tire sizing help

[wikdsvt]

my '66 mustang has 255 45 R17's on the front (275's on the rear).

I need a shorter and narrower tire on the front, and would like to use my current rim.

Ford Factory Rim is 17" by 9" wide.

What is the narrowest (skinniest) tire I can run? 205? 195? (on a 9" wide rim)
drop down to 35 or 30 series tires so it is shorter?


$225 each to get the rims narrowed is too much, I'd rather try a smaller tire in the front.

 

[4 cam tbird]

Typically a 245 is the minimum recommended tire width for a 9 inch wheel. IMO even the 245 on a 9 on my Torino have that shitty stance nation stretch look. I know someone that recently had a 235 that wouldn't mount on a 9 inch wheel at all but things like that depend on the tire in question, I think that is unusual. The lame ass tire stretchers would tell you a 215 will work no problem. But they are idiots with cars that look like shit. I would say 245 and drop the height of the tire more by going to a lower aspect ratio.

 

[4 cam tbird]

What's the issue anyway? Tire contacting back of the wheel well area when turning?

 

[soap]

Typically a 245 is the minimum recommended tire width for a 9 inch wheel.

Agreed, I wouldn't go under a 245.

--Joe

 

[riche]

Have weldcraft cut down the fronts if you are dead set on using the wheel. 2554017 is about an inch shorter which might help on the clearance issue.

 

[The Man]

I just mounted Sumitomo 255/40/17's on my 03 Cobra wheels.....if you want to check it out, i can throw one or 2 in the truck and you can try them out to see if they fit, or if you need some measurements.

 

[wikdsvt]

what about these:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=255-45r17-245-40r17

 

[mustangmike6996]

I have a 235/45/17 on a 17x8 for my 1969 Mustang and I have tons of room. (granted its a bigger car with a bit more fender opening) but you should be able to get a 235 on a 9 inch wheel but it will look odd and be a pain in the ass. I wouldnt recommend anything less than a 245 on a 9"

 

[wikdsvt]

I have a 235/45/17 on a 17x8 for my 1969 Mustang and I have tons of room. (granted its a bigger car with a bit more fender opening) but you should be able to get a 235 on a 9 inch wheel but it will look odd and be a pain in the ass. I wouldnt recommend anything less than a 245 on a 9"

68-70 have much wider front suspension. I've had a '69 and '70 before.