Rear widths

[cobrabite]

I plan to build an MK4 around a fox width, 8.8" rear with a 5 lug flange.
I really like the 'look' or stance of an IRS width rear, with pin drive on 15" wheels and 295/50 R15 rubber.
Can anyone tell me what the flange to flange width of the IRS is with pin drive?
I have identified the fox width to be 59.25 from flange to flange and I hope it will look as good.
Maybe going to 315's will make it look 'meaner' ..
Anyone have pics of the differences?

[cobrabite]

To clarify - I think I want to run 15" wheels - as I like the old school big rubber look of the 15" wheels.
I believe 295/50 is as wide as I can go in the 15" FFR Halibrands.
I suppose I can be brow beated into the 17" wheels, but I prefer the 15" look.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I built this Mk4 for a customer:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Untitled-5.jpg

Mk4
Fox width rear end
FFR spindles
FFR wheels
Cooper Cobra tires
235/60-15 front
295/50-15 rear

Hope that helps!

Jeff

[Richard Oben]

If you do not have the kit get the pin drive IRS it sounds more expensive but in the end it will be less money.

To answer the question your overall needs to be 54.5 or 2.5 inches off of each end. FX track is 59.5. HTH, Richard.

[cobrabite]

Thanks very much Richard - the 54.5 width was precisely what I was looking for.:o
As I look into this deeper I am finding that the 15" tires leave me a lot less to choose from.
I am torn between this difficulty and the 'new school' look of the 17" (which also gives me more braking options).:confused:

2.5 inches on each side is huge!

How exactly will an IRS save me money in the end? I assumed that the IRS rear and the IRS suspension would each cost more.
(I was planning to go with a Forte 8.8 rear which costs $1650 with a 3 link FFR option)



If you do not have the kit get the pin drive IRS it sounds more expensive but in the end it will be less money.

To answer the question your overall needs to be 54.5 or 2.5 inches off of each end. FX track is 59.5. HTH, Richard.

[CraigS]

While I like your thinking about wheels w/ a deep outer dish, be sure to research exactly what wheels you would use w/ pin drive width axle. Their cost is one more negative to add the lack of tire availability. As a comparison this is a shot of 315s on my MkI w/ $140 each 10.5x17s on a standard Fox width axle.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/DSCN0157.jpg

[Richard Oben]

1650 plus the 3 link plus coil overs and you are at 2650 for a few hundred more you are at IRS. Worth more in the end. JMHO, Richard.

[MPTech]

I agree the 15" & Pin Drive look more period correct and I also like them better, but after much discussion, I went with the 17" non-Pin Drive because there's more availability of 17" tires, they perform better, come in a wider tire, can run bigger brakes, and with the non-Pin Drive you have other wheel options and could even mount a spare tire (if it clears you brake choice).

[cobrabite]

Ugh - This is getting to be a tough decision as I inch closer and closer to pulling the trigger on a kit delivery.
Thanks very much for the feedback so far- this forum has helped me a lot in spec-ing out my build (and avoiding the mistakes I am certain I would have made without the help)