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

clearance issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter 50foxbody
  • Start date Start date Jan 11, 2010
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50foxbody

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Jan 4, 2009
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#1
  • Jan 11, 2010
  • #1
whats the widest wheel and tire that can go on the fron of a 86 fox with stock suspension im having an issue with my 18" cobra r's 255 35 18 im guessing they are a little too wide cuz they are rubbing my front shocks back is clear of everything thanks for any1 help
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
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Jan 11, 2010
#2
  • Jan 11, 2010
  • #2
What spindles and a-arms are you using?
 

50foxbody

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#3
  • Jan 11, 2010
  • #3
as far as i know they are stock and look original
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
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#4
  • Jan 11, 2010
  • #4
4-lug 18" R's??
 

50foxbody

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#5
  • Jan 11, 2010
  • #5
yea sorry i should have put that but they are 18 knock off cobra r's
 
J

JustaMustangguy

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#6
  • Jan 11, 2010
  • #6
I need all the specs on the rims and tires to help you. I need the exact size and offset/back spacing. Also would help if you new if you had the stock suspsension or not. Is the car 4 or 5 lug?
 

NIKwoaC

中國製造
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Jan 12, 2010
#7
  • Jan 12, 2010
  • #7
I have rubbing problems with my 245/45-17, but my car is lowered with 94-95 spindles. Also, mine rub at full turning lock on the wheel well liner, not the strut. If you are rubbing on the strut then you probably need a wheel with less backspacing or a wheel spacer.
 

50foxbody

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#8
  • Jan 12, 2010
  • #8
NikwoaC said:
I have rubbing problems with my 245/45-17, but my car is lowered with 94-95 spindles. Also, mine rub at full turning lock on the wheel well liner, not the strut. If you are rubbing on the strut then you probably need a wheel with less backspacing or a wheel spacer.
Click to expand...

yea thats what i was affraid of guess im SOL
 

25thmustang

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Sep 5, 2003
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Jan 12, 2010
#9
  • Jan 12, 2010
  • #9
I believe the 86 cars had the narrower front track, similar to the 4cyl later cars?

Maybe an 87+ 5.0 spindle set up would help. An 18x9 should not hit the strut.
 

50foxbody

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#10
  • Jan 12, 2010
  • #10
wish i would of known they were on a 90 so thats probably it know any1 on some spindles?
 

NIKwoaC

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#11
  • Jan 13, 2010
  • #11
You'll have to replace more than just the spindles. The brake caliper, rotor and strut are all '86 specific. Maximum Motorsports sells some quality wheel spacers, you should look into that option if you don't want to spend a lot of money.
 

stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.
15 Year Member
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#12
  • Jan 13, 2010
  • #12
if you get wheel spacers go with longer hardened studs and have them pressed in.
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
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Jan 13, 2010
#13
  • Jan 13, 2010
  • #13
25thmustang said:
I believe the 86 cars had the narrower front track, similar to the 4cyl later cars?

Maybe an 87+ 5.0 spindle set up would help. An 18x9 should not hit the strut.
Click to expand...

BINGO!

Interchange with 86 Mustang spindles is as follows:

:Capri '82-86
:Cougar '81 XR-7, from VIN 612449
:Cougar '81 exc. XR-7; green stripe
:Cougar '82-88
:Fairmont '81-83
:Granada '81 green stripe
:Granada '82
:LTD '83-86
:Marquis '83-86
:Mustang '82-83
:Mustang '84-86 4 lug whl
:Mustang '87-93 4 cyl
:Thunderbird '81 from 12/5/80
:Thunderbird '82-86
:Thunderbird '87-88 6 cyl and 8 cyl
:Zephyr '81-83

then 87 Mustang V8 interchanges only with:

:Mustang '87-93 8 cyl
:Thunderbird '87-88 4 cyl (Turbo Coupe)
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
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#14
  • Jan 13, 2010
  • #14
25thmustang said:
I believe the 86 cars had the narrower front track, similar to the 4cyl later cars?

Maybe an 87+ 5.0 spindle set up would help. An 18x9 should not hit the strut.
Click to expand...


I'm pretty sure you're right...but they also have the smaller wheel openings (as in pre-Pony rim size) so a wider track might get him into the fender if the difference is too much.
 

25thmustang

Mustang Master
Sep 5, 2003
2,021
85
99
Montgomery, NY
Jan 13, 2010
#15
  • Jan 13, 2010
  • #15
85_SS_302_Coupe said:
I'm pretty sure you're right...but they also have the smaller wheel openings (as in pre-Pony rim size) so a wider track might get him into the fender if the difference is too much.
Click to expand...

I was under the impression the fenders were the same, it was the lower apron that changed?

I believe even with the aprons, the 87-90 cars would have the same size wheel opening. You do have some issues (different for all cars) in the apron area with wider tires though.

I think doing an 87-93 spindle swap wouldn't be hard or expensive.
 

50foxbody

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Jan 13, 2010
#16
  • Jan 13, 2010
  • #16
im picking up wheel spacers from my buddy this weekend just to see if it helps if so than im gonna buy them thanks guys
 

50foxbody

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Feb 5, 2010
#17
  • Feb 5, 2010
  • #17
got 1/4 inch spacers they worked perferct thanks for every1s help
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,265
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Feb 5, 2010
#18
  • Feb 5, 2010
  • #18
slip on spacers?? Upgrade your studs at a minimum. Slip ons are the most unsafe design
 

50foxbody

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Feb 5, 2010
#19
  • Feb 5, 2010
  • #19
guess i just cant win
 

Repostyle

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Portland, OR
Feb 6, 2010
#20
  • Feb 6, 2010
  • #20
50foxbody said:
guess i just cant win
Click to expand...

Just don't race it or drive it hard in the corners. You should be fine driving normally until you can upgrade your studs. Just make sure your lug nuts are as tight as you can get them, any movement at all will degrade their integrity very quickly.
 
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