Yet another wheel and tire question...

Hey gang.  So, I've been searching the forum and all over the internet and still can't seem to nail down the info I'm looking for.  It all seems a bit vague -or- unintelligible.

I'm going to be putting a set of 14x6 Torq Thrusts on my '66 Econoline and I've read that a decent tire size to use on this beast is 205/70R14.  No problem.

My problem is this...

The gray area seems to be back spacing.  TireRack has no listing for the Econoline.  As a matter of fact, there seems to be a generalized lack of Econoline info on the web. Now, I read here somewhere that the 5 lug Mustang wheels will work.  If I look them up on TireRack (just using the site as a reference) for a '66 Mustang 5 lug, I get the following:

Front and Rear

Size: 14x6
Offset: -2mm
Backspacing: 3.39"
Bolt Pattern: 5-4.5
Rec. Tire Size: 205/75-14
Weight: 14.5lbs.
Finish: Anthracite w/Mach Lip
Construction: 1pc. Gravity Cast

Can anyone verify the backspacing and whether or not this configuration will work on the Econoline without rubbing?

Thanks!!!

Hello,

That's the same combo I'm running on my 61 pickup. It works great but it will rub the draglink at full lock. Not bad. Just a little rub. You don't have much of an opition as the 14" TQ's only come in one size. Could run a spacer but to me that would be worse than dealing with the rub.

Duane in Tennessee

Duane, do the Econolines have an adjustable bump-stop like the Chebby vans?

I have 14x10's on the rear of my 67 and the only issue I have is hitting the wheel opening but I think I can solve that with air shocks

Guys, thanks so much. I wouldn't mind having a little wider rim on the back but doubt that I'd go much larger than an 8" but I'm not opposed to running the same rim and rubber all the way around.

The PO put real fat and tall tires on the back that rub the point at the bottom front of the wheel arch when the springs flex yet put these dinky little short, narrow pizza cutters on the front and it just looks plain stupid. Some people just shouldn't be allowed to have tools.  

Again, thanks! This helps me out a bunch! You guys ROCK!

Well let me tell you this.. If you go wider go up to a 15" wheel. Only due to lack of tire choice and availability. 14x10" tires are big money and very hard to find. I'm hunting now to be honest!!

Thanks RIP, Just had to make me walk out back and check didn't you.  Yes, The Econoline axle does indeed have adjustable limits. So if I was inclined I could crawl on the ground and adjust the rub out of my steering? It's easier to just not turn full lock. Yea, I'm lazy. LOL. BTW, The Dodge is also adjustable.

Duane in Tennessee

I cant think of a straight front axle that does not have adjustable TURN STOPS,, lol,,,, and dont know of ANY with an adjustable BUMP stop,,,,  LOL......  
 In regards to the rears hitting the wheel wells,,, personally, will be using 15" and want nothing to do with the issues yet to get worse with 14" tires. In the rears will using Old Skool  (lol)  Crager SS by 15" x 8"   and will be filling the well from side to side,, only issue is simply having the rear outer lips rolled by a proffesional with the machine so it comes out clean. There was a person on Craigs list advertising a rolling service coming to your house @ about $60 a well.  Not worth me hassling any of it for that price. Here is a picture of a freinds truck Sam Termine, with the tire combo I will be copying.
On the front of my driver (junk yard prowler),,,,  I am running 6 leafs up front and big tires, so I moved the front axle rear ward 1" in order to miss the usual rub spot of the lower front corners like most hit....
vic

Man I wish I lived out by you Vic. I'd be your shadow, any question that anyone could ask should just be directed to you. Insane amount of knowledge my friend!!

Thnx,,, could use some real help here,,,,  didnt realize the pic wouldnt show the back tires,, will try to resize it,,,
vic

Old Skool wrote:

WOW. That is one stunning Econoline!   

That's exactly the way i would like to do mine.Beautiful.

When I saw how well the back tires filled the whole wheel well, that made up my mind,, and as I had my 1st van about 45 years ago,, LOL.... the Cragers were in then and still in now,,, LOL>.
I have my new rims here sitting and ready for that day,,
vic

Old Skool wrote:Thnx,,, could use some real help here,,,,  didnt realize the pic wouldnt show the back tires,, will try to resize it,,,
vic

What back space are you running on the rear 8'' cragars ?

Vic, those are 8" in the back??? Look like 10 or 11"! What rubber is on them? What are you running up front, 7"?

Wow!!! That is one of the cleanest, shiniest, prettiest Econos I've ever seen!