Need some advice relative to new wheels, discs, and possibly rearend

[Gellpak]

OK, I'm planning to mount 17x8" chrome bullitts to my '66 coupe, and while I'm at it I'd like to change over to disc brakes. What are the advantages of 4 wheel vs. front discs? What conversion kits have people found that work with wheels of this size on an otherwise stock car?

Also, I do plan to swap my rear end out in the relatively near future, so is that something that should be done BEFORE I do these other addons? Or can it wait?

I know I'll have to roll my fenders to fit 17x8" rims, but is that the extent of the work I'll have to do on the car to accomodate larger wheels? I was told at one point that I'd have to install a negative wedge kit for wheels of that width. True? Why?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Luminox]

As long as you have the proper backspacing you are ok to run 17x8s. 4.5 is the norm but 4.75 would be ideal. I run 17x8 Edelbrock 454 on my 66 Mustang.

 

[golf4283]

I dont think rolling the fenders is absolutely necessary for 17" rims. I think only if you are going to be lowering the car too much and/or using a really wide tire.

 

[Gellpak]

OK, well I'll be sure not to roll the fenders until I know I need to, and I guess that rules out needing to use a negative wedge kit as well. What tires are people running successfully with this size?

Also the brakes and rear end... will that affect the backspacing I need on the rims? I'll have to be using adapters to mount the later model rims as it is, which I assume will also mess with my backspacing, but I'd like to plan for the time when those will no longer be necessary. Will changing brakes or the rear affect that?

 

[one2gamble]

as far as I know the negative wedge kit is required if you dont want to burn through your front tires quickly. Without it you cant really get the right alignment and it run on the outer edge of the tire rather than the tire sitting square.

 

[Luminox]

I run 17x8 all the way around with 4.5 backspacing and no mods other than the Shelby drop. I run 235/45/17 on the back and 205/40/17 on front but could have run 215 or 225s up front without a issue.

No wedge kit needed in my world.

 

[65straightsick]

front discs suffice just fine but 4 wheels has minimal improvement in stopping power depending on how much pressure is applied to the rear discs with the proportioning valve. It also looks nicer....If you don't plan on having entirely too much power then you should consider the explorer rear....after getting the axle shortened you would have an 8.8 with relatively tall gears and DB's...and a locking mechanism if you do your shopping right. Just a thought

 

[Gellpak]

True, but I don't know how far I'll be taking this car, and I've heard plenty of times on these forums of people breaking 8.8s and having to rebuild, replace, or hop up to a 9"...

I don't know, I think if I'm going to do it I should go ahead and do it to last, so unless the 8.8 is significantly less than a good 9", then I think I'll go with that.

Same with the discs... these rims will have some good gaps in them through which the brakes will be visible so I think I'll put all 4 on, if only for that reason.

So that leaves me with the question about the rear. Does buying a new rear necessarily mean my rear axle will change lengths, and therefore screw up my backspacing? (not too sure of the mechanics behind this) If this is the case I'd probably need to do that before I buy the rims. If not, what about the brakes? Will they affect the wheel mounting?

 

[65straightsick]

I believe that is only for the explorer rear....you can bolt in an 8 or 9 and try to find a good deal on rear discs if you'd rather...i am only going for the explorer rear because of the discs and because the gearing is right about what I need. I want TTII's and because the gaps are so wide, i want discs for appearance just as well...i completely understand what you mean about the wide gaps.