How close can the tire be to leaf spring and still be safe?

[Blakcharger440]

I am planning on running wider rims and tires and I am wondering just how close I can place the tire to the leaf spring and be safe from rubbing on corners and stuff.

The tires will be 45 series and I will have a rear sway bar also on a 70 Charger RT.

[Chryco Psycho]

1/2 " should be fine , the tire will deflect in corners But it deflects at the bottom not 1/2 way up the tire

[HeavyFuel]

this is pretty close (not my car)

[Blakcharger440]

Awesome guys! Thanks Heavyfuel and Chryco!   Those are some huge tires! 

[dodge freak]

In that picture  the tires are too close. Don't forget sometimes you pick up a nail and get a slow leak, then the tire gets wider. If you are going at high speed and the tire touch the spring it could RIP apart. You could then wreck your car or even get hurt too. Not worth it. They make spring offsets to move them in closer. If you cant do it take it to a good spring shop or get a skinner tire. I have lost control of a car at around 70 mph and spent 3 weeks in the hospital and had no car when I got out. Better to play it safe believe me.

[Blakcharger440]

Hmmm. Interesting stuff Dodge Freak. I hope to keep at least a 1/2 inch clearance from tire to leaf spring.

[Aussiemadonmopars]

I agree, a half inch should be heaps. If at a standstill, thats all the clearance you have, then surely when barrelling down the highway, at speeds starting with 1 (2 over here) and ending in jail, the tyre would grow and the clearance would actually be more. The same would be as on the drag strip. Guys who race actually make allowance for that when they are picking their final gear ratios. They sound like there engines are very slow to wind up at half track but they are still picking up speed. This theory of course only works with almost flat (8-10 psi) tall profile tyres and wouldn't work with a 45 profile tyre. Just my 2 cents. 

[Blakcharger440]

Makes sense to me Aussie! Thanks!