Originally Posted by ozarks06

It will fit fine in a 65-66 but it is not a bolt in. You have to cut off the spring perches and move them, as you noted. If the car is lowered much you will have to 'massage' the tunnel a little under the back seat right at the end or the pinion flange will likely hit on big bumps. You can also replace the pinion with a yoke to reduce the diameter and the chance of hitting. I've been running one for two years (11K miles) with no issues (and plenty of horsepower and traction). My setup is not typical (using 2-piece 06 GT driveshaft with CV joints) but as far as size, the Explorer rear fits right in.

You can go as big as 245/45-17 tires on 99-04 17" rims (5.72 backspacing). If you use 05+ 17" rim (6.29 backspace) you can't use the typical takeoff 235 tires since they will probably rub on the inside (less than 1/4" space sitting still). If you went to shorter tires (245/45) you might be able to use 05+ rims. 99-04 rims are your best bet.

Originally Posted by shocktime

Will 99-04 wheels bolt up to the front of a 1966 without spacers? The rear makes sense working with the 8.8 because its 1 inch longer on each side, so that makes 4.72 backspace using an 99-04 wheel. But the front is it just bolt N' go? Or will I need wheel adapters to use 99-04 wheels on the front of the 1966?

Originally Posted by ozarks06

I think you will need 1" spacers on the front. That's what I use but I have a Heidts front end. I think I have read that you need the spacers to clear the stock upper A arm. They will certainly look better with some spacers. You want to get 'adapters' not spacers though. A 1" spacer will require long lug nuts and put a lot of strain on the lug nuts.

Originally Posted by shocktime

That's what I thought thanks. I really wanna run some 17x9 wheels on the rear with 255/40 tires. If I roll the fenders will this work with the 8.8 rear end?

Originally Posted by ozarks06

You'll probably need more backspace on the wheels. With 17 X 8 wheels with 5.72" backspace (99-04 Bullitts), I'm really close on the outside with 245 tires. You might try some 05+ wheels. The 17 X 8s have 6.29" backspace. With the stock 235/55 tires they are too tall and come real close to rubbing on the inside (and the front tires hit the front of the fender when turning). I would think 255/40s should be good with 05+ wheels.

Originally Posted by shocktime

What kind of wheel setup are you running? I assume you have 1" spacers up front? Where did you get your spacers/adapters? I been searching all over and all I can find is like 1.5".