How much tire clearance needed for leaf spring cars?
 

Hi everyone! Newbie here!

I am building a '71 Cuda convertible and planning to fit some 335/30/18's out back.

If I am to keep the leaf spring suspension, what is the rule of thumb or recommended mininum tire sidewall-to-quarter panel and tire sidewall-to-leaf spring clearance I will need?

I have 14.5" in the wheel house width once the quarter panel lip is rolled.

the 335/30/18 mounted on a 12" wheel should have a section width of 13.5" (Michelin Pilot Sports). This gives me about 1" of room.

I was thinking 3/8" tire-to-spring and 5/8" tire-to-quarter. any thoughts?

Many thanks in advance and look forward to learning more.

Gil

P.S. I attached a pic I photochopped of hopefully the finished product.

Welcome, Gil. My Michelin Pilot Sports had a measured section width of 13.25" when mounted on a 12" wheel.

The wheel to fender lip depends on ride height. The further you have the wheel/tire tucked up into the wheel well, the less room you have.

3/8" to leaf spring sounds fine to me, I've seen tighter setups. Be sure to look at the clearance from tire to inner fender. When the body rolls when entering/exiting driveways, you can get some rubbing depending on how much room you have.

Thanks!
 

Hey Scott! Thanks for the welcome and the quick reply :thumbsup:

I do not plan to have the tire tucked up in the well, about the top of the tire even with the lower edge of the quarter.

I remember reading a magazine tech article where they suggested 1/2" as the mininum tire clearance to body, does that seem right?
And I totally understand about checking tire clearance within the wheel house.

Thanks again!