What rear tires fit the '87 Trans Am?

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Drink - 18 Feb 2008 17:18 GMT

Hi all,
I have an '87 Firebird Trans Am and I want to fit some fat tires on the
rear. I don't have any narrowed axles, tubbed fenders or other such mod to
affect fitment; original axles & suspension geometry. I need to lift the
rear a little to raise the I.C.G. and help the suspension hook and intend to
do some other mods (shortened torque arm, CA reloc. brackets, etc.) and am
willing to swap rims to fit the tires.
So, there it is: Does anybody have insight as to how fat a tire will fit
the rear without scrubbing?
Best Regards,
Jim

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The Reverend Natural Light - 19 Feb 2008 20:42 GMT

> I have an '87 Firebird Trans Am and I want to fit some fat tires on the
> rear. I don't have any narrowed axles, tubbed fenders or other such mod to
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> So, there it is: Does anybody have insight as to how fat a tire will fit
> the rear without scrubbing?

Jacking the a.s-end up and stuffing in huge tires will ruin the
handling of the car.

If you don't already have the honeycomb 16" wheels, I'd recommend
finding two pair of matching front wheels (4 fronts, so you can rotate
them and it'll be a tad wider in the back), and put on some good
245/50R16 performance tires. Lower it about an inch, bolt in a set of
Koni shocks and struts, and weld on subframe connectors.

Also check the gearing. If it's anything other than a 3.73:1 rear
with a limited slip diff, go get one at a boneyard. It'll make a huge
difference.

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Drink - 24 Feb 2008 03:23 GMT

Thanks for the advice. I'm not exactly wanting to "jack it up"; just lift
it up a little since the springs are either sagging or somebody lowered it
to the point that the links are pointing down. I already have the honeycomb
16" with 245/50R16's, subframe connectors, 3.73 gears in the factory posi.
I'm setting it up for a bracket drag car and don't really straighten out
curves:) It's not a dedicated race car; just for weekend fun. I'm not
putting slicks on it.
I intend to shorten the torque arm and lift the back just a little to fix
the geometry so it'll hook a little better. Still, traction starts with
rubber on the road and I want wider tires on the rear. Anybody have any
ideas on what fits?
Best Regards,
Jim

>> I have an '87 Firebird Trans Am and I want to fit some fat tires on the
>> rear. I don't have any narrowed axles, tubbed fenders or other such mod
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> with a limited slip diff, go get one at a boneyard. It'll make a huge
> difference.

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