Hey guys, I see a set of wheels that are 18 x 9s with 5.25" back space. These would go on my 71 ebody. I am not a fan of the real low profile tire but I am wondering as the price is very good for a set.

First of all, does anyone have some pics of their ebodies with 18" rims? What tires sizes are you running on them?

Second, the back spacing is 5.25"... would these fit a stock wheel openings, front and back, without rubbing? If I am right with my back spacing info, a 1/4" (or a little more) wheel spacer could be used to bring rim away from inner body. But what about turning for the fronts?

If the price wasn't so good, I would stick with the smaller rims though I do know the shorter profile tires will really help handling vs. the fat sidewall 15"ers. I just don't want the car to look weird with too tall of rim. Pic of rim:

The common size tire for that rim will be 275-35-18... with lots of brands, etc. to choose from!. The rim size/backspacing is good and should work A-OK front and rear.... but.. at least be prepared to fold your lips if you want extra peace-of-mind. And... stiffen up your suspension if you want.

In the rear, you could swap to a B-body ~68-70 8.75"... having a slightly narrower track (not so desirable for handling) ... giving more fender lip clearance. The Challengers have a little more overall inner fender clearance vs the BCudas... from what I've seen.

Also, be prepared for a slightly more harsh ride with shorter profile tires as there will be less forgiveness with the shorter sidewalls... and more potential for rim damage IF you hit some bad pot-holes and/or run low on tire psi. Just prefer to drive on smooth roads and you'll be OK with the comfort the majority of the time. Watch those tire psi !!!

Get a new steering alignment... with as much positive caster as possible... as the wider front tires will tend to wonder with peaks of the roads... especially highways. Be willing to make front end mods... at least the MOOG offset UCA bushings (installed in reverse) that will get you more positive caster ... and/or change your UCAs (FF, QA1, Hotchkis, SPC, etc.) that get you more positive caster. (Caution: The new version of the Hotchkis UCAs may not clear your inner rims upon full turning lock... poor design change by Hotchkis... although it makes alignment changes a bit easier).

You can get 18" tires with more side wall to take away some of the riding on a brick feel.

Thanks for all the info.

If I get a taller side wall tire, will there be a clearance issue? I like the idea of a little more sidewall for rim safety/ ride quality.

My experience with 17x9 wheels with 5" backspacing and the fast ratio pitman arm (w/ apporpriate idler on the opposite side), I had the tire rubbing the rear of the frame rail on full lock. Tires are about 26" tall (275/40 17s) and the car is lowered a bit.
As far as ride, go with a quality shock, I found that to be the biggest difference. I can't really go to a taller tire without changing the fender profile and needing less wheel backspace.