These wheels

[512Stroker]

Just got my 383 Newport home and I am taking the motor/tranny and rear end out of it.  I am having the rearend shortened after I measure everything with these wheels.
 http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D521%2D5165PS&N=700+4294923107+400304+4294923105+4294793325+4294795084+4294755963+115&autoview=sku 

What will it take to fit these wheels in the stock wheelwell (1970 Dodge Dart Swinger)?  I plan on moving the springs in but I do not want to minitub unless I have to...  Also the rear has the big big drums.  Thank you in advance.

[loiq]

I believe you'll have to cut it up to get 10-inch rims in there.

[512Stroker]

  8" it will probably have to be then.  I guess I can get a different tire a little larger than the rim to make everything seem larger....

Also the 15 by 8s have an available 4.5 or 5.5 inch backspacing.   What would be the benefit of a larger backspace?? 

[512Stroker]

Nobody?

[moparrr07]

the wheels sit in further, buy what fits your car better, you dont want it to look stupid by having the wheels to far in or out

[flyboy01]

Simply put, no way!

I have 15x8 Draglites with 4.5bs. I had to cut my fender lips to get clearance with 265/50r15 tires (about the same width as some 275-60r15). To get those to fit you will need to minitub it and narrow the axle, probably about 1 1/4" per side. Now my disclaimer, I have measured a few different cars. They all vary with clearance to some degree, one 69 dart had 3/8" less clearance than my 68 Dart. Go figure, I guess tolerances in Dodges were not very tight 30 years ago. SO in other words, measure. The best way is to use a bare wheel to measure off of.

Now, here is another tip. M&H Drag radials have the same treadwidth as other 275/60r15 tires, but they have a sidewall that is 1/2" narrower.

I have 5/8" clearance to my trimmed fender. Check out my link, I have pictures.

[mischiefdart]

If you are spending the money to have a rear narrowed you may as well minitub the car IMO. My '70 Dart is minitubbed and has a rear end flange to flange width of 45" and fits a 15x10 with 3.5" rearspace wheel. I am using ford explorer rear disc brakes.  BBDThe wheel well is about 14" wide and fits a 325/50/15 MT drag radial.

[512Stroker]

I was thinking that I should just minitub it at the same time that I was doing the spring relocation anyway.  I will probably do that then... I will get everything cut up, put the wheels under the car, get everything centered, and measure for my housing length.  Thanks.

[thecarfarmer]

If you want to run 10" rims in a '70 Dart, I think you'll be mini-tubbing.

I don't know if you're in a position where you can do everything (time and/or money wise) all at once; if not, I'd at least do the spring relocation while the rear end is being cut to fit.

Of course, you run the risk of never getting the rims you bought tucked under the back of the car, because your best friend buys it from you before you do the wheelwells...

Now, for the self-promotion part:  please check out my website (www.thecarfarm.com) before making a decision on the spring relocation parts.

Oh, and the big drums are cool.  With big & littles, you may have to use an adjustable proportioning valve anyway; you can just cut down the pressure to the rears a little more, and they'll still do their share w/o working hard at all.  And, they'll hold the car still while you load the suspension with the motor (if you have an AT).

-bill