78 wheel sizing
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Senior User
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From: Vancouver, Canada
78 wheel sizing
hey everyone, new to the classic ford ownership deal, i have a question for anyone who can help me. i have 16.5" rims on my 78 f-250, dana 60 rear dana 44 front, and i want/need new tires and rims. i need to know if 16's will fit because i looked and the caliper now is less than1/4" from the rim so it seems ( by looks) that 16's will not fit. is this true or are 16's ok
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Welcome to FTE, from what I read on here 16's will for you and make buying tires cheaper and you will have a better selection.
I believe you might need a specific back space, I'm not to sure but someone will answer soon enough.
You can also use the search function to read up on this same issue that has already been addressed in the past. FYI
I believe you might need a specific back space, I'm not to sure but someone will answer soon enough.
You can also use the search function to read up on this same issue that has already been addressed in the past. FYI
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
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I have both a '78 & '79 f250 and both have what I assume are the factory 16" steel wheels, but they have D60's in them all around, so yes they fit might depend on wheel design to clear calipers? I'm kinda new to this as well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
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From: Montana Territory
What you need are 16" wheels with no offset or negative offset. That means the center of the wheel is in the middle of the rim portion, or more towards the rear portion of the rim.
When you order wheels, you will see the size in diameter and width, in inches 16x9 for example, then it will have the bolt pattern - number of lugs x diameter of bolt circle in inches or millimeters, 8x6.5" or 8x170mm for example. Finally it will have an offset number given in millimeters. No number or +0 will be no offset. So a full designation will look like this: 16x9 8x6.5 +10 for example. Positive offset will bring the wheels under the truck and negative offset will make them stick out further. My state requires fenders to completely cover the top of the tire, so make sure you don't have problems with that.
When you order wheels, you will see the size in diameter and width, in inches 16x9 for example, then it will have the bolt pattern - number of lugs x diameter of bolt circle in inches or millimeters, 8x6.5" or 8x170mm for example. Finally it will have an offset number given in millimeters. No number or +0 will be no offset. So a full designation will look like this: 16x9 8x6.5 +10 for example. Positive offset will bring the wheels under the truck and negative offset will make them stick out further. My state requires fenders to completely cover the top of the tire, so make sure you don't have problems with that.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Nice reply there Matts72, 1978-BBB for your truck you need 8 on 6.5 for the lug pattern, 8 on 177mm started on 99 and up rigs.
Depending on your tires size/lift you might want as little negative offset to push them out for clearance?
Depending on your tires size/lift you might want as little negative offset to push them out for clearance?
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Painesville, Ohio
Matts72 is spot on. I had a set of shallow aluminum 16x7's and I had to grind some of the bolt head that holds to caliper keeper. I had to shave it about in half. Since then i bought new deep aluminum 16X10's and with these i have plenty of room.
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Senior User
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WOW!! thanks alot guys i didnt expect that fast and as detailed a response, really appreciate it. You guys have made my life alot easier.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Vancouver, Canada
so i am looking at a set of crager rims, regular black steel nothing fancy, they have 4.5 inch backspace and 0 offset. these would not cause any problems?
Cragar 3977880 - Cragar Black Soft 8 Wheels - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Cragar 3977880 - Cragar Black Soft 8 Wheels - Overview - SummitRacing.com
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