Hey guys! I got a great deal on a set of 17×8 Mustang wheels that I want to put on my '55 F100. I have a drop front axel with disc brakes and the correct lug pattern. I want to find an 8.8 rear with discs that will center the wheels in the fenders. I'm running a 223 with a 3 speed r10 overdrive. Stock gears are 392. Thinking of 355 or 327 gears in the 8.8. The Bullitt wheels are 6.5" backset+-. I'm thinking I'll need a rear end from 62.5"-63" wide. I've been searching the web for days to find out what vehicle might provide this rear end, but no one seems to mention the width of rear ends based on vehicle. Frustrating to say the least!

 

Ford explorer rear ends seem to be pretty popular and will have the correct lug pattern your looking for. I believe the width was a little narrower but a spacer could be used if needed. They will give you disc brakes on newer models and rear ends vary on gearing. Keep in mind the back spacing on those mustang rims.

 

I tried those wheels on my 56 and on the front, the offset/backspace put the center of the tread so far inward, that I could not achieve full turn left or right without the inner sidewall contacting the frame rail.

 

That what spacers are for....

 

I have 2005 18's on my 56. I had to use spacers and I have a 72 Torino rear.