Tire clearance

WILLR1111

MEMBER
1973 CHEVROLET NOVA
5.0L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I purchased my car 2 years ago it already had the rear drum to disk conversion done. I am trying to install large rear tires and they stick out from the fender. The passenger side shock is on the front side of the axel and more straight up, the driver side is on the rear side of the axel and is at an angle. The passenger side is fine and has good clearance but the driver side will not clear the fender and I was not sure if it was because of the angle of the driver side shock.

Monday, November 23rd, 2020 AT 7:01 AM

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Can you get some pictures of what you are dealing with to start?

From the sound of this, you need to relocate things to fit the larger tires in. Unfortunately anytime you are doing this type of stuff, it is never just buy wheels and put them on. If the shock is in the way you will have to relocate the mount or get different wheels with different offset. Meaning the place it bolts to the hub is further in or out in relation to the edge of the wheel. See the attached info for more detail.

If changing the offset will get you the clearance you need it won't fix the issue of it sticking out from the fender. This is when you need to install a wheel tub. Meaning you cut out the fender well and install a larger one so that you can fit a larger tire.

It sounds like the solution to this is not an easy one no matter which way you go but let's get some pictures and I am sure we can figure out what is needed for sure. Thanks

Image (Click to make bigger)