17x9.5 with 5.5 Backspacing on 4/6 Drop?

[chevychase]

I did a bunch of searching first, so please don't beat me up too bad! I don't have a lot of posts becuase I always search and usually find my own answers thanks to this awesome forum!

Question: '67 Automatic Truck Lowered 4/6 with '71 5 Lug Front and '71 5 lug Rear End. Wheels are 17 x 9.5 Wheels on all 4 Corners with 5.5" Backspacing. No tires yet, so I'm open to sizes. I'd appreciate ANY feedback if these rims will work and/or tire sizes. Thanks in advance guys!

[whatnow123]

Welcome to the board!

Anyway, I don't know about the front, but with a 67 narrow rear, you won't be able to install the rear wheels due to interference of the bed. I have 4.5 backspacing and have less than 1/2 inch between the tire and the bed.

Not to mention, with that much backspacing, the wheels are going to be really set inward on the truck.

[chevychase]

Originally Posted by whatnow123

Welcome to the board!

Anyway, I don't know about the front, but with a 67 narrow rear, you won't be able to install the rear wheels due to interference of the bed. I have 4.5 backspacing and have less than 1/2 inch between the tire and the bed.

Not to mention, with that much backspacing, the wheels are going to be really set inward on the truck.

Thanks for the reply and the welcome! I forgot to mention I have the '71 5 lug front disc swap with the '71 rear swap as well. Will this help any? I updaed my original post.

[SactoJim]

I think that is too much back spacing.....here's mine (18X9.5 with 4.5" BS).

[whatnow123]

Originally Posted by chevychase

Thanks for the reply and the welcome! I forgot to mention I have the '71 5 lug front disc swap with the '71 rear swap as well. Will this help any? I updaed my original post.

I'd take some careful measurements on what you have on there now and compare that to how it's going to fit. With the wider rearend you probably are going to be real close to the bed, but could probably do it.

Here is a photo of mine. I've got the narrower rear and the rim is 17x10 with 4.5 inchs of backspacing and a 285 tire.

[chevychase]

Thanks SactoJim and whatnow for the pics, both sweet trucks! The rims are over 2 hours away and truck is under construction. They are Torque Thrust II's that I love. Would a 1" spacer or so solve any of these issues? BTW, I have a SWB Fleetside bed.

[chevychase]

Would a tub in the rear help? That would be cool anyway!

[SactoJim]

Ultimately it's always best to measure for yourself as "whatnow123" said. Put the rear of the truck on jackstands on level ground (jackstand under axle) with the rear wheels off and tape a piece of string with a nut tied to the end at the top center of your wheel well opening. Use a straight edge on the drum mounting face and measure away. This will get you close to what you need. There's plenty of info on the web in regards to tire sizes with section widths being one of the key points you would be looking at.

If you already have wheels lined up and they aren't your preferred backspacing, I would say spacers are fine as long as your aren't trying to make up too much......I don't think I'd wanna go more than an inch.

[68Stepbed]

I had some 17x9.5 on the rear of my stepside before. I had 275/60/17's mounted on them. They did rub just a tad on the inner bedside. I had to buy an adjustable panhard bar. If you went with a lower profile like a 275/50/17, you shouldn't have any problems. The 60 series tires had alot of balloon to them. I don't think the front will be alot of problem either. My rear tires fit on the front better than they did in the rear.

[chevychase]

Originally Posted by SactoJim

Ultimately it's always best to measure for yourself as "whatnow123" said. Put the rear of the truck on jackstands on level ground (jackstand under axle) with the rear wheels off and tape a piece of string with a nut tied to the end at the top center of your wheel well opening. Use a straight edge on the drum mounting face and measure away. This will get you close to what you need. There's plenty of info on the web in regards to tire sizes with section widths being one of the key points you would be looking at.

If you already have wheels lined up and they aren't your preferred backspacing, I would say spacers are fine as long as your aren't trying to make up too much......I don't think I'd wanna go more than an inch.

I wish my truck was in the condition where I could measure as described.
Bed sides are at Body shop and who knows when they'll be ready. Worst case, could I do a little tub in the wheels tubs for clearance? How about the fronts?

[chevychase]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

I had some 17x9.5 on the rear of my stepside before. I had 275/60/17's mounted on them. They did rub just a tad on the inner bedside. I had to buy an adjustable panhard bar. If you went with a lower profile like a 275/50/17, you shouldn't have any problems. The 60 series tires had alot of balloon to them. I don't think the front will be alot of problem either. My rear tires fit on the front better than they did in the rear.

Sounds encouraging! I already have 2 adj. panhard bars. I have no problem rolling with a lower pro tire like suggested. Do you think a minor tub or roll would have solved the rubbing issues you had in the back? Thanks to all so far!

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by chevychase

Sounds encouraging! I already have 2 adj. panhard bars. I have no problem rolling with a lower pro tire like suggested. Do you think a minor tub or roll would have solved the rubbing issues you had in the back? Thanks to all so far!

Yes a small tub would work perfect, but if you go with a lower profile tire, I don't think you will need it. The only time mine rubbed was when making hard turns. It didn't rub all the time. It was also only the very middle of the ballooned section of the tire that rubbed. I took the wheels off once to see how bad it was, and it barely rubbed the lettering down.

[Mondo]

better to have a little too much B/S as you can add spacers.... too little

Most guys say 4 to 4 1/2 B/S in front (I've been reading up too)

I must have a narrow rear end on my 67 (though it's 5 bolt) as 1 inch spacers bring the tires out about the same width as the front

[Already Gone]

ttt

[Fastfun]

I have 17x8.5 on front and 17 x 9.5 on the back but I would have to check on the back spacing. I think it might be 4.5

[see ten]

I'm running a 3.5"/6" drop. Wheels are 17x9.5 with 4.75 of BS out back. The fronts are 17x8 with 4" of BS.