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So I've been researching for at least a week now on the correct backspacing and offset I need for my 72 cutlass. I have a custom direct bolt in ford 9" coming soon and its narrowed 1" on both sides. I can't leave it on stands for weeks waiting on wheels, so I'm trying to order wheels asap. car is getting that axle, BMR !' drop suspension, and I'm thinking 18x8 in front and 18x10 in rear. If i can find all the info from someone running 10" rears on stock diff, then I could just do the math for correct spacing with my narrowed rear.
The experience of other people will be meaningless to you unless their axle flange-to-flange width is exactly the same as yours. Since yours is narrowed from the stock width, that will obviously change the necessary backspacing.
The experience of other people will be meaningless to you unless their axle flange-to-flange width is exactly the same as yours. Since yours is narrowed from the stock width, that will obviously change the necessary backspacing.
but if I can find out what others are running with a stick 8.2 10 bolt, then I can just do the math for mine since its just 1" shorter on both sides. Thats why im going with 10" wide. Gives me a little wiggle room.
but if I can find out what others are running with a stick 8.2 10 bolt, then I can just do the math for mine since its just 1" shorter on both sides. Thats why im going with 10" wide. Gives me a little wiggle room.
Understand, but you might want to ask them exactly what axle they are running, since widths can vary.
There's a table in this article that lists some options to get you in the ballpark. I will eventually be going to a larger wheel (diameter and width), but will be measuring mine before ordering. I would hate to spend money on wheels only to find out something about my particular car doesn't work like others. They are a half-century old at this point...
Here's some rear wheel clearance pics from my project with the following specs:
Differential - Stock rear end (not narrowed)
Wheel - 18x9 +8mm offset, 5.25" BS
Tire - 285/40R18
The clearance to the frame is about 1.5" (there will be less clearance to the inner wheelhouse)
Rodney
285/40R18 tire on an 18x9 wheel with +8mm offset.
Approximately 1.5" clearance to the frame.
This is my outer clearance. This was during quarter panel replacement and the new quarter is not fully welded, only clamped with vise grips.
The rear wheels are recessed a bit even though I squeezed a 285 tire in the stock wheel wells. I could have chosen a wider wheel or a smaller backspacing.
So I've decided not to do the new axle at this time, but still have the itch for new shoes for her. Only problem is finding wheels with the correct BS to make it look right without rubbing. What BS are you guys running with a 10" wide rear and 8" wide front? Looking to get 17's, but speedway is showing me 4" BS when I've read other guys running 5". All stock 8.2 drum axle, disc in front. Plan on lowering the car 1" all around.
So I've decided not to do the new axle at this time, but still have the itch for new shoes for her. Only problem is finding wheels with the correct BS to make it look right without rubbing. What BS are you guys running with a 10" wide rear and 8" wide front? Looking to get 17's, but speedway is showing me 4" BS when I've read other guys running 5". All stock 8.2 drum axle, disc in front. Plan on lowering the car 1" all around.
I have a 275/60-15 on a 10" with 5.5 backspace. You don't need offset; that's import crap.
That's about ride height. Jackstands are on the axle tubes
Last edited by fleming442; Aug 11, 2023 at 02:25 PM.
The 18x9 Bandit offset is equal to 5.31” backspace. On my ‘72 Cutlass/442 I have at least 1-1/2” clearance to the frame rail on the inside and could easily push out at the fender lip another 1/2-3/4” without moding the fender lips. I think an 18x10 with 5-1/2” or 5-3/4” back space would fit and fill the fender wells.
on my '72 ragtop I'm running 17x8 American Racing wheels all around - 4.5" BS but with a 1" spacer on the rear wheels to stagger those out a bit. I opted for that to allow for 4 wheel tire rotations. I run 245-50-R17 rubber all around.
no clearance issues on stock height springs front and rear.
I think I have a couple of options. Going to discount tomorrow to make a decision. Is it just me or are the torque thrust 2 wheels kinda played out? I like them, but I like to be more unique.
I think I have a couple of options. Going to discount tomorrow to make a decision. Is it just me or are the torque thrust 2 wheels kinda played out? I like them, but I like to be more unique.
TT2s have been played tf out for about 10-15yrs. They only look really good on a few cars, but mf'ers think they have to be on EVERY car and truck!
So, what was your final wheel configuration? Size, width & offset??
so I ordered 18x8 fronts 4.5 bs. Rear I ordered 18x10 0 offset whatever bs that comes to. I think 5". Rear tires are 295/35 fronts I believe are 245/40.
such a big difference. 18x10 rears 18x8 fronts. Plus led headlights. Next is installing my 442 grills. Didn't realize how hard the grills are going to be.
