What tires and size is recommended

[Dan353]

I was just wondering what tires and size everyone is running on their cars?  Mine is a driver built Jan 6 1969. Currently it has BF Goodrich 235 60 15's. I'm just wondering if I should go with a smaller tire since it doesn't have the big spindles?

Dan

[Bigfoot]

I like that size....

[Bob Gaines]

I was just wondering what tires and size everyone is running on their cars?  Mine is a driver built Jan 6 1969. Currently it has BF Goodrich 235 60 15's. I'm just wondering if I should go with a smaller tire since it doesn't have the big spindles?

Dan

Although smaller suspension spindles I have not heard of a issue on any Mustang/Shelby over the many years outside of what Ford reported back in the day. If they don't rub keepem IMO . Just my observations . Others may have different.

[shelbydoug]

I'm not sure where or why Ford determined the spindles were too small. I agree with Bob that I have never even heard of spindle failure.

I will go further and say that the Trans Am race cars all used the small spindles until the bigger ones appeared. Then a natural migration to them occurred.

In addition, the Panteras used much of the Mustang front suspension dimensions such as spindle size.
They only had one spindle size. The small one and went to a significantly larger wheel, 10" x15" and a 295-50-15 race tire (in todays sizes) on the front of the Group 4 race cars. Apparently they never felt it necessary to go bigger even for race dependability?

I don't think you need to worry much about what size tire to put on the front at all. Just do it.

[Tor]

Hello
Take a look in The Shelby american magazine 46 on page 65,there is a story about a 69 Shelby with a spindle snap.The story does not say about any tire size,big ore small suspension.

Regards
Tor

[shelbydoug]

What is the date of #46?

[shelbymann1970]

I'm running 235-60-15s on a large spindle car. If you are not auto crossing it I suspect you won't have any problems. you should see the size tires people are putting on reg 69-70 Mustangs these days with stock suspensions. SMH.  Gary

[shelbydoug]

I'm running 235-60-15s on a large spindle car. If you are not auto crossing it I suspect you won't have any problems. you should see the size tires people are putting on reg 69-70 Mustangs these days with stock suspensions. SMH.  Gary

I think the criteria really is that you need the stickiness of a full race tire and need to worry about hitting a curb at say 100mph to have a spindle issue.

I too am running 235-60-15 tires on big spindles. Unless there is a quality of the forging, there is no issue there. On street tires, I don't even see an issue with the small spindle.

There are other items that will break before the spindle does. Lug studs for one.

The days of anyone running a rock hard bias ply tire hard are long gone. A radial tire alone is going to reduce the shock to the spindle. The spindle is going to bend before it snaps. That's as long as someone hasn't put it through a hardening process and  tempered it. That would be an issue since then it could snap rather then bend.

[Tor]

The date is 1984 shelbydoug

Tor

What is the date of #46?

[69 GT350 Vert]

I also have 235 60 15 and like them.  The only issue I have is my speedometer is 3 to 4 mph too fast with that tire size. 

[shelbymann1970]

I also have 235 60 15 and like them.  The only issue I have is my speedometer is 3 to 4 mph too fast with that tire size.

What make tires? When I went shopping I went for the direct replacement but then again my car was a F-60-15 car. Back in 1986 when I put Goodyear STs on it 245-60-15s were the replacement size. Not all tire sizes are the same also from manufacturer to manufacturer. Found that out buying tires for my 68 Shelby(coming up with mismatched size as I went with 215-65-15s in the front and 255-60-15s in the rear). I have used waze to match my KPH to MPH. Waze is really accurate in seeing your MPH. Gary

[427hunter]

I have G60-15 polyglas on mine, they drive just fine on bias ply tires..

[Bob Gaines]

I have G60-15 polyglas on mine, they drive just fine on bias ply tires..

In your case " fine" is a relative term I suppose. To the vast majority of those that have driven on both a different not as favorable term can be substituted.  That is OK ,to each their own.

[shelbydoug]

I have G60-15 polyglas on mine, they drive just fine on bias ply tires..

In your case " fine" is a relative term I suppose. To the vast majority of those that have driven on both a different not as favorable term can be substituted.  That is OK ,to each their own.

[69 GT350 Vert]

I also have 235 60 15 and like them.  The only issue I have is my speedometer is 3 to 4 mph too fast with that tire size.

What make tires? When I went shopping I went for the direct replacement but then again my car was a F-60-15 car. Back in 1986 when I put Goodyear STs on it 245-60-15s were the replacement size. Not all tire sizes are the same also from manufacturer to manufacturer. Found that out buying tires for my 68 Shelby(coming up with mismatched size as I went with 215-65-15s in the front and 255-60-15s in the rear). I have used waze to match my KPH to MPH. Waze is really accurate in seeing your MPH. Gary

My current tires are 10 years old and need replaced due to age - I think.  they are firestone firehawk indy 500s.  I really like them, but are no longer available.  The only 2 I can find in that size that are readily available on tirerack.com are the BF Goodrich and the Cooper Cobras.  I am planning to purchase the Cooper Cobras sometime soon.