Next on the list of mods to my '64 Valiant convertible is upgrading my brakes, rear end, tires and wheels.

I'm going with late-A disc brakes and 8-1/4 rear end. The wheel I prefer to use is the somewhat rare 15 x 8 5-spoke Cordoba wheel, since I already have them. Second choice is a 14" rallye wheel, which I would buy new from Stockton's.

I know the wider track from the late-A rear end and brake change will further cut into the already limited tire space. Has anyone had experience with the wheel sizes I want, and if so, what size tires did you use?

I have used a stock mopar 15x6.5" wheel with P225x60 tires. These fit just fine. Others have used the 15x7 cop wheels with P235x60 tires with success.

The answer to your previous question on telling axles apart is as follows; the 8.25" axle has a oval shaped inspection cover that is retained by 10 bolts. The axle tubes are 3" in diameter. They usually are in cars that had v8s. The 7.25" axle has a squarish shaped inspection cover and is retained by 9 bolts. The axle tubes are smaller then 3". These are in cars that had 6s. All disk brake cars have the large 5x4.5" bolt pattern. The drum brake cars had the 5x4" bolt pattern.

All A-body axles are 56.75" from wheel hub to wheel hub, with 43" spring perches. An axle from a late '70s Ford Granada/Mercury Monarch/Lincoln Versielles measues 57.5" from hub to hub, has the same 43" spring perches and actually centers the tires in the wheel wells better then the mopar unit. The 8" axle is found behind 302s and the 6s. The 9" can be found behind the 351s and bigger engines. The 8" and 9" axles have the drop-out center like the mopar 8.75". Ford also made a 8.75" axle. This one is also found behind the 351s, especially in the Monarchs. It has a rear inspection cover like the mopar units. There are no gear sets available for this axle! So buyer beware. But it sure looks nice under the car...

To make the Ford axles work you will need to cut the drive shaft and have a ford bearing cap welded on, but then you will have to cut the drive shaft if you use the 8.25 anyway.



klesteb@aol.com

Gary, I have a 63 Valiant 4dr set up exactly like you are planning for your car. Out back, I have 15x7 police wheels and 235/60 H rated tires. Same wheels in front with 205/60 H rated tires. I really like this combination for looks, but would rather have the same tire size all around so I can rotate them from time to time. No modifications were needed to make them fit and there is little room to spare. I also have torsion bars for a 383 car, heavy duty leaf springs, and front and rear sway bars. This little 4 dr handles very well!

Your 15x8 wheels on an early A body will be pushing the limit. They might work with a very low profile tire, such as a 50 series. You will need to do some careful measuring to be sure.

Good luck
Pete Vanderlaan

pmvdlaan@picusnet.com

An alternative to changing the bearing cap on the drive shaft is to use the crossover U-joint that has Ford cups on one side and Chryco ones on the other. Its a NAPA stock item here in Canada.

Pete,

What is the back spacing on the 15x7 police wheel's your using?

Thanks,
Gary L (a different Gary)


theluketribe@hotmail.com

Back spacing is 4.5 inches, which makes it about .72 offset. The police wheels are nice, but heavy.

pmvdlaan@picusnet.com