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Old Oct 15, 2016 | 07:18 PM
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Default help with wheels

I'm pretty sure I've done the research and know the answer but i'd rather differ to the experts.

I'm looking into these wheels for my 1978 restomod and I just want to make sure they will fit:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...=Car%2FMinivan

Would I need a small spacer?

Last edited by eddiejb; Oct 16, 2016 at 11:48 AM.
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Old Oct 15, 2016 | 08:32 PM
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That is 5.34" backspace. You may have a 4" backspace on the original wheels. Someone else can confirm that. It that is so, I'd say it would need more than a small spacer. You need about -17 offset to keep the wheels off the trailing arm.
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 09:43 AM
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Think back space. For a 5.34" BS, you will probably need a 1/2" spacer. If you relocate the parking brake cable bracket, you maybe able to go less on the spacer. I have 18" with 5.25" BS on rear. I relocated the cable bracket and I didn't need to use a spacer.
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 11:51 AM
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Thanks. Yeah, I was thinking it would be about 0.8 of an inch more backspacing but I could probably get away with a half inch spacer. What's the general perception of spacers on these cars? I've never used them on any of my cars before.
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 12:36 PM
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Inner 33mm less
Outer RETRACT by 21mm

I've seen cars with zero offset or 4.5" backspace. So you are close there without rubbing.

A 1" adapter should work. I use http://www.motorsport-tech.com/ for my adapters.
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Old Oct 17, 2016 | 07:03 AM
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5.34" backspace on an 18" wheel may fit the rear with relocated handbrake cable and removed or modified rear swaybar if your car has one. I think the spring will fit inside an 18" wheel, but if not you will need a shortened spring. On the front I think the tie rod end will be inside an 18" wheel, but if not you will need at least ~0.4" of spacer.

Something else to consider though: the outside of an 8.5" wide wheel with 5.34" backspace will be 0.84" further inside the wheel arch than a standard 8" wide 4" backspace wheel. I dare say this will look pretty ordinary and you'll want a ~1" spacer/bolt on adapter to get the wheel sitting where it looks right on the car. With a big enough spacer/adapter to get the outside of the wheel where it looks right you will have no problems with fitment of the wheels on the inside, and shouldn't have to make any modifications to the car.

Last edited by Metalhead140; Aug 13, 2017 at 04:09 AM. Reason: typos
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