I have a 52 F1 with an explorer rear end, stock front and stock steel fenders. What rim width and backspacing is necessary to fit wheel wells and look great, and what size tire looks good on them? I`m trying to go with a 15 inch rim, but any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Oscar

 

Your best bet would be to find a friend with a Ranger or Explorer and borrow their spare tire for a trial front and back. Older stock Ranger/Explorer wheels have 1/2" offset so on a 7" width, there will be 4" of back spacing. Test mount a friends wheel and measure clearance on the back between the tire and the box and the tire and the fender opening. Estimate jounce and rebound tire positions as axle up against the rubber stop on one side and then axle supported by springs only. For the front do the same thing but also consider full left and right turn. Note clearance to the frame and fender in full turn. Simulate front jounce and rebound as best you can to determine optimum offset/back spacing and tire size.