What is the width of a 1965 Mustang rear end?

The stock rear-end width on a 1965 Mustang is approximately 50 inches from hub center to hub center. With typical factory wheels and tires, the car’s overall width is usually in the mid-to-high 60s inches. Variations can occur depending on wheel offsets and any aftermarket or swapped axles.

Understanding what "width" means for the 1965 Mustang's rear end

In classic car discussions, "width" can refer to several related measurements. The most common reference for the Mustang’s rear end is the axle housing width, measured from the centerline of one wheel hub to the centerline of the opposite wheel hub (the rear track). Another related figure is the overall external width of the car when fitted with tires, which depends on wheel/tire size and fender clearance. The following notes cover typical stock values and what to expect if parts are swapped.

Typical stock dimensions for the 1965 Mustang

To give you a sense of what to expect, here are the commonly cited figures for stock configurations.

• Rear axle width (hub-to-hub, center-to-center of the wheel hubs): about 50 inches.


• Rear track width (distance between the centers of the rear wheels): roughly the same as the hub-to-hub width, about 50 inches.


• Overall car width with typical factory wheels and tires: approximately 66–68 inches.

These figures represent the stock setup most 1965 Mustangs left the factory with. If a car has an aftermarket or swapped rear end, or if wheels with unusual offsets are used, the width can differ from these baselines.

How to measure your specific car

If you want to know your own Mustang’s exact rear-end width, measuring precisely will help, especially if you’re planning axle swaps or tire upgrades.

1. Park on level ground and chock the front wheels to prevent movement.


2. Measure between the centers of the two rear wheel hubs (hub-to-hub) using a tape measure or a long ruler placed along the ground. Record the distance in inches.


3. For comparison, measure the overall car width by measuring from the outside arc of one outer tire to the outside arc of the opposite tire with the tape stretched across the car.


4. Repeat measurements with the car’s weight distribution normal (fuel in tank, seats in place) to approximate in-use dimensions.

Comparing your measurements to the stock baselines can help you determine how close your rear width is to original specs or how much it diverges due to modifications.

Summary

In short, the typical rear-end width of a 1965 Mustang is about 50 inches from hub to hub, with the overall width of the car around 66–68 inches when equipped with standard wheels and tires. Always verify your specific car if you’re planning modifications, since aftermarket axles or wheels can change the effective width.

What is the width of a 1965 Mustang?

The overall width of a 1965 Mustang is 68.2 inches (1,7301 comma 7301,730 mm). Some sources may list slightly different figures, such as 68.368.368.3 inches (1,7351 comma 7351,735 mm), but the most consistently cited measurement is 68.268.268.2 inches.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the maximum tire size for a 1965 Mustang: 57sFootage FactoryYouTube · Dec 20, 2021

• Overall width: 68.268.268.2 inches (1,7301 comma 7301,730 mm)
• Approximate width with different measurements: 68.368.368.3 inches (1,7351 comma 7351,735 mm) 

This video shows how to fit wider tires on a Classic Mustang: 1mKruseBuiltYouTube · Oct 31, 2024

How wide is a Ford Mustang rear end?

Mustang rear end width varies significantly by model year and axle type, but examples include ~57.25 inches for 1965-1966, ~59.25 inches for 1967-1970, and ~59.50 inches for 1979-1993 Fox bodies. The axle housing width can also change depending on the specific variant, such as wider axles in special edition models like the 1987-1993 Turbo Coupe or 1993 Cobra. 
This video explains how to measure rear axle width: 59sCurrie EnterprisesYouTube · Nov 29, 2023
Classic Mustangs

• 1965-1966: Approximately 57.2557.2557.25 inches (flange to flange).
• 1967-1970: Approximately 59.2559.2559.25 inches (flange to flange).
• 1971-1973: Approximately 61.2561.2561.25 inches (flange to flange). 

Fox Body Mustangs (1979-1993)

• Standard: Approximately 59.5059.5059.50 inches (between wheel mounting surfaces). 
• Special Editions: Some models have wider axles. For example, the 8.8 axles from 1987-1988 Turbo Coupes and 1993 Cobras are about 1.51.51.5 inches wider overall due to longer axle shafts. 

Other factors to consider

• Axle type: Widths differ based on the specific axle type, such as the 7.57.57.5 inch and 8.88.88.8 inch rear ends. 
• Measurement point: Width is typically measured from flange to flange, which is the distance between the wheel mounting surfaces. 
• Aftermarket axles: Aftermarket housings can often be narrowed to a custom width. 

How wide is a 1967 Mustang rear end?

The rear end width of a 1967 Ford Mustang, measured between the wheel mounting surfaces (flange-to-flange), is approximately 59.375 inches or 59.25 inches. The housing itself is narrower, at about 54.25 inches from end to end.
 

• Flange-to-flange width: 59.375 inches to 59.25 inches (between the wheel mounting surfaces).
• Housing width: 54.25 inches (the width of the housing itself).
• Axle standoff: 2.5 inches.

What size rear end does a 1966 Mustang have?

A 1966 Mustang typically came with either an 8-inch or a 9-inch rear end, depending on the engine. The 8-inch was common for six-cylinder engines and lower-performance V8s, while the 9-inch was standard on higher-performance V8 models, providing a more robust and performance-oriented option.
 
8-inch rear end

• For: Six-cylinder and base model V8 engines.
• Characteristics: A solid choice for a daily driver or a car with a less powerful engine. 

9-inch rear end 

• For: Higher-performance V8 engines. 
• Characteristics: Known for its strength and durability, making it a popular upgrade for those seeking more power or who are restoring a high-performance model.