not running yet but it will be destined to great things (It will probably end up as a blow-thru turbo carb set-up)Anyway, My 1st question is about wheels, or the maximum size I can put in the back. I am planning on some Weld 10 inch wheels with a 4.5 inch backspace, with probably a 275 to 285 60 series tire. Would this fit? The previous owner installed a 9 inch Ford from a 1977 Cougar. he told me that this diff has the same width as the standard Pinto one. I would like to hear from someone who has a similar set-up. I am not planning on tubbing or narrowing the rear end.
Thanks in advance guys (& gals) for your answers. By the way, great forum!
Nomorpar (No more Mopar, I guess stuck with Ford...)
Your back space sounds a little to deep. Is the rear a drum or disc brake setup?
It may cost a little cash and time but find a tire shop and ask them to install some tire and wheel setups and put them on the car.
Another way is measure from the wheel mounting surface inboard to the well wall, subtract 2" and this should get you a good starting point for the needed back space measurement.
How about a picture of your setup.
Unfortunately, I don't have a pic yet & won't b-4 weekend. It has drums, pretty much same as the ones you find on a 8.8. Diff is definitely a 9 inch. As far as backspacing goes, I've tried a Mustang LX wheel with 4.75 in backspace & it does clear the leaf springs (& wheel wells). Just need to know what size of tire would fit in there. I'm pretty sure that a 10 inch tire would fit....
How far is the LX wheel from the axle bumper? Remember the tire is going to stick out about
1 1/2" past the rim. Personally I would go to 3 1/2" backspace. I wouldn't go any larger than a 275/60/15.
Now you wouldn't be thinkin' 'bout puttin' 20s or 24s back
there are you? :nocool: :lol: :look: :o
Rolf, no... I'm not for the ricer look. I want to put some nice 15 inch Welds or centerlines on this car. When I tried the Mustang wheel, it had a tire on it, & it didn't interfere at all. I also want to keep the 4 bolt pattern. Same wheels will go up front but in 4 inch/skinnies combo. Oh well, midlife crisis...
A good idea for your front is the temp spare from a turbo coupe, I think they are 15x4
I am trying to do the same thing now, did it work out okay for you? my 15x10 welds rub the spring in the back and dont clear the inner fender, I'm thinking maybe a spacer? I have an 8'' mustang II cobra rear end.
I have a '71 Pinto wagon, and I just put on 25 X 4.5 X 15's Mickey Thompsons on Weld Racing rims on the front, and they rub the back of the fender wells in a tight turn lock to lock, so I'll have to modify it a bit in that area, because they really look good on the car...I replaced some dry-rotted 23 x 5 x 15's...the two inches makes a big difference, but the 23's looked kinda silly on the front...
I have 28 x 9 x 15's on the back, that fit really well with the 8" rear, and really fill the wheelwell nicely...looks loke a 4-1/2" backspacing....I think the 10" wide MIGHT be a little much without modifcation....my whellwell lip is rolled, so there is no rubbing.....
My Centerlines fit very nicely under the front of my drag car. No rubbing that I've noticed. These are 5 lug but I have a pair of 4 lug that are the same.
Yes you're right...with the car jacked up, they rub SLIGHTLY, but with the car on the ground, and the weight of the engine , it works just fine....I'll just have to watch those wheelies...and DON"T turn the wheel while up in the air!! Ha ha......I have 4 lug right now, with 1/2" X 3 studs.......the new Mickey Thompsons look really good on the front...really gives the car a "serious" look......thanks for the info.........
I have an '80 ESS. I did a 5 lug conversion, and am running an 8" from a mustang II in the back (drums in the rear, 11" disc in the front).
I found a set of staggered sloted mags at a swap meet last summer, 14X7's and 14X8's. I can't remember exactly what size the tires are, but they are BIG.
I have no issues rubbing in the back, but I do have an issue in the front when I turn the wheel all the way left or right.
The car is lowered too a little bit, the blocks between the rear end and leaf springs in the back were taken out, and my dad put on some racing lowering springs back in the 80's, I cant recall the brand.
I can find out the exact tire size tonight if you would like.