What rear tires fit the '87 Trans Am?

External Since: Feb 18, 2008 Posts: 4

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

External Since: Apr 20, 2007 Posts: 52

On Feb 18, 12:18 pm, "Drink" <jdrinkwa....TakeThisOut@satx.rr.com> wrote:
> 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?

Jacking the ass-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.