73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Wheels & Tires => Topic started by: whysohigh on January 25, 2013, 07:46:50 pm
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I have a 77 2wd short bed, I want the widest rear tires possible with out any axle modification. I would consider welding in new wheel wells in the bed to make room if needed. Right now I just have a 2" rear drop via shackles but eventually want a mini tub. For now I'm wondering what's the absolute widest tire on factory rim and on any other rim?
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Ok I guess I could've asked this first.... After a little research I decided I'd like to go with something like these Mickey Thompson sportsman 29x 18 r15. What do I have to do? is it possible to fit these without narrowing the axle? I don't mind cutting and welding frame and bed, relocating shocks and springs. Thanks
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I have 315/70-15's on 15x8 wheels with a flip, about 6" drop in back. They fit well, barely a fingers width between the bed and tire. No modifications to bed, axle or frame.
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I actuall put 29x 12.5 r15 MT's on my with stock 15X8 rally's.
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Live85- thanks just what I wanted to know. What are the measurements on those wheels? Backspacing?
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Why, There is about 14" of usable Real Estate on our trucks originally from the inner side of the bedside to the inside of wheelwell. How low/where the tire bulge (cross section width) falls effect how wide you can go. On a taller tire like Live85 has (which looks great by the way! 8)) the cross section gets you in trouble faster than say a 28"-29" since you would have to be lowered another 2" or so (total of 7"-8") to get the bulge in line with the bolts that hold the wheelwell to the floor & the most protruding lumps on the inside of the bedside.
With all of the different backspacing & custom wheel services out there, the axle cutting shouldn't be needed, however at some point a 12"-14" wide wheel with 4" dish in the frontside & 8"-10" backspace seems odd.
What I did on mine was widen the tubs back to the leafspring (about 1 3/4") so the usable space is about 16" & centered the tire in the hole. I now have way more room than needed for the tires I'm currently running...about 1 1/2" on each side of the tire.
The same 12.5"-13" section width tire fit without doing the wheelwell mod, however it was only a finger thickness on the outside edge & about the same to the bolts on the wheelwell...I liked it better with the tires toward the outside more than I have it now, but had seen signs of the sidewalls rubbing on unusual turns & launching...I plan to move them back out 3/4" or so.
Here's some pictures...maybe they will help. Lorne
How it was originally...Note the space between the tire & the traction bar bracket (about 2") but the wheelwell had very little when compressed
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/HAULINIT/oldsweekend018-2-1-1.jpg)
How it is now...Centered
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/HAULINIT/100_2035-1-1.jpg)
Here's the outboard clearance now
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/HAULINIT/vegahood-truck005-1.jpg)
And the inboard
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/HAULINIT/truckstuff008-1.jpg)
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Awesome info, thanks for the pics.
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Does anybody have any problems keeping these aired up? My 29x12.5/r15's seem to lose air pretty regular. I'm thinking it might be because their on the 15x8's. Would I be wise to buy the 15x10's?
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i don't seem to lose any air pressure.
but, thanks for reminding me to check.
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Hey Live85, what size are those in front?
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Those are 255/70-15's. on a 15x8 wheel.
They use to rub a little in dips before I put on new shocks. Now they don't rub at all.
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Thanks!
I ruined my 29x12.5/r15's. I let my son drive the truck and he let the tires go down too often and they wore really fast.
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hey haulin,
whats that big rubber thing on your axle on the last pic?
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hey haulin,
whats that big rubber thing on your axle on the last pic?
It's a airbag...I use them to keep the truck at a reasonable height when carrying addition weight in the bed. Lorne
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I run 15×30 hooser street slicks on 8 inch wheels had to do a lill massaging on the finderwells. Make sure if u run a wrinkle side wall that u put screws in them