We just installed a set of Legendary Wheels Magnum 500’s on our 1968 Cougar. We went with a 17"x7" on the front and 17"x8" on the rear. The fronts have a 4.25" backspacing and the rears are 4.75". I decided on Continental Extremecontact DWS 06 tires and went with a 225/50/17 (OAL Dia 25.9")for the front and a 235/55/17 (OAL Dia 27.2") on the rear.
The only mods are clipping a 1/2 a coil off the stock springs, Opentracker roller spring perches and a 1" Shelby drop on the front. I am debating a 1" lowering block for the rear.
I have new wheel lip moldings to install and need to come up with a better center cap insert.
Keep in mind cougars have a unique block in the rear and you will most likely have to build your own unless you switch to all mustang spring plates etc.
Cool wheels and nice timing. I am in the process of buying new wheels and its good to see a set of 17’s on another 68. I am going with the black version of these Magnums. 17 x 8 in the rear but with a 28" drag radial. I may end up using 15 x 7 in the front with a 26" tire. Suspension on my 68 is stock height currently.
Guys,
I really appreciate all of the replies. I was really concerned with the 17’s looking cartoonish, but with the sidewall, I think that they work. After some deliberation we have decided to add the 1" drop to the rear. I didn’t know about the unique Cougar leaf spring block, but will take a look. I have a full machine shop and can whip up what I need.
If you are looking for new tires, those Continental tires are great! They have awesome grip and ride very well. They so impressed me that I ordered another set today for the 1965 Falcon.
I don’t like my current shocks though. The car has a set of KYB’ Gas-A-Just on it and I find them to be very stiff. Too stiff. Like buckboard stiff. I ordered a set of street valved Bilsteins from Street or Track today and hope they will give a much better ride.
I pulled the Cougar specific leaf spring mount off my car when I replaced my rear springs at the advice of the spring maker, Flexform. It’s a steel or cast iron and rubber mounting clamp that wraps around the spring.
I think you’ll really like the Street or Track Bilstein shocks. I also have them on my car and think they’re great. Shaun is really good to work with too!
Here’s what I did for the purpose of altering pinion angle. Shims, like a block, will raise the axle/lower the vehicle. I am going with Cal Tracs over the winter and will need a revised solution accordingly.
