new questions about rims/wheels

[txchainsawgogi]

ive got a few easy questions about rims sizes and bolt patterns for my truck, a 78 chevy c10 long bed...i just dont know where to look online for the info. i could easily go to a tire shop and ask someone there but im sure most places are just trying to up their sales rather than tell you what you really need.


so im pretty sure the lug spacing is 5x5, is that correct?

also...i've got some rims i really like... vintage cragar mag s/s rims in great shape.

will 14 inch rims work ok on my truck? is there a brake clearance issue?

[Da67goatman]

The bolt pattern is indeed 5 on 5".  Is your truck lowered at all?  some drop spindles cause clearance issues with the small rims.

[bobcooter]

This may help you out too.
http://www.summitracing.com/expertadvice/storydetail.aspx?id=8dea7fa9-65a2-4eed-bca2-b6772b808801&storygroup=chartsandguides

[txchainsawgogi]

The truck is stock ride height with stock rims. So the back spacing needs to be the exact same?

[78 Chevyrado]

Do you know what size your brakes are?

[txchainsawgogi]

Do you know what size your brakes are?

no, i have no idea. how do i find that out?

[bake74]

Do you know what size your brakes are?

no, i have no idea. how do i find that out?

     Take off one of your back tires and measure your outside diameter of your drum brakes, I think they are too big for a 14" rim.

[txchainsawgogi]

so my rims arent original... well, two of them might be. so basically i have no idea what backspacing i need to be looking for.

would 15inch 5x5 "universal" rims be a safe bet?

[slammed79]

I'd take it to a wheel shop and get it measured. If you have a non chain tire shop in the area that'd be best, most of them know how to measure for backspacing and can tell you what will work with the mods you have planned. Most chain tire stores know how to look stuff up on the computer.

[mats1985gmc]

just throw them on and see. If you can bolt the tire on safely put it on the ground and see where the tire sits, to far in or stickin out. Be your own judge. I find any shop that you didn't spend money at will tell you anything. right or wrong. Unless its a specialty place. You'll find out in a hurry if that rim will not clear your brake or suspension. If you dont put it in the ground you cant hurt anything. thats what I would do.

[Captkaos]

Most of the universal wheels have to little of backspacing.  Like 3 or 3.25", you really want to be around 4" on a 8" wheel for the front.  The rear can get away with less as the rear width is narrower.

[txchainsawgogi]

Thanks y'all. I sold my cragars this past Saturday and I'm going with some outlaw II rims. I found a good deal on them and I actually like the way they look so I'm happy.