71 GS Rear Wheels and Tires - Max offset and size info?

[John Hutchin]

Hi all,

My wife wants to go with a beefier set of rear wheels/tires on her 71 GS 455. Does anyone have experience with the max offset and tire size I can use without rubbing issues? I don't want to do any other modifications like fender flares or axle shortening. Any opinions on how badly it screw up the ride and handling? We do lots of long rides in SW and central Pennsylvania mountains.

Thanks,
John

[70 gsconvt]

Hi, I've had most sizes on my car. The biggest that you can fit on the back is a 15x10 wheel with a 5.5" to 5-5/8" backspacing. I give a range because these cars were not built to exacting standards and there is a slight varience from car to car.

I run a 325/50R15 tire on my wheel with 5-5/8" backspacing. I can fit one finger between the tire and the frame rail. You will also have to trim the top of the fender well or roll the lip back to ensure clearance and no sidewall rubbing.

Additionally, I have airbags in the rear springs to keep the rearend from bouncing too much on bumps and with people in the back seat. The curve of the inner fender well will cause the tire to rub up in there if you go over a big enough bump. I run about 7-10 psi on the street and have no problems.

[John Hutchin]

Thanks Phil!
I appreciate the info.
Regards,
John