Wheels-Tires Question About Wheel Fitment And Mods Needed

[benben2826]

I am a proud new owner of an 89 GT Vert. I recently purchased the "1979-93 FORD MUSTANG SVE ANNIVERSARY WHEEL KIT - 17X9/10 - BLACK" from LMR along with an 8mm front spacer that was recommended for the front by other buyers.

I will be running 235/45r17s on the front (I am aware they are a bit small but I already own them) and I am looking to run a 285 or 295/40r17 in the rear. I am looking for recommendations on tire size and brand/specific tire. Here are the wheel specs.
Wheel Specs

Wheel Diameter - 17"
Wheel Width - 9"
Lugs - 4
Offset - +20mm
Backspacing - 5.95"
Wheel Weight - 25lbs

Wheel Diameter - 17"
Wheel Width - 10"
Lugs - 4
Offset - +25mm
Backspacing - 6.25"
Wheel Weight - 25 lbs

I am on all stock suspension and I am wondering if I need to remove or "flip" the rear quad shocks? Also do I need to "massage" anything? I am at stockish ride height so I'm also not sure about rolling the fenders.
Pics for attention/refference

 

[Davedacarpainter]

235's aren't really small. They'll probably work nicely for the front.

285's with 17's on the rear? That's a bit tight for a fox. You might need to take a BFH to the tubs back there and roll the 1/4's to keep from cutting into the tire.

It can be done. 285's would fit on my '86 prior to my mini tubbing. It's tight though, you might consider a panhard bar at that stage. I guess i really depends how much you lower your mustang. Stock height with 285/15's will be right on the edge.

 

[Mustang5L5]

235's aren't really small. They'll probably work nicely for the front.

235/45/17's are great on a 8" wide rim. Perfect width, and the slightly smaller diameter helps with rub...but on a 9" wide rim, they will stretch.

You should beable to do a 17x10 with a 285/40/17 in the back. Key is the backspacing of the wheel, and ditching the quad shocks. I believe the sweet number for backspacing is 6". 6.25"...you might need to massage the inner fenders a bit.