[Gene Rittenhouse]

I apologize if this topic has been addressed previously, but I would like to know if anyone in this forum has installed 4th gen (17x9) wheels on a 2nd gen F-body? If so, what type of spacers were used (front and rear)? What tire sizes were used? Did you have any clearance issues? Please advise. Thanks! Gene Rittenhouse

[Gene Rittenhouse]

I apologize if this topic has been addressed previously, but I would like to know if anyone in this forum has installed 4th gen (17x9) wheels on a 2nd gen F-body? If so, what type of spacers were used (front and rear)? What tire sizes were used? Did you have any clearance issues? Please advise. Thanks! Gene Rittenhouse

[Aeolian-X]

I've never done this, but it's all a mater of backspacing. 2nd gen TA's have 6" of backspacing clearance for 17" wheels. I don't know if the 4th gen wheels have more or less, so you'll either have to measure them, or get the info somewhere else.

An easy way to measure backspacing is to take a yardstick or straight 2x4 and lay it across the back of the wheel surface, (bead). Then measure from the lug area of the wheel to the board or yardstick. That's your backspacing. Don't forget that your tires may hang over the bead a little also, so this will also add into the equation.

- AX
_________________________

IT Goes In Better With A Little Bit Of Rock-N-Roll!

[1980 TA]

Gene,

If you are still considering the use of the 4th gen 17x9 wheels, I can help. I havew been running them on my car for over a year and absolutely love them. I get compliments on them all of the time. I use 1 1/4 adaptors on the front and 1 3/4 on the rear. The only clearance problem is the left front tire will rub the sway bar at a full turn. I installed a 3rd gen 12:1 box and did not remove the internal stops. This lengthen my turning radius some but now it does not rub. I have never had a problem with getting around parking lots due to the longer turning radius. I have pics posted on my TransAmCountry.com member page.

[autoholic79]

1980 TA,

Those wheels look great! That looks like something I'd like to try, could you answer a few ques.
Is your speedo still correct? Do you have rear discs and if so will the spacers work with drums? Where did you get the spacers? Could I live with the rubbing if I was careful not to turn the wheel too much?
Thanks

[1980 TA]

My speedo is within 7% so it is close enough, but then the trans is different so I got lucky. Anytime you change overall tire diameter it will affect the speedo reading.

I have used the spacers with drum brakes and they work fine either way. I also purchase vette brakes adaptors/spacers and have always been pleased. There are several other places that sell them, it will take me a while to find them. I could live with the rubbing prior to switching steering boxes. As I said it would only do it on the driver's side at full lock and while going over a bump. In all reality it did it once or twice a month. All it every did was rub the paint off of the sway bar. I wouldn't worry about it.