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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

305-45-17 tires on Pony wheels (17")?

  • Thread starter Thread starter TTSaleen
  • Start date Start date Mar 1, 2026

TTSaleen

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Apr 27, 2025
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Mar 1, 2026
#1
  • Mar 1, 2026
  • #1
So my new coupe project came with a set of 17x9" Cobra wheels (03/04 style) with 245-45-17 front and 305-45-17 rear tires (ET Street R).
I want to put a set of 17" ponys on the car.
I know the front tires fit perfectly with a 17x8" wheel.

My question is should I run the 9" wheel to get the backspacing to clear the 305-45-17 tire properly?
I don't want it to stick out any.
Looking at the 10" it puts the outer edge to close to the fender for my liking.

The cobra wheels I had on it the fitment was really good. I just don't like that look on a foxbody.
Couple pics below for reference.




Thanks,
Ryan
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,346
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Massachusetts
Mar 1, 2026
#2
  • Mar 1, 2026
  • #2
The 305s have a min rim width of 9.5”.



If you are set on running the 17x9” rims, you might want to look at the 285/45/17 which has a min acceptable width of 9”
 

TTSaleen

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Apr 27, 2025
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#3
  • Mar 1, 2026
  • #3
I already have the 305's and they are like new, so buying another size isn't an option at this time.
Car already has 9" wheels and the tire fits fine, I just don't like the cobra wheel on a fox and am looking at a set of pony wheels.
Just curious if anyone has pictures of that tire on a 9 or 10" wheel on a fox?
 
Reactions: Mindseye007

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
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Mar 1, 2026
#4
  • Mar 1, 2026
  • #4
Just mini tub it and the 10” wide wheels and the 305’s will fit and tuck nicely.

That car is beyond needing what can fit in a stock wheel well.
 
Reactions: 2000xp8

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
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Oct 4, 2020
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#5
  • Mar 1, 2026
  • #5
" back in the day" I squeezed L50's ( I think they are 295's in todays world) onto my stock 7" Z28 wheels on my 73... The center wore out pretty quickly and I had to reduce the air pressure down to 22 or so..... Best to follow the tire companies wheel advice...
 

TTSaleen

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Aug 17, 2026
#6
  • Aug 17, 2026
  • #6
So I ended up with Racestar 17x9.5" rear wheels with a 6.88" backspace.
I had to add a 1/4" wheel spacer and it fits like a glove.

The Pony wheels are still on backorder and the racestar wheels I got didn't offer a 6.5" backspace.

But it worked out.
 
Reactions: gkomo and General karthief

Qtrhrse23

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Jul 2, 2024
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Aug 25, 2026
#7
  • Aug 25, 2026
  • #7
Nice. Those fronts 17s? Never been a fan of the notch(YEA IM WEIRD), but LOOKIN good.

Reminds me on my cousins 92. He had Welds 15" on his though. Manual windows also.
 

TTSaleen

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Aug 25, 2026
#8
  • Aug 25, 2026
  • #8
Yes, 17"x4.5" fronts.
 
Reactions: Qtrhrse23
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