Wheels and tires

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Community Discussion
1

I found a set of used Torq Thrusts with good tires for $650. The only question I have is about the backspacing. The owner says the backspacing is 5", rather than 4.5". Would this cause much of an issue with my 67?

Thanks!

2

If I’m remembering right, that will pull the wheel in toward the suspension about 1/2" so you’d want to check clearances. Here is a good link I found with lots of additional information:

http://tires.about.com/od/understanding_wheels/a/Wheel-Anatomy-101-Structure.htm
http://tires.about.com/od/understanding_tires/a/Wheel-Anatomy-201-Beads-And-Flanges.htm
http://tires.about.com/od/understanding_wheels/a/Wheel-Anatomy-301-Offset-And-Backspacing.htm

Regards,
Bill

3

It will depend on the diameter. If they’re 16" diameter or smaller, you won’t clear the upper control arms on the front. Even so, on a 17" it would be iffy at best.

On the rear, no problems.

4

Thanks for the help, guys! Local Hero, they are 17" wheels, polished Torq Thrust IIs.

5

Would a spacer on the front help, Local Hero? How thick? Half inch?

6

A 7/16" spacer (Mr. Gasket P/N 2372, $18 at Summit) would push the inside lip of the wheel almost back to the normal position but the lip is now 1.5" from stock. Also, we don’t know the offset of the wheels you’re considering. So you really should do a test fit as part of the deal. I can’t tell you how often we get people in the store who bought wheels on eBay or Craigslist and they don’t fit the application. Most we can help but sometimes not and the person is stuck trying to get their money back out.

7

I’m pretty sure my wheels - 17x8 - are 5 inch backspace and they fit great. Mine are not Torque thrust wheels though. My only negative issue is that my front tires will rub the fender lip on tight turns such as going into a driveway, but I think this will not be a problem if I get a slightly narrower front tire next time. I have 235/45 front tires now. Back wheels/tires fit great with now rubbing issues at all.

8

Thanks for the responses, myhighschoolxr7 and CatVert68! I really do appreciate the help. I hate to pass up what appears to be a good deal. CatVert68, I will ask him what the offset is. I believe I asked him earlier, but I forgot.

9

I steer clear (no pun intended) of spacers at all costs. I had a bad incident with a set once and now I just make sure I get the right wheels to start with.